The Catholic Calendar for Friday, October 20, 2006
The Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Paul of the Cross, priest

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ephesians 1:11-14
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 12-13
Luke 12:1-7

A reflection on today's Scripture . . . .

"Even the hairs of your head have been counted. Do not be afraid." (Luke 12:7)

When I was a child, parents seemed to take their responsibilities more seriously than today. As children matured, married and perhaps became geographically separated from their parents, many maintained strong family ties. Now, we have redefined "family" to suit our selfish "wants," often shuttling children between two warring camps or simply abandoning them. Consequently, psychological problems escalate with each successive generation. Social scientists propose causative theories ranging from wars to evolution, but in a world steeped in secular values, they and we remain blind to the root cause--human sin.

Human intelligence falls short when it fails to see that over the millennia we have proven ourselves incapable of creating a truly equitable, just and peaceful world. We have mainly increased our ability to make better weapons, hiding them, and then rationalizing the use of their destructive power. Both East and West accuse Christianity of curtailing freedoms and human progress. Few see that world problems actually stem from ignoring Christ, God's Word of love and truth. St. Paul reminds "believers" that they are to make God visible on this earth by living in His goodness and glory, for they are sealed in the Holy Spirit who is working to lead them to salvation, eternal union in heart, mind and will with our loving God.

Jesus warned His followers of the Pharisees but also assured them not to be afraid; for while believers in Him may be physically harmed, their souls will remain safely in God. In contrast their persecutors will suffer eternal loss. Indeed, those living in Christ will be acknowledged before God by His angels, since our ever-present and loving God is cognizant of even the most seemingly insignificant of His human creatures; to Him every person is precious and occupies "center stage." There are no minor players in life's drama, for we are all created in God's image to fulfill His purpose of making His salvation known to the entire world.

Merciful God, we thank you for guiding us to salvation through Christ. May we, through grace, share Your loving mercy by living in ways that will draw others to You. Amen.

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