The Catholic Calendar for Monday, September 19, 2005
The Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Januarius, bishop and martyr

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Timothy 2:1-8
Psalm 28:2, 7, 8-9
Luke 7:1-10

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Sometimes the words of Holy Scripture seem so clear and the message straightforward and uncomplicated. At other times they can even be confusing and not reflect at all what one might imagine God would have us understand. Today's Gospel contains both of these points. First of all Jesus says we are not to hide our light as if under a bushel basket or bed; then goes on further to say that in the end there is nothing that will remain hidden. That seems pretty straightforward.

Then Jesus says something that sounds like a modern flippant cliché namely that the rich get rich and the poor get poorer. It doesn't sound very reassuring from the Just One who is all loving and merciful. Could it be He really meant it just the way we hear it?

I would never pretend to know that I have the right answer, but rather that it is something for me to pray about so that I might gain insight to what the Lord intends to reveal to me.

In doing so, I am certain that with God's grace, the lesson will be meaningful and of assistance on my spiritual journey. It is not important to know so that I may take pride in knowledge, but to know that I may more faithfully and perfectly do all that God wills.

"Incline my heart according to Your will O God.
Lead me on straight paths, for Your Name's sake."

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