The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, October 27, 2005
The Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 8:31-39
Psalm 109:21-22, 26-27, 30-31
Luke 13:31-35

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Jerusalem, how I yearned to gather together your children, but you were unwilling!"
(see: Luke 13:34)

In today's first reading St. Paul emphatically tells the Roman converts that they must never despair when the world reviles and condemns them for their faith in Christ. They may suffer even death, but only one thing should matter, their commitment to Christ in life's every circumstance. Paul lists all the possible conditions that could challenge their faith, but through them all they must cling to the truth that nothing can ever separate them from the love of God made known and given to them in Christ.

Today's Gospel affirms the reason we must remain firmly dedicated to Christ, His total giving of Himself for our sakes. He responds to those warning Him that He is being targeted for death by refusing to flee. He will not allow fear to stand in the way of completing His mission, that of providing us the chance of achieving a new life in God. We then see Jesus mourning over Jerusalem, for He knows that God's holy city would soon be destroyed by the people's lack of faith in their saving God.

The latter statement requires explanation. Too often when disasters strike, many think it is God wreaking vengeance. But prayerful study of Scripture reveals that humanity must take the blame. God entrusted this world and its people to our care; but in separating ourselves from Him, from His love and truth, we have broken the chain of command. By choice, man and, in consequence, nature now behave anomalously. Having shut the door to God's grace, we have opened ourselves to suffering from every mischief we commit against our fellow humans and nature. God merely allows us to experience stupidity's consequences.

Savior God,
touch our hearts and minds so as to restore us
to a loving, obedience toward You,
that Your peace and order may at last prevail in this world.
Amen

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)