Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 COR 3:1-9; PS 33:12-13, 14-15, 20-21; LK 4:38-44
Participation
I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth. Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth.
Summary
Each of us who love the Lord and who love the human family participate in the salvific plan of the Lord. Saint Paul reflected upon this and wanted to avoid factionalism. Some aligned with Apollos. Some aligned with Paul. But in aligning in the flesh, they diverted from making their priority harmonious with the Lord’s priority.
The Lord’s Priorities
- Salvation of souls.
- Healing of people.
- Justice and mercy for all.
We do little more than bring people to the Lord and in a simple way offer lives ordered to the good so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father (Matt 5:7b).
He said to them, “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.”
Reflection
Where should you go? What should you do? What is your purpose?
First of all things is to be right with the Lord and just to the human family. Since I desire to reach all persons with their own religious traditions I say however you were taught to be loving, kind and just… do that.
Where should you go? Home, Go home. If the Lord calls you elsewhere, then go.
What should you do? Be good.
Personal Reflection
The way in which we express love is the way people come to see the Lord. Fr Carl stores in his heart love for family, friends, persons and places of his life.
Suitcase Friar
(for Fr. Carl Zdancewicz, OFM Conv. Conventual Franciscan Friars)
Suitcase Friar, holds the love,
Tucked within the suitcase folds.
Artifacts of grace and mercy,
Nestled moments new and old.
Love abounding, divinely keeping,
Ever remembered and often told.
Yearning, yielding, ever treasured
Surrendering loves divine shelter.
Sacred Readings
Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090424.cfm
First Reading
Brothers and sisters, I could not talk to you as spiritual people, but as fleshly people, as infants in Christ. I fed you milk, not solid food, because you were unable to take it. Indeed, you are still not able, even now, for you are still of the flesh.
Responsorial
Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.
Gospel Acclamation
The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives.
Gospel
At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him. He laid his hands on each of them and cured them.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry