The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, October 22, 2000
The Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Isaiah 53:10-119
Psalm 33:4-5,18-20,22
Hebrews 4:14-16
Mark 10:35-45
Full text: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
A reflection on today's Scripture:
Some preachers try drawing audiences with rosy verbal pictures,
downplaying sin, promoting a feel-good faith culminating in an
inevitable smooth sail into heaven. They distort the Gospel, draw a
caricature of Christ to appeal to those turned off by having to accept
the crosses His genuine followers will share with Him.
Christian sufferings are manifold. Internally, Christ's Spirit exposes
our sin to us, calls us to an ongoing repentance and conversion,
eventually leading to a complete renewal of mind and heart. This
sanctification is a necessary preparation for living eternally in
God's all-holy Presence; we progress in holiness by continually
surrendering to His will, living the truth and love Christ revealed.
Externally, Christians will be subjected to the world's ridicule and
persecution because they uphold values that expose its moral
depravity. Woe to Christians comfortable with the world's ways.
Christ's apostles prematurely coveted spiritual riches, little
realizing that doing the work of saving souls required His same
self-denial and immolation.
Why follow Christ if it is so difficult and painful?
He is the only way to peace and justice in this life and eternal joy
in the next. This world's pleasures are imperfect, transitory, in
constant need of renewal and upscaling, yet leave us dissatisfied,
craving for more and better. Jesus is the One we must follow to
achieve the perfect fulfillment of our humanity.
Blessed Lord,
help us to joyfully exchange earthly treasures
for the priceless blessings of Your kingdom.
Amen.
Marie L. Bocko, ocds
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