The Catholic Calendar for Friday, Octber 5, 2001
The Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Baruch 1:15-22
Psalm 79:1-5,8-9
Luke 10:13-16
Full text: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
A Reflection from Holy Scripture . . .
Scripture is so timely that often it startles a person! The city is
burning, people have died and people are mourning the loss of a city.
Collections are being taken up to provide relief to those suffering
losses. And now comes the hard part, addressing some of the
contributing factors. Why would people want to burn a city and cause
loss of life?
Are these comments, questions from the morning paper? No, we are
looking at the Book of Baruch! There is nothing subtle in this
scriptural reading. It is stated that we've sinned before the Lord
our God and haven't believed Him or put our trust in Him. We're
not obedient. (see Baruch 1:19)
In Luke, we are again referenced to a collective accountability.
Jesus says: "....and thou Capharnaum...shalt be thrust down to hell."
(see Luke 10:13-16)
Whoa!! This is frightening reading!!!!!
When we talk about charity towards our neighbor, it is more than one
individual to another individual. There is also a collective charity.
Looking at the corporal works of mercy as a collective
responsibility, puts a different twist on our understanding of
theology. For example, do our respective nations feed the hungry,
welcome strangers, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, provide
sanitation and clean drinking water, etcetera?
Scripture challenges us to be aware, informed, and involved about
what is happening in our respective countries. This is not a new
challenge! It is however one to which we will be held accountable.
- Joan of Jesus, ocds
[Joan of Jesus is a member of the Order of Carmelites Discalced,
Secular. When not studying Carmelite spirituality or teaching courses
in nursing at Syracuse University, Utica Campus, Joan of Jesus enjoys
cultivating her gardens. She may be reached by email at
[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
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