Scripture Reflection: October 27, 2024, Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jer 31:7-9
Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
Heb 5:1-6
Mk 10:46-52


In this weekend’s Gospel, Jesus healed Bartimaeus, a blind beggar who called out to him as Jesus is leaving Jericho. Had Bartimaeus listened to the crowd urging him to be silent and not continued to call out to Jesus, he never would have gained his sight. It is his faith which gave him the courage to approach the Lord and request healing. 

In our own lives, we, too, are often blind. While our physical sight may be intact, we can be “visually impaired” when it comes to the spiritual world. We may be blind to opportunities to love or grow or to recognize things, people, or situations that keep us from living a life of holiness. Or perhaps we are inclined not to see the judgement, unwillingness to forgive, or anger that prevent us from reconciling, seeing as God sees, or offering forgiveness. As we reflect on this Gospel, let us pray that we, like Bartimaeus, may have the strength of faith to continue crying out to God for healing in these areas and to have the courage to “spring up and come to Jesus” when He bids us come to him. 
Aimee Morvant, Reflections, Fort Bend, TX

​Jesus is the Good Shepherd, from the Casa de Pilatos in Seville, Spain

​Scripture Reflection for Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel of Mark 10: 35 – 45

As a Christian, how are we called to live out our vocation? Today’s gospel reading helps remind us that we are called to humble ourselves and serve one another, which is often contradictory to our human nature and societal norms.  

At the beginning of the reading, James and John ask Jesus for a position of prestige and authority in return for their obedience…much like someone would ask a good friend to give them a job in a supervisory or managerial role.   Jesus goes on to explain that power and position over others has no place in his kingdom, and abuse and mistreatment of others will never be acceptable. He then makes the point that his way is different from the human way in that the first among us will be those willing to humble themselves and serve humankind.   Because it is the way of Christ, Jesus is both Lord and Master and servant and slave of humanity.  He came to earth in order to serve us, giving his life as payment for our deliverance from sin.  This includes deliverance from the battle for power and prestige.  

This was an especially radical idea during his time period, just as it still is today in the 21st century.    After all, we have all heard the saying “nice guys finish last” or “look out for number one”.  However, as a Christian we can become great and participate in his glory by becoming like Jesus, who was a servant and slave, committed to making the world a better place.

Choosing a path of servanthood, raising others up in status and serving them is a decision we make to live as a witness to the way of God.

Janet Maurin, Angels in the Outfield Community, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

​Scripture Reflection: October 13, 2024 - Twenty- Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wis 7:7-11
Heb 4:12-13
Mk 10:17-27

Becoming a follower of Jesus is difficult. Every day to live out as one is challenging. So we are called to pray for the gift of wisdom. To allow us to understand the Scriptures and the commandments. Sometimes these words are a blur to us. How should we live out our lives in accordance to the Will of God? While at the same time trying to be as human as possible. We pray and discern so that our eyes and hearts may be opened. And this is beautifully experienced during our communion with Jesus during the Holy Eucharist. Each mass is an opportunity for us to allow Jesus to touch and embrace us - our sinfulness, longings, questions, doubts and physical hardships - we can offer everything up to Him. And when you receive the gift of this Union - Jesus is telling me, it’s okay. You will be with me one day in my paradise. 
Marge Catajay, Manila, Philippines

​Here is a photo I captured last Sept 23 at 5:35am from our balcony. I was so amazed at how the sunrise can be so beautiful. But for some or most people nowadays - it’s nothing but ordinary. I am grateful that I still have the feeling of awe within me. Because everyday is indeed an awesome gift. Marge Catajay, Manila, Philippines

Scripture Reflection:  September 29, 2024, 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
 
Nm 11:25-29
Ps 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14
Jas 5:1-6
Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48
*Reflection is on the First Reading.
 
“Would that all the people of the LORD were prophets!” Moses’ words to Joshua in the first reading should resound with all of us as Christians. Through our Baptism, we are all designated priest, prophet, and king, and as such, we are commissioned to prophesy. Of course, we’re not all called to predict future events, but in the context of speaking God’s message to the world, each of us has a job to do. 
 
It can be difficult to “be a prophet” in the traditional sense of the word. It is hard to imagine that going out into the wilderness or preaching in the streets would be very effective conversion tactics today. But those kinds of extreme measures are not necessary. We have enough “wilderness” and “streets” within our own lives in which to prophesy. We just have to look with eyes open to opportunities to share the Love and Grace we ourselves have received from the Lord. This may involve introducing someone to God for the first time or helping someone find their way back to God. And sometimes, it simply may be living in such a way that people want to know God because they know you.  Aimee Morvant, Reflections, Sugar Land, TX
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