Daily Reflection for Friday, October 11, 2019
| Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners! We encourage you to reflect on Friday’s readings at this link: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/101119.cfm If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are: First Reading: Joel 1: 13-15, 2: 1-2 Responsorial: Psalm 9: 2-3, 6 and 16, 8-9 Gospel: Luke 11: 15-26 Our reflection on Friday’s readings: “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house.” "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” Luke 11: 17b, 23.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus understands people’s thoughts, sees through their questions, and knows they are testing him. He addresses the intention of their questions. Division. Jesus cuts to the heart of the situation by stating that every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. Division causes destruction. We witness that daily from children bullying on playgrounds to politicians and the media. So much division. So much waste. So much hurt. Jesus warned us. We’ve seen it repeated throughout all of history. But then Jesus says, “Whoever is not with me is against me and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” What does Jesus gather? God’s people? Souls for God? If we follow Jesus, can we too do the work of the Father? Can we gather rather than scatter? Bring people closer to God rather than drive them away? Luke 9: 50 and Mark 9: 40 both address this issue of whoever is not against Jesus is for him. The disciples are concerned because other preachers, not part of the disciples’ group, are also casting out demons in the name of Jesus. Jesus rebukes the disciples saying if they are not against us, they are for us. There are many ways to gather souls for God. God works in mysterious ways. We follow the teachings of Christ to the best of our abilities and trust Him. God bless you+ Ruth Mytty |