Sep 24 (Wed) Gospel Reading: UNCOMPLICATED And he sent them… – Luke 9:2 “Father, do you think I should become a priest?” I asked my friend, a priest. “Do you want to become a priest?” he asked in reply. “No,” I said, “I just thought that I should become one.” I was 21 and doing full-time ministry work as a preacher and pastor of sorts. Priesthood seemed a logical option. “Actually,” I continued, “I want to get married.” “Then get married,” he told me. “If God calls you to a vocation, He will put the desire in you.” That conversation set me at ease. I never truly understood what religious people meant when they talked about calling, vocation, or having a vision for your life. It felt so pie-in-the-sky, as though God didn’t want most people to know His will. But when I heard my priest friend say the word “desire,” I felt a weight come off my shoulders. Desire was simple. I knew exactly what I desired: to be a husband, a father, a creator, a fun-loving, people person. Now, many years later, I am married with two kids. I help run a startup business, and spend a lot of time moving about a growing circle of friends. I serve God by trying to live an exemplary life in these places — and let my life speak for itself. It wasn’t so complicated after all. Kiddo Cosio (twitter/kiddocosio) Reflection: Christian theologian and author Frederick Buechner once said, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Think about that. Dear God, please help me live out Your call for my life. St. Pacifico of San Severino, pray for us. Didache | Companion | Sabbath COMPANION 1ST READING We should never pray for an over-abundance of anything unless our objective is to give it all away to the poor. Why does anyone need more than they can use? What we need to learn to do is to seek what we need and not just what we want. I like the old saying which sums up this attitude: “Live simply so that others may simply live!” In other words, do not seek consumption for consumption’s sake as you may be using something that is essential to another’s needs. Proverbs 30:5-9 5 Every word of God is tested; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 6 Add nothing to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be exposed as a deceiver. 7 Two things I ask of you, deny them not to me before I die: 8 Put falsehood and lying far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches; provide me only with the food I need; 9 lest, being full, I deny you, saying, “Who is the Lord?” Or, being in want, I steal, and profane the name of my God. P S A L M Psalm 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163 R: Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet. 29 Remove from me the way of falsehood, and favor me with your law. (R) 72 The law of your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces. (R) 89 Your word, O Lord, endures forever; it is firm as the heavens. (R) 101 From every evil way I withhold my feet, that I may keep your words. (R) 104 Through your precepts I gain discernment; therefore I hate every false way. (R) 163 Falsehood I hate and abhor; your law I love. (R) GOSPEL Trust in God. This must become the mantra of our lives. If it does, then there is very little that will be capable of deflecting us from the will of God. Trusting in Him may sound a boring recipe for life but it is not. We like to talk about action movies and stunt men and so on. I say, take a taste of Gospel living and you will never crave for excitement again. Following Christ has been one big adventure for me. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel. Luke 9:1-6 1 Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. 5 And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” 6 Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere. think: Trust in God. This must become the mantra of our lives. T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST Thank You Lord for: __________________ ____________________________________ God’s special verse/thought for me today_ _____________________________________ READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Psalm 146-150 Didache | Companion | Sabbath SABBATH AUTHORITY AND POWER As part of our training as seminarians, we were sent out on mission to local parishes in the country. We were asked to find our own way to the destination, which involved hitchhiking at times. We were totally dependent on the hospitality and support of the locals as we preached the Kingdom of God. It was a radical call for a young group of seminarians. Jesus sends out His disciples on a road trip — to proclaim the Kingdom of God. It was a missionary endeavor totally dependent on God’s provisions and the goodness of the people. Just as Jesus Himself felt the urgency to proclaim the Kingdom and trust in the Father, the disciples were sent out likewise. Jesus gave them His own authority and His power. In one instance, the disciples returned to Jesus filled with joy at their efforts and seeing the power of God working in their midst. God can do wonderful things through a people committed to His works. Francis called his men to do the same — to preach the Gospel, to beg for provision, and seek the Lord at all times. Most of us will not be called to act like this but we do have admiration for those who live out this way of life, totally dependent on the provision of God. We are all called to be dependent on God. We are called to be open to the work of the Lord in our midst. We may not be itinerant preachers, as the Gospel shows us today, but in our own way and state of life we are called to proclaim and advance the Kingdom of God. A helping hand or a kind smile can work wonders to those who need encouragement and help in their lives. In doing this, we are advancing the Kingdom of God. Let us call on the name of the Lord and be open to His power and His authority. Our identity is found in Him who loves us and empowers us in our daily lives and works. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL REFLECTION QUESTION: How can you advance the Kingdom of God in the different areas of your life — school, home, family, relationships? God of power and authority, empower me to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Amen.
Posted on: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 22:45:18 +0000
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