The Catholic Calendar for Friday, August 20, 2004
   Wednesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
   St. Bernard, abbot, doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
   Ezekiel 37:1-14
   Psalm 107:2-9
   Matthew 22:34-40

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The vision of Ezekiel in today's first reading is astonishing and dramatic. As children, we delighted in seeing a film rewound, with all the motion in reverse! This vision is a forerunner of Resurrection. It is the power of God's Spirit which will raise us one day from death to life, from despair to joyful triumph.

And Jesus in the Gospel declares that Love of God and neighbor is the pathway to life. Why? Because Love is heart and core of God's being. For that reason, Love is the cornerstone of all the commandments, providing the strength for human beings to keep the commandments. Thus, the Law frees us from death. It's whole purpose is Life. The Psalmist in the very first Psalm declares his delight to be in the Law of the Lord.

Let our thoughts expound on these truths. They should result in a complete abolishing of fear, a solid grounding in Hope, and a joyful acceptance of God's discipline. Even of present suffering.

- Msgr. Paul E. Whitmore
  (smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)


posted by joachim at 9:16 AM