The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, October 23, 2005
The Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Exodus 22:20-26
Psalm 18:2-4, 47, 51
1 Thessalonians 1:5-10
Matthew 22:34-40

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

“The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.” Matthew 2:34-40

Jesus, in reply to the question posed to test Him, graces us with the central understanding of our relationships with God and others. The greatest commandment in the law and the second which is like unto it, depicts the Way to live this Truth of what Love begets in relationship with us. Made by God for God, espoused and in that espousing, freely giving all we are in love to our Beloved, our love begets the love that we, as one in Him, love unto others.

The Father’s infinite Love for His only begotten Son extends to each soul who freely and completely beloves Him as one in the mystical body of Christ, His bride, the Church. Begotten in love, each reciprocates His Love and through Him, with Him, and in Him, brings that relationship of love to life with others.

Beloved by God, beyond measure, one ‘wills’ and desires to reciprocate with one’s whole heart, soul, and mind and with all one’s strength, recognizing that to know, love and serve God Who is the joy beyond telling and the truth of our existence. “In Him we live, and move, and have our being.”

Commanded, one measures what one’s relationships beget; does one beget with God new life, the souls of others beloved into Him?

O Lord, may our prayer be one in Yours, that our love is for others; “Father, may they be one in Us, as I am in You and You in Me, May they also be One.”
Amen.

- Mary Williams
(www.impactbydesign.biz)