October 19, 2022
Mass readings: Eph 3:2-12, Lk 12:38-49
Do you know what the big deal in the early church was? Well it is not such a big deal today but back then it was. Jesus brother, St. James the Just or rather our Lord’s cousin, who was bishop of Jerusalem had to call a council about this. It almost broke the church!! The big deal was …. What in the world do we do with these pagans who are claiming Christ. The leader of the pagan movement was a Jew (St. Paul) who seemed to think that anyone can be a member of the way if they but profess Christ. This blessing was a pain in the neck for the early church.
Well is there something in your life right now that is a great inconvenience? Do you think it has found it’s way in your life to bless you? Yes it has. You may not even reap the blessing but if you seek God in it, trust me there will be life. Having preached this I realize that I still feel the need to scratch someone’s face who hurt me. I gotta believe though that God will make all things new. Have a blessed day and don’t sweat it.
October 18, 2022
Tuesday October 18th reflection:
Today at daily mass we celebrate the feast of St. Luke the evangelist. My thoughts however are still with our Sunday readings. I was struck by Our Lord’s instruction that we are to pray continuously. I remember hearing that years ago and adopting the Jesus prayer. Some of you will remember it, Jesus Son of David have mercy on me. The message I got either directly or indirectly was that if I said this prayer I would automatically become holy and all my issues disappear.
Then I went to seminary at a Benedictine monastery and they told me something else. Work and Pray. I liked the praying part and not so much the work part. As you start your day I want you to have this thought at the back of your mind, and front of your mind. Whatever it is, work as if everything depended on you and pray as if everything depended on God.
You will go through ups and downs but I tell you if you work and pray without ceasing you will see the diamond that you are.
Love you.