TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK OF THE YEAR

MONDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK OF THE YEAR (Luke 8:16-18) Hearing is such an important part of our life with the Lord. So important, so difficult. Hearing is not passive but active. We absorb the Word, it lights up our hearts. The light has to shared, it is not our own possession but belongs to all with whom we come into contact. Hearing breaks through selfishness. Every time we hear we have to give something up. Real listening to the Word can be a painful experience because it penetrates our comfort zone, and makes us uncomfortable. This is the beginning of joy.

TUESDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK OF THE YEAR (Luke 8: 19-21 The words sound so harsh, almost a rejection. The apparent is not the real. He is opening up a new family, one based not on blood lines but on faith in Him. He is saying that Mary was His mother before the physical birth, she was His mother when she said “yes.” We through faith and baptism become the “mothers” of the Lord. He is alive within us. He comes into the world by us living that great reality. In this sense we celebrate Christmas everyday simply because everyday the Lord is born in our hearts and in the world.

WEDNESDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK OF THE YEAR (Luke 9:1-6) We have been called, we have been sent. Through the gift of faith and Baptism God has called us by name. In calling us He has also sent us into the world. We share in the very ministry of the Lord. There is an identification between the Lord and us. We are asked to do, in our own way and inside the place God has planted us, the work of the Lord. It seems the central point of ministry is that we are wrapped up in the Lord, and that real ministry is nothing more than making the Lord present.

THURSDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK OF THE YEAR (Luke 9:7-9) Strange that Herod gives us an example of a part of our relationship with the Lord. Curiosity. He wanted to know more about the man. Who was He? Where did He come from? As Herod asked those questions we can ask deeper questions: how the Lord works in my life? when were the moments of grace when I felt His presence? We all know that the Lord is with us, curiosity is that virtue which makes this reality a force. We are curious over things which interest us, things we find important. Curiosity is a means to deepen our relationship. Without at least a minimum the Lord will remain on the periphery of our conscience.

FRIDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK OF THE YEAR (Luke 9:18-22) The question which the Lord poses in the Gospel is the question which all disciples must constantly ask themselves. He comes into our lives in many ways, and each of those will in some way answer the question: who do you say I am? Peter’s answer was based on the experience of the Lord. He saw the needy being taken care, the blind given sight, he saw the signs of the Messiah. Our answer to the question should also be based on the experience which we have had with the Lord. Friend, Lord, savior, brother…all of these will answer the question: who do you say I am.?

SATURDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK OF THE YEAR (Luke 9:43-45) The Cross has overshadowed His life. Now the time is approaching when it will be fulfilled. The disciples are enthralled with the crowds, the wonders they do not want to hear about suffering. They do not ask questions because they may not like the answer. The values of the world are so easy. The Lord is warning them that His path is different. It will only end on the throne of the Cross.