The Catholic Calendar for Monday, September 26, 2005
The Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Sts. Cosmas and Damian, martyrs

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Zechariah 8:1-8
Psalm 102:16-21, 29, 22-23
Luke 9:46-50

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's Gospel, Jesus says something very precise namely that He considers that those who who were not in the company of the Apostles worthy of the message and rewards of the salvation He preached. It is appropriate that we recognize the importance of Jesus' teaching in our own time, for there are many who are not in full communion with our beloved Church yet strive with great determination to do good according to the informed light of their consciences.

For those who have been graced to hear (and keep) the Word of God, Holy Mother Church is the repository of all that is required to form a good conscience. It is however not only a great grace, but a tremendous responsibility, that we utilize what we have seen, what we have heard and have come to know -- not just for the good and salvation of our own souls, but for that of others and indeed, for the whole world.

That means as true imitators of Christ we are expected to spread the Gospel message with faithfulness and as Christ did, with determination and love, not excluding anyone, but welcoming all to the banquet of paradise.

"... any man who is not against you is on your side." (Luke 9:50)

- Donna Raye Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)