Every Five Years

Greetings on this the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29; Psalm 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11; Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a; Luke 14:1, 7-14

Summary

Today I am taking a personal reflection on the readings and a look back in time.

Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord, and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart. [and so], when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous (LK 11:29ab, 14:13-14).”

Reflection

My son, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find mercy in the sight of God (Sir 3:17-18).

Personal Reflection

Work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). Any minister who takes their ordination seriously performs his tasks with fear and trembling so as to not provide our liturgy with performative sterilization but with heartfelt purpose and intention. Don’t think for a moment that is easy to do, by definition not.

Every five years I thank the Lord for the ‘election’. Here for all of us is the affirmation of calling. If I don’t try and remember I will not remember.

Therefore, brothers, be all the more eager to make your call and election firm, for, in doing so, you will never stumble. For, in this way, entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ will be richly provided for you (2 Ptr 1:10-11).

Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/083125.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry