When he was at table with them, he took the bread. He blessed the bread, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him!(Luke 24:13-35)

Thursday, October 8, 2009

I will follow Him--please join me!

First up: Happy Birthday, Bill!
May this day and all your days be filled with the wonder of God’s special love for you.

Friday, October 9, 2009
The Sorrowful Mysteries
Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2
Psalm 9:2-3, 6 and 16, 8-9
Luke 11:15-26

Jesus invites those who follow him to do so completely and without compromise. Our act of contrition in the sacrament of reconciliation states that we “firmly resolve, with the help of God’s grace, to confess our sins, to do penance and to amend our life.” This is the theme of Luke’s gospel: that we wholeheartedly follow him as his disciples.

For those who seek a sign from heaven, Luke’s gospel just ten verses earlier gives us Jesus’ version of the Lord’s prayer which ends with “and do not put us [God] to the test!”

For those who question from where Jesus gets his power and authority to heal others and rid them of the devils that inhibit them, we should trust in the Lord, and have faith in him even if we don’t understand. We should not judge others rashly for what they are doing as if they do it for selfish reasons. We should acknowledge “the finger of God” which is in the good works of others and not be so judgmental.

In this gospel story we see Jesus teaching us to see the difference between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of the devil. In today's society, the devil is so good at trying to blur the Truth and at times, it seems like he's winning. But we know the "rest of the story." (with apologies to Paul Harvey)

We need to take up our cross and follow Jesus – completely. When we do, we are participating in God's plan for our salvation and eventual reunion with Him.

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