Friday, October 31, 2014 Virtual Retreat Friday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time Reflections following the Daily Liturgical cycle Retreat Master: Deacon John Ruscheinsky Saint of the Day PHIL 1:1-11/PS 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6/LK 14:1-6 BEGUN A GOOD WORK IN YOU Today, we begin reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians. The Philippians were Pauls favorite converts because of the warmth with which they received him and because of their generosity to the poor. Paul was convinced that God had begun a good work in them and that he would bring it to completion. They seemed very close to being an ideal Christian community. Even this letter from Paul was occasioned by their goodness. The Philippians learned that Paul had been imprisoned in Rome. They were worried about him and sent one of their numbers, a man with the unusual name of Epaphroditus, to Rome to try to help Paul. While in Rome Epaphroditus became ill and almost died. When he recovered Paul decided to send him back home, asking him to deliver his letter to the Philippians. The Philippians were not perfect; there were some rather serious dissensions among them. And yet they had caught the essential spirit of faith. Affection towards others and a concern for their well-being had become part of their outlook. They knew that their love for God must overflow into love for their neighbors. In direct and shocking contrast is the attitude of the Pharisees who objected to Jesus healing of the man with dropsy on the Sabbath. They were more concerned with legalism than with the spirit of religion. The example of Jesus shows us that coming to the help of others in need is what He expects from us. Todays Gospel account takes place when Jesus is on the road to Jerusalem, following His death on the cross. Jesus journey began at the end of the ninth chapter of the Gospel of Luke and continues on until his Palm Sunday entrance into the city ten chapters later. The focus is on Jesus Passion, giving us a sense of urgency and focus. St. Benedict said if a person wanted to live a complete life, it was important always to keep death before ones eyes. Benedict did not mean this in a bad way. It was his way of focusing on priorities. When a person is approaching death, what will matter most, the rules one kept or the people one loved? On Jesus way to death on the cross, He clarifies priorities. Jesus priority is on people, not polices and procedures. We must remember there never was a law against doing good deeds. No policy takes priority over our call to care for people in need and love one another as God loves us. God has begun a good work in us and He wants to bring it to completion by forming us into a people who reflect His Kingdom here on earth. Gods Kingdom is one of justice, love and peace. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If for any reason you do not receive your daily retreat, please go to ihrc.net to read it. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 10:36:10 +0000
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