Greetings on this the Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Hg 1:1-8; Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b; Lk 9:7-9
Notes: Today’s readings remind us of two very important axioms:
- Natural wealth without spiritual health is a waste. You gain nothing of substance.
- Spiritual wealth is not a possession but a gift that must be offered and must then be received. It cannot be taken.
Like a leaky bucket the natural good we have will leak out.
Like sand in our palms spiritual gifts slip thorough our fingers.
Our first reading says it well regards natural wealth:
- Sown much – retained little
- Eaten – not satisfying hunger.
- Drink alcohol – but it offers no exhilaration.
- Plenty clothes – no warmth.
- Earn wages – pants are full of holes and the money runs out.
Our gospel reading likewise. King Herod had the potential to meet and hear Jesus except:
- He killed Jesus’ cousin John.
- He wanted to ‘see’ Jesus on demand and under his rules of engagement.
He rejected the spiritual wealth given, Jesus, Son of God.
Consider how others wanted to understand, and have come up with short cut answers. At least they were trying! At least they were thinking about the ancient promises of Elijah, and the wonder of the prophets or even the possibility of resurrection!
- John has been raised from the dead.
- Others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”.
- Still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.”.
Not so Herod.
Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?”
Vacuous consideration.
The spiritual means nothing to him.
Manage your wealth!
Know the LORD provides the natural good and spiritual good.
Be grateful, mindful and offer awe filled thanks for all His benefits.
Then… you lose nothing.
First Reading
Now thus says the LORD of hosts:
Consider your ways!
You have sown much, but have brought in little;
you have eaten, but have not been satisfied;
You have drunk, but have not been exhilarated;
have clothed yourselves, but not been warmed;
And whoever earned wages
earned them for a bag with holes in it.
Responsorial
The Lord takes delight in his people.
Gospel Acclamation
I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.
Gospel
Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed.
[Regarding Jesus] But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
❤️💯👋🇪🇦