The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, May 21, 2005
Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
St. Christopher Magallanes, priest and martyr
and his companions, martyrs

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Sirach 17:1-15
Psalm 103:13-14, 15-16, 17-18
Mk 10:13-16

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The Book of Sirach is truly filled with the wisdom it expounds! It's words come with soothing comfort into the complicated tensions and business of our lives. How simple God is! Of course, that's one of His attributes. His simplicity brings all His power and splendor and beauty into a serenity that confounds us. "Slow down” Sirach counsels us. "Don't let the world pass by without extracting its meaning. It's the work of God's hands, and shows forth His glory, from the thunder and lightening of a storm, to the quiet beauty of a flower.”

But even more, wisdom is found in God's laws, designed to provide us with grounds for right choices, steering us from evil and pointing us always to the good, making sure that our short journeys keep on track to the Kingdom.

If only we could live with the simplicity of children, we would not get so distracted into folly. "Simplify, simplify," Jesus seems to be telling his disciples, so intent on controlling who gets to see the Master, and who doesn't. Only the children, and those who are childlike, will inherit the kingdom. If only we could follow the simple focus of the wise, keeping our gaze always on the face of God, how joyful our days could be!

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