The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, November 5, 2005
Saturday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 16:3-9, 16, 22-27
Psalm 145:2-5, 10-11
Luke 16:9-15

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

There is so much to think about in today's readings. First, St. Paul writes a 'thank you' note to all the people who have assisted him in ministry. We can only imagine what these good people looked like. It would be a good exercise for us this morning to recall the names of older people in our parish who were "pillars" of faith and good works. It is good for us to remember and give thanks to God for them, especially during this time of saints.

Then, it would be good to think of all those in Purgatory who need our prayers. Each day of November is a day that could bring freedom for our friends and family who await release there. Today's Gospel commends the cleverness of the unjust steward. He bought friends! What a wise practice it is for us to make friends of those in Purgatory through our prayers for them. Someday we will need friends to pray for us when we too may be experiencing the cleansing pains of that "vestibule to heaven.”

May God give us the loving energy to form greater connections with the Communion of Saints -- through conversations with saints and prayers for all who have gone before us in death. God has provided for us His powerful grace and His loving Eucharistic Presence, but also a whole support group of humans like ourselves who beckon us to The Kingdom.

Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at frontiernet dot net)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2005 The Way, The Truth, The Life