Greetings on this the Saturday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: EPH 4:7-16; PS 122:1-2, 3-4AB, 4CD-5; LK 13:1-9
Summary
From the gospel portion today we are reminded that catastrophe while they can occur are not the measure of a life lived – for good or ill.
The death of the Galileans at the hands of Pilate (Lk 13:1) and the accidental death of those on whom the tower fell (Lk 13:4) are presented by the Lucan Jesus as timely reminders of the need for all to repent, for the victims of these tragedies should not be considered outstanding sinners who were singled out for punishment (NABRE Commentary, https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/13?6=#50013006)
Reflection
In our gospel reading today, Jesus reminds us to not worry about the things of the current day (famine, war, politics). These are interesting and important of themselves but they are not the final and critical test for us. Repentance. Repentance for doing wrong and a heart oriented to doing right is the only real danger, the only rel test, and the only thing that really matters.
Personal Reflection
I resolve, imperfectly, to live a life worthy of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Listening to the advice of Saint Paul. Live in truth, in love, in deed as a part of the Holy Body of Christ.
Sacred Readings
Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102624.cfm
First Reading
Living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole Body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the Body’s growth and builds itself up in love.
Responsorial
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation
I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion that he may live.
Gospel
He said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them–do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry