Greetings on this the Feast of Saint Luke, evangelist
Readings: 2 Tm 4:10-17b; Ps 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18; Lk 10:1-9
Notes: I missed the annual deacon retreat this year. The Camino Frances certainly was an acceptable substitute on the year.
This past weekend was so wonderful and filled with grace. Part of the time attending to disabled patients at the local nursing home. Attending someone and preserving their dignity, autonomy and getting right the actual need is possible with training and also a willingness to see and hear – to listen intently, to see keenly. For some the body betrays. For some the mind betrays. Some others, both.
Then Sunday at the VAMC serving the Altar with Fr John Perez and preaching which is always a blessing. The best personal, ministerial moment presented itself later in the CLC (Community Living Center). A jewish war veteran was in distress given the news of the day and simply was lost in his misery. Confounding and confusing these times especially for a war veteran. We sat and talked for a while and twice sang the Sh’ma.
Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai echad (Deut 6:4).
This is the beginning of the prayer.
It was a struggle to recite the first of it. Body and soul in misery.
But the discuss was set and the troubles flowed.
Such a kind heart.
His struggle was the lost souls of those who turn to war.
War holds painful in the memory.
Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai echad.
The only limiter now was not the soul but only the body.
In Saint Paul’s letter to Timothy he makes mention of two others who will go on to write Gospels. Luke is the only one with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is helpful to me in the ministry. He mentions them in the midst of turmoil and treason and calls out their steadfastness and faithfulness to the gospel message.
Faithfulness and Betrayal.
At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it.
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.'”
Each day we choose.
Faithfulness or Betrayal.
May you become a laborer for the harvest.
Go on your way.
First Reading
Beloved:
Demas, enamored of the present world, deserted me and went to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Luke is the only one with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is helpful to me in the ministry.
Responsorial
Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
The LORD is just in all his ways
and holy in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call upon him,
to all who call upon him in truth.
Gospel Acclamation
I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.
Gospel
He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry