August 31, 2017

Aug. 31

August 31, 2017:  Thursday, 21st week, Ordinary Time
  • 'Hearts' suspenders:  May the Lord make you abound in love for one another, to strengthen your hearts (1st reading)
  • 'Clock' pin:  Years in your sight are as yesterday (psalm); the Son will come at an hour you don't expect (gospel)
  • 'Numbers' tie:  Teach us to number our days aright...  (psalm)
  • 'Owl' tie pin:  ...that we may gain wisdom of heart.  (psalm)
  • 'Hands' pin:  "Prosper the work of our hands!" (psalm)
  • Green shirt:  Ordinary Time season

Listen

  • Be prepared/ Lehrer:  Don't let your 'preparation' run amok like this (gospel :-)
For Psalm 90
We're experiencing fruitful dialogue; the statement you now present me reflects it.  You pay tribute to Vatican II's Nostra Aetate, chapter 4 of which is our dialogue's "Magna Carta."  Its ongoing implementation has enabled our relations to become increasingly friendly and fraternal.  It noted that the Christian faith originated in the Patriarchs, Moses, and the Prophets and that, given our common spiritual heritage, we must make every effort to foster reciprocal knowledge and respect through biblical study and fraternal discussions.  We've drawn closer, engaged in effective and fruitful dialogue, grown in mutual understanding, and deepened our friendship.
Your statement doesn't hide our theological differences, but it expresses resolve to collaborate more closely.  You address Catholics as “partners, close allies, friends, and brothers in our mutual quest for a better world blessed with peace, social justice, and security,” then say that despite profound theological differences, we share common beliefs must use moral behavior and religious education to influence and inspire.   May the Eternal One bless and enlighten our cooperation, so that together we may accept and better carry out his plans “for welfare and not evil, for a future and a hope.”
Read
  • 1 Thes 3:7-13  How can we thank God for you, for the joy we feel before God because of you?  We pray to see you and remedy the deficiencies of your faith.  May God direct us to you, and may the Lord make you abound in love, as we love you, strengthen you, and make you blameless at Jesus' coming.
  • Ps 90:3-5a, 12-14, 17  "Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!"  You turn us back to dust.  A thousand years in your sight are as yesterday.  Teach us to number our days aright and gain wisdom.  Have pity on us!  May your gracious care be ours; prosper the work of our hands!
  • Mt 24:42-51  “Stay awake!  You don't know when your Lord will come.  If the master had known when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake.  Be prepared, for the Son will come when you don't expect him.  Blessed the servant the master has put in charge and is found faithful when the master arrives; he'll be put in charge.  But if a servant beats his fellow servants and drinks with drunkards, the master will punish him severely.
Reflect
  • Creighton:  God’s perspective on his kingdom isn't the same as mine.  “God beholds all who dwell on the earth; he fashioned each heart....”  God knows what makes us tick and how fast each individual or community can grow.  God picks servants without consulting my criteria.  Imagine Paul writing to a contemporary parish:  "Why are you saints acting like sinners?  Why do some of you follow Fr. K and others Fr. S?  Both are ministers through whom you became believers.  The one who plants and the one who waters are on the same team!  Act like saints and do the work."  Maybe I need to discern better, or be more patient or humble.  Lord, help me serve your kingdom your way....
  • Passionist:  Today's Gospel says we must be ready for the Lord's final coming.  I need this reminder to find God in every moment, every person, every experience.  Jesus walks with us in every step, pursuing us in our strength and sorrow, joy and pain, standing and hiding, in the profound and profane, ordinary and extraordinary.  If we remain open to our Savior's call, maybe we'll hear it!  God can find you in a theft, car accident, medical diagnosis, discovery of an infidelity or betrayal, or the regret of past mistakes:  when you least expect it.  Open your eyes, ears, and heart to trees, flowers, birds, songs, weeds, phone calls, broken bones, chance meetings, strangers appearing, people saying they love you; that's God coming for you, wanting you, holding you.  Keep your eyes peeled, and be open, ready, and waiting; it's never too late to know and feel God’s love.  Who is Jesus using to reach you, to walk with you?  How is God acting though you to reach out to others?
  • DailyScripture.net:  "Ready to meet the Lord?"  The Lord promises us a great celebration when he returns again to establish his kingdom of peace, joy, and justice.  His first coming was a rescue mission to save us from the of sin, Satan, and death.  He said he'd return again as victor King and Lord to vindicate all believers by releasing them from the curse of death and and restoring the plan he had from the beginning to unite us with God in peace, joy, and harmony.  When he returns, he doesn't want to find us flirting with or joined with his opponents.  Jesus' parable of the thief brings home the necessity for being on guard to avert danger.  Lack of vigilance invites disaster for the unprepared.  The devil seeks to rob us of the treasure the Lord offers us, a personal relationship with Jesus.  "God is my strength and portion."  The Lord chooses to dwell in us through the Spirit; he knocks and invites us to let him enter.
In the parable of the master and his servants, the master returns home unexpectedly, rewards the dutiful servant for his faithfulness, and punishes the servant who was irresponsible and abusive.  The Lord has entrusted each of us with his gifts and the grace to love God and others. God's judgment is good news for those ready to meet him; God himself is their reward.
  • Today's saint, from Universalis:  Aidan, monk, bishop, kings' adviser, promoted Christian education
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