Daily Reflection for Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to read today’s scriptures at the following link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092722.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the references are:
First reading: Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23
Responsorial: Psalm 88:2-3, 4-5, 6, 7-8
Gospel: Luke 9:51-56
Today’s gospel reminds me of a childhood fantasy that still makes me wince. In about the third grade in my Catholic school having read so many saint stories from the classroom bookcase, I imagined myself as one day becoming a famous saint. The desire to become a saint could’ve been all right except for the famous part. I was on the same mistaken page as James and John in today’s gospel.
Once again we have a story in which the disciples just don’t get it. Jesus had predicted His passion and is resolutely on the way toward Jerusalem and the end of His life. By word and example He taught the disciples that love, self-sacrifice, and service are the way to be His true followers. Yet they seem to recall only the glory of Jesus’ miracles and they arrogantly suggest calling down fire on the Samaritans who refuse to welcome Jesus. It’s not hard to understand Jesus’ words of rebuke as He continues His fateful journey.
This gospel teaches me that holiness is more about faithfulness than flashiness. Most of us will never become famous saints. Even Jesus was not widely famous in His own lifetime. Yet His redeeming power and grace have continued to stream into the world through His Spirit at work in His faithful followers. Some became famous saints but countless others are no less saints because of their quiet lives of daily love and service.
I see many saints in my own parish—parents who are deeply devoted to their families, teachers, medical workers, and so many people who think of themselves as ordinary but are powerful bearers of God’s grace to their world by their simple acts of kindness, goodness, and love. Each day they faithfully do the work that God has given them to do.
What ordinary tasks are on your agenda today? Don’t underestimate your ability to be a Christ-bearer to the world each time you act with kindness and love, each time you do the work that God has given you to do this day. And offer a prayer of thanks for all the good people who bear Christ to you.
Wishing you God’s blessings,
Jean Galanti