The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, September 7, 2005
Wednesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Colossians 3:1-11
Psalm 145:2-3, 10-13
Luke 6:20-26

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Haven't we all heard the expression "put on your glory suit"? The readings of today describe the meaning behind that phrase. In the first reading we are told that "When Christ, your life, appears, then you too will appear with Him in glory." (see Colossians 3:1-11) What a tremendous thought!

Like all promises there’s much work for us to do before we can even think of wearing a 'glory suit'. Both the first reading and the gospel describe in detail the efforts we must make. Most of us spend our lives struggling with' putting to death the parts in us that are earthly', as mentioned in the first reading. In the gospel we hear how Christ toppled the common 'value set' of the day with His reference to the poor, hungry and bereaved as being the blessed of the times. His harsh words for those who have their fill of life's pleasures now can make us take notice.

Some of us work long and hard to fit into the size clothes that we wore in high school. It takes considerable effort. How much harder must we work to get ready for this 'glory suit'; but the rewards will be infinite! They are always 'on sale' as Christ paid the bulk of the cost with His blood. He leaves the rest for us to do!

Joan of Jesus, OCDS
(jmurphy at utica dot edu)