The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, September 6, 2005
Tuesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Colossians 2:6-15
Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11
Luke 6:12-19

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

As I read the gospels, I am struck by the many miracles Jesus performed during His ministry. But there is one very big miracle that scripture does not directly point out proves Christ’s divinity to me more than any other miracle. That miracle is how the gospel was spread to such far away places by such a small group of relatively simple people.

In today’s gospel reading we meet the twelve apostles as they are listed by name. While we do not know a lot about some of them, we know that they were common, everyday people. A few were fishermen. Peter was married and lived with his mother in law. One was a tax collector. Paul, the apostle to the gentiles who came later, was a tent maker. These were not highly educated men from the priestly ranks or rulers of the land. They were actually quite simple people, who struggled to make a living, care for their families and worship God.

The one thing they had in common was that they were open to the Lord’s word and His works. They took a huge chance and in total faith left their professions to follow Him and spread the Good News of the Kingdom. All but one paid the ultimate price through martyrdom.

This is the miracle: God chose average people to do His extraordinary work. He continues to do this today by putting average people in soup kitchens, aid shelters, overseas missions and parishes across the world. Our call is not to be extraordinary, but to be ourselves, hear His word and follow him. Then, the miracles happen.

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)