Greetings on this the Saturday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Rom 8:1-11; PS 24:1b-2, 3-4ab, 5-6; Lk 13:1-9
Notes:
Can you count how many times?
- You fell while learning to walk?
- You fell while learning to ride a bike?
Can you remember the day?
- You realized that cheating on an exam is not profitable?
- Your (insert bad habit here) was doing more harm than good?
Sanctification is a process.
- The first reading proposes we need to move from thinking only of body to thinking of body and spirit.
- The psalmist assures us seeking the face of God is a path of a good life in this life and the life to come.
- The Alleluia verse sums it up the best: I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord,
but rather in his conversion that he may live.
Be patient with yourself and with others as the Lord is with you.
We are all on the path.
We all need help.
First reading
For those who live according to the flesh
are concerned with the things of the flesh,
but those who live according to the spirit
with the things of the spirit.
The concern of the flesh is death,
but the concern of the spirit is life and peace.
Responsorial Psalm
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.
Alleluia Verse
I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord,
but rather in his conversion that he may live.
Gospel Portion
Some people told Jesus about the Galileans
whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices.
Jesus was clear to point out that the things that happen to us are not a direct corrolation to our sanctity.
By no means!
But I tell you, if you do not repent,
you will all perish as they did!”
‘Sir, leave it for this year also,
and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it;
it may bear fruit in the future.
If not you can cut it down.’”
The Lord is patient for conversion.
For our part we must help by:
- Cultivating the ground (people need to feel safe).
- Fertilize the soil (people need resources).
So he/she/we may become sanctified.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 