Daily Reflection for Wednesday, September 18, 2019
| Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners, We encourage you to reflect on Wednesday’s readings at this link: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/091819.cfm If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are: First Reading: 1 Timothy 3:14-16 Responsorial: Psalm 111: 1-6 Gospel: Luke 7:31-35 Our reflection on Wednesday’s readings: “…the pillar and foundation of truth.” 1 Timothy 3:15 Today’s first reading finds Paul writing to Timothy who was stationed and working with the Ephesian Christian community. St. Paul is instructing Timothy that whenever there is a dispute about proper behavior, one should turn to the Church, as the Church is “the pillar and foundation of truth.” Let us take a quick look at pillars and foundations. Structurally, a foundation is a footer or a base upon which the entire structure relies for support. Without a proper foundation, a structure will sink or shift – think of the leaning Tower of Pisa – and eventually collapse. A pillar is a supporting structure usually placed on the foundation to support the walls, ceilings, or additional floors. St. Paul is telling us that the Church is not only the foundation of truth but also the pillar of truth. Too often today, truth is seen to be fluid, dependent on what someone wants or believes it to be - the “what is true for you may not be true for me” mentality. There are absolute truths in the world that never change no matter how we feel or what we want to believe. Gravity does not cease to exist simply because I want to float in the air. St. Paul is telling us that the Church holds these absolute truths regarding faith and morals. Many of these truths may be difficult to live by - that is why Christ instituted the Sacrament of Reconciliation. A few of these truths we may personally struggle with – we need to pray and work for understanding and accept that truth despite our feelings. My friends, we are called to live the truths of the faith and those truths reside in the teachings of the Church. Jesus Christ created the Catholic Church with St. Peter as the first Pope to be the pillar and foundation of truth. Let us respond as the psalmist: How great are the works of the Lord! May God grace each of us this day. Deacon Bob Beyke |