Daily Reflection for Friday, November 8, 2019
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Friday’s readings at this link:
http://usccb.org/bible/readings/110819.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Romans 15: 14-21
Responsorial: Psalm 98: 1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4
Gospel: Luke 16: 1-8
Our reflection on Friday’s readings:
“Thus I aspire to proclaim the Gospel not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on another’s foundation, but as it is written.” Romans 15: 20
It’s not surprising that this passage is the message that jumped to the forefront for me when meditating on today’s scripture readings. Over the past year, this message has come to mind in so many situations.
As a Christian, I try to follow Christ. Imperfectly, at best, but following Christ at every turn is my goal. It’s important for me to study what Jesus taught, meditate on the message He gave, and try to understand the intention and “spirit” of His words. It takes more effort to follow Christ than to follow a dynamic speaker.
Last week I hired a driver to take me to the airport. He asked if I minded that we listen to a presentation given by his favorite preacher. That was fine. I’m a Christian and certainly don’t mind listening to Christian messages. The sermon was about the power given to Christians. That we cannot fail. We may experience bumps in the road but we will succeed, will be prosperous, we will win. It was the classic prosperity Gospel that is often broadcast in the media. I’m thinking “does Jesus tell us this?”
Yes, Jesus tells us he came so that [we] might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). Yes, we will have victory over death, but prosperity and success in life? Is this in the Sermon on the Mount? Is this in the Beatitudes or any of the parables? What is the foundation for this preacher’s “feel good” motivational message? That may be the message some hear from Jesus, but I hear a Gospel of compassion, forgiveness, caring for the poor. I hear the Beatitudes. And it’s that Gospel I need to proclaim.
I’m not judging if this preacher was right or wrong. That’s not my place. But, as today’s reading from Romans 15: 20 says, “I aspire to proclaim the Gospel not where Christ has already been named [by others], so that I do not build on another’s foundation, but as it is written.” I will look for Christ’s words, examples, and teachings.
I will aspire to follow Christ in dealing with others, in situations that arise, in whom I support as our leaders, in what I stand for and whom I defend. Yes, it might be easier to follow someone else’s interpretation of Christianity. Certainly, others can inspire us in our walk with Christ, help us grow spiritually and pray with us. But Jesus shows us the way.
God Bless You+
Ruth Mytty