The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, October 30, 2005
The Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Malachi 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10
Psalm 131:1, 2, 3
1 Thessalonians 2:7b-9, 13
Matthew 23:1-12

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Ascend to the Lowest Place

Our Lord reminds us that, to embrace Truth, one truly ascends to a lower place. He exalts the Father acknowledging there are none greater -- One Teacher, with none surpassing. Jesus ordains His apostolic successors stripping all to don a towel, embrace a wash basin, lowering Himself beneath their feet, as soberly His beloveds receive from their God the Way to prepare souls for the miracle of the Eucharist. Baptized souls require the cleansing grace of confession prior to receiving the Eucharistic meal just as dusty soles are washed prior to this Passover meal.

The attention and honor the exalted ones exact, contrasts with Jesus’ solitary agonizing in the garden and despicable crucifixion to passionately redeem man's sins through His ascent to the lowest places, the cross, the tomb, the dead, to raise all to union with God.

Beloved Lord, You passionately show Your beloveds the Way, the Truth, and the Life to be ambitious for souls in You. Let us hasten to ascend to the lowest places to embrace souls to You. Let us soberly seek forgiveness in confession, to be made ready to be Eucharistically One with You.
Amen.

- Mary Williams
(www.impactbydesign.biz)