Title: Meditation: Monday, September 9, 2002
The Catholic Calendar for Monday, September 9, 2002
The Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Peter Claver, presbyter, religious, missionary
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 5:1-8
Psalm 5:5-7,12
Luke 6:6-11
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath, to save life rather than destroy it? (see Luke 6:9)
Today we remember the important contributions made by a man who knew well
the purpose of human life and lived it to its fullest. But we need not think
that his devotion and service to God is reserved only to those called to the
religious life. The call of God is universal; each and every person was
created to be a vessel filled with God's life, to participate in His
goodness, holiness, love and truth -- become one in heart and mind with our
Creator. Why is our oneness with God essential? The answer is that only by
being united to Him in Christ can we acquire by grace, the humility and
selflessness needed for us to live in the joy and peace God desires.
Today's readings warn us that the sin of one can infect an entire body of
people, just as yeast can spread through dough. Sin always stems from what
appears to be good in our self-absorbed eyes; but its effects serve to
cheapen, exploit and even destroy human life and the general order. The
chaos we witness today stems from a world attitude intent on pleasing self,
establishing personal or national supremacy, creating its own glory, doing
what is expedient rather than what is in harmony with God's law.
Consequently, our seared consciences allow us to cohabit, divorce, abort,
cheat, steal, wage war and practice every corruption, all in the name of
freedom, progress or profit.
Christ's goodness exposes our twistedness, offers us healing and shows us
the way to true glory. He reveals that man made laws often run counter to
God's love and can be destructive. He tells us that sacrifice and
self-giving is the way of true love. Yet after thousands of years of
self-inflicted misery, humanity still rejects God's Word, clings foolishly
to the belief that it can save itself.
Redeemer God,
send prophets deeply imbued by Your Holy Spirit
to awaken us to our great danger
and so avert a world-wide disaster.
Amen
- Marie L. Bocko ocds ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
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