The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, October 21, 2001
The Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 17:8-13
Psalm 121:1-8
2 Timothy 3:14--4:2
Luke 18:1-8
Full text: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
A Reflection on today's Scripture:
When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? (see: Lk 18:8)
The key word in today's readings is persistence, a persistence that is
grounded in faith, the conviction that by obeying God's biddings our
words and actions will, in His time and way, bring about good for others
and ourselves.
But human nature is prone to many weaknesses: it is impatient -- easily
wearied or angered. It tends toward selfishness and egotism -- fears
trying for fear of failure. It is distraught by difficulties -- shrinks
from criticism and opposition. Seeking safety and ease, many toss faith
aside, lose opportunities to do God's work. Others just deny God, adopt
Satan's view, "I will not serve." In all these ways we reject the
mission of love and service entrusted to us as Christ's body.
Consequently, though the flesh lives, vast numbers are spiritually dead;
they lack Christ's life and His holiness that lead to salvation.
Over the past several centuries humanity has increasingly lost sight of
its identity -- God's creatures made in His image who by faith through
grace are called to share with one another the love and truth He pours
eternally upon us. Hence, we've lost both peace and joy. Instead we
inhabit a fools' paradise, living a diluted and distorted quasi-
Christianity touted by popular religious and secular "experts."
Today's readings prompt us to renew and recharge our faith through
prayer, listening, obeying and speaking God's truth in His love. Then,
through us, His goodness can flow into this world.
Savior of mankind,
heal us of all faults that obstruct our making You known in this world.
Cleanse us that we may shine forth Your purest light and love.
Amen.
- Marie L. Bocko, ocds ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
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