The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, September 23, 2006
Saturday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Pio of Pietrelcina, priest

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49
Psalm 56:10c-12, 13-14
Luke 8:4-15

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Bear fruit through perseverance . . . ."

At times in our spiritual lives, we have probably been all the different kinds of seeds the Lord describes. We hear the Word and it dries up within us, not given time to sprout and grow and flourish. We hear the word and the worries of the day, week, month, year--all rush in to choke out any hope, any light it may give us. You hear the Word; and then with many doubts, fears, and misgivings about our understanding, the Devil swoops in and takes the Word away from us.

But ultimately, if we are faithful in attending Mass, and faithful to the Lord, even if we pass through these times, He is a good Shepherd and Keeper of a great vineyard. He knows just how to weed and prune and nurture. If we wait in patience, knowing that what is happening now is not the best, the Lord will come and help us. His Holy Spirit will move within us and the Word will come alive. We will hear the song the Spirit sings to Father and Son, and we will be saved. We are loved, completely, without restraint. If we persevere, continuing despite our misgivings, we will bear fruit in joy.

- JuandelaCruz
(sriddle415 at yahoo dot com)