The Catholic Calendar for Monday, October 24, 2005
The Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Anthony Mary Claret, bishop

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 8:12-17
Psalm 68:2, 4, 6-7, 20-21
Luke 13:10-17

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's Gospel, Jesus seems to notice the woman who is in need of healing before anyone says anything to Him about her or asks for His help. This is different then many of the other stories about Jesus' healing where some extraordinary efforts are made to get Jesus' attention.

In contrast, this woman didn't do anything extraordinary yet Jesus recognized her need and subsequently healed her.

This small Gospel passage tells us something about Jesus that we may not have appreciated. Namely that He anticipates our needs. Isn't it true and often barely acknowledged that Jesus is always looking out for us? Seeking us before we seek Him, intervening before we even know there was danger or need? How many unknown disasters has the hand of God averted on our behalf!

Let us take a little time to beg God's grace to be sensitive to the presence of the Lord who is always present, looking out for us, trying to steer us from what could harm us. Let us, then, with hearts full of gratitude, thank Him for His merciful love and concern for our littleness and vulnerability.

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