Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,

We encourage you to reflect on Wednesday’s readings at this link:
http://usccb.org/bible/readings/103019.cfm

If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Romans 8: 26-30
Responsorial: Psalm 13: 4-5, 6
Gospel: Luke 13: 22-30

Our reflection on Wednesday’s readings:

“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”  Romans 8: 28. “For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last." Luke 13: 30.

I don’t like it when someone sees through my motive or questions why I did something.  Most often it’s my wife who does this.  She knows me better than any other human being, and the reason she sometimes questions my motive is that she’s usually right.  At the least, she is confused and knows my actions or words most likely didn’t match the intent.  I’m thankful she considers my “intent” rather than literally accepting my words.  Words mess me up way too often. 

I may be doing something good, but I’m doing it for the wrong reason.  Or it may be that I’m doing something stupid and it’s for no reason at all.  She will ask, “Why did you do that?” and sometimes my response is a shrug of my shoulders, a slap to my forehead and an honest “I don’t know.”  She says it’s the Scandinavian in me. 

“Intent” is important.  When my actions are guided by love, then I can be comfortable knowing that I am well-intentioned.  Even if the outcome or result of my action turns out poorly, at least my motive was pure.  And in the long run, those actions will “work for good.”

If my wife knows me, I also know that God knows me completely and thoroughly.  God knows my every thought…and some of those thoughts are not so good.  Some are downright bad, maybe evil.

Today’s Gospel tells us that God may say, “Depart from me, all you evildoers!”  I know God wants me near him and because God is love, my actions need to be guided by love.

Peace and blessings,

Al Mytty