The Catholic Calendar for Friday, September 10, 2004
Friday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 9:16-19,22-27
Psalm 84:3-6,12
Luke 2:39-42

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

What a remarkable and admirable man is Paul! As a well-educated, cultured, and well-born convert, he becomes a small shopkeeper, a tent-maker, for the sake supporting himself in the preaching of the Gospel. How timely for us, fresh from the excitement and challenge of the Olympics, to hear St. Paul refer to the nearby Isthmian games as a challenge to Christians! As they run for a crown made of vegetable leaves (!), Christians run for an imperishable crown, the prize of eternal life!

The need for authenticity on the preacher's part is further seen in the Gospel. For, every pupil of a good master, will become like the master; indeed, he might surpass his mentor. How are we to become like the Master Teacher? By serving all, by humbly placing ourselves at the beck and call of those to whom we minister, whether it be our own family members, customers, fellow-students and fellow-workers, or those in remote corners of the globe who need our prayers and financial help. Opportunities abound to respect, listen to, love, and forgive those who today may cross our path. We may not surpass the Master, but some in our lives may see a strong resemblance!

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

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posted by joachim at 4:15 AM