The Catholic Calendar for Monday, September 11, 2006
Monday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 5:1-8
Psalm 5:5-6, 7, 12
Luke 6:6-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus physically heals many of the sick. He even resurrected Lazarus from the dead. Yet Jesus didn't heal everyone. Even today there are many who despite their faithfulness to God and His Holy Will suffer greatly. Pope John Paul II was such an example.

Why do we physically suffer so? Is God truly trying to help us when we are physically ill? Saint Paul explains it clearly in his letter to the Corinthians when he told them what to do with a sinful man ". . . you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of his flesh so that his spirit may be saved . . . ." This is exactly what Jesus was trying to teach the Pharisees when He healed a man's hand. He wanted to show them that what was important wasn't appearances or reputation but the good that is done on a daily basis. That is why Jesus died on the cross and became our Paschal Lamb, the perfect sacrifice. Doing so, Jesus made sure to take care of our most important asset: our soul.

- Danielle