The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, October 6, 2005
The Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher, virgin

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Malachi 3:13-20
Psalm 1:1-6
Luke 11:5-13

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

How much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.
(see Luke 11:13)

Today's readings should draw us to examine our motives behind our approaching God in prayer. Some go to Him only when they or someone they care about is troubled or in need. Others reserve their visits to Him when they are angered by a person or a situation, leading them to complain and seek personal satisfaction. Often they may simply ask God to change another's behavior or circumstances to suit themselves rather than to promote the good of a person for whom they should be praying. God always welcomes His children's visits regardless of their motivation; for, at least, they are pointed in the right direction, toward Him. We should ask ourselves, however: "When was the last time we approached Him simply to express love and thanks?"

Jesus tells us in today's Gospel that one prayer is dearest to our Father's heart, our asking to be imbued with His Holy Spirit. He is the Spirit of humility which will enable us to accept God's living Word, Christ, in Whom we can learn to live in divine love and truth. Indeed, it was the fullness of the Holy Spirit in Christ that enabled Him to accept the cross that expresses the self-giving love of God on our behalf. In asking for the Holy Spirit we are asking God to create us anew in the selfless image of His Son. Then being reborn and refreshed by the living waters of life, we will bear much fruit as we share God's love and truth overflowing from us to our fellow humans.

O Blessed God, teach us, Lord, that Your gifts of sanctification leading to salvation was given to be shared, to draw others to seek You, the only Source of all the goodness they see in Your people. Amen

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