Moses in the Old Testament story and the widow described in the Gospel illustrate the quality of prayer we need to develop. We have to be tenacious in our persistence in prayer. Breathed by God the scriptures have authority and power in our own day and in our own lives just as the years gone by. ~ Fr. Matt
“When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” The parable that Jesus tells shows how the woman persisted in seeking a judgment. Do we give up on God when we petition him and are not presented with what we desire? Jesus relates that people of faith always seek God.
Just as Naaman and the Samaritan were saved in the moment they praised and thanked God for their healing, so shall we experience the healing touch of our Lord as we offer thanks and praise in the Eucharistic celebration. We shall feel the effects of salvation. ~ Fr. Matt
Faith, trust, and surrender are the hall marks of today’s readings. Habakkuk the prophet had an unrelenting confidence in God’s promise. Even with a miniscule of authentic faith makes it possible for us to meet the demands of Jesus. ~ Fr. Matt
How could faith so small as a mustard seed make a difference? After the Lord tells of what such an amount of faith can do, he relates an account of a master and a servant. It is expected that the servant will wait on the master, no matter how weary the servant is. So, too, we are to continue to follow the Lord, no matter our trials. We do no ask for a reward, for this is what is expected of us. Let us nurture our seed of faith so it grows until we are ready for heaven.
Sadly, the chasm between the rich and poor continues today. As we ponder the Gospel, we need to consider whether we have become indifferent to the suffering of others. The Lord hears the cry of the poor. It is up to us to answer their pleas.
Creature comforts need to be shared. They should not divide the rich from the poor. Sharing blessings eliminate the use of them as status symbols. If we do not see the truth in the common and ordinary circumstances of life, we will fail to acknowledge it in the extraordinary and sensational moments we experience. ~ Fr. Matt
“You cannot serve God and mammon.” This is a difficult saying for us, for it is tempting to think that we can be good disciples while also aiming to enjoy riches. Jesus makes the point that we need to be aware of where we focus our thoughts. Is our vision aimed on God or an idol? As we deepen our faith commitment, we devote more of our lives to God’s ways. It may take a lifetime to be completely in service to God, but we need to keep that central to our being.
The prophet Amos says that dishonest dealings during the week make weekend worship a lie. If politicians received as much prayerful support as financial backing who knows what the impact might be Timothy concludes. Luke says that naivete regarding worldly affairs is a detriment to true discipleship. ~ Fr. Matt
Cyprian and Cornelius struggled for unity in the Church, seeking to keep members together in spite of theological controversies and persecutions form emperors. In this pastoral letter, we hear of the need to do well and please God, to lead a “tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.” Though difficulties face us, we seek wisdom so that our life becomes a prayer of thanksgiving that God glorifies.