The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, November 14, 2001
The Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Wisdom 6:2-11
Psalm 82:3-4,6-7
Luke 17:11-19
Full text: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
A Reflection on Today's Scripture:
Today's gospel is the familiar story of the ten lepers. It is notable
because it demonstrates Jesus' responsiveness to those who are
shunned and despised. You see, not only were the men lepers, they
were also Samaritans.
Having made note of this, Luke, (under the power and influence of the
Holy Spirit), shows that not only physical infirmities and
differences separate us from others but ideological differences as
well. Jesus on the other hand does not count these as obstacles, but
illustrates that His saving help is for all.
As followers of Jesus we are exhorted to imitate Him in our
magnanimity for everyone. That doesn't mean we embrace their beliefs,
in fact, we often are morally obligated to point out their erroneous
and sometimes sinful and evil deeds. We are however always expected
to extend to them what is most necessary: our willingness to pray and
offer sacrifice for their salvation.
This is what Jesus did. He did not agree with everyone and in fact
always spoke out against faulty thinking and behavior. He did though,
willingly die for everyone; not just for the righteous, but
especially for the unrighteous who were in most need of forgiveness
and mercy.
Let us use this very important gospel teaching as a springboard for
our own interaction with the world and its varied and often flawed
inhabitants. Let it compel us not just to be tolerant (as is so often
thought to be virtuous), but loving as well.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart.
Make my heart like unto Thine.
Amen.
- Donna Raye Nelson, ocds
YOU CAN HELP to evangelize the Word of God: Please RECOMMEND our website
to your friends and webmasters. The Daily Meditations appear online in BOTH
English & Spanish at: http://homepage.mac.com/ojoachim/. ALSO find recent
speeches and audiences given by Pope John Paul II updated nearly every day
on our site!
Archived Meditations at: www.abcsoffaith.com/quiet/quietplace.html and at
http://www.mail-archive.com/dailymed%40saturn.nibcomp.com. For ALL
communications, including subscribe/unsubscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
(c)2001 The Way, The Truth, The Life. Permission granted to make reprints
of the meditations or to post on any web page, except for profit. All
scripture quotes are from the Douay-Rheims version of the Catholic Bible.
