Dress to God's Word / "Liturgical Dress": Oct. 24

'Skeleton' tie pin: "Through one man sin entered the world, and through sin, death" (1st reading)

'1' / OneLife LA button: Through 1 man sin, death, and condemnation entered the world; through 1 Man, grace, justification, and life (1st reading); Respect Life Month

Listen

Since by man came death, from Messiah/ Handel: (1st reading-inspired though based on 1 Cor 15:21-22)

For Psalm 40

Read

Rom 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21 Through Adam sin and death came to all, but through Jesus Christ grace, acquittal, and eternal life came to all.

Ps 40:7-10, 17 "Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will." You want obedience, not sacrifice.

Lk 12:35-38 Be ready. Blessed the prepared and vigilant.

Reflect

Fr. Chris Bazyouros homily video: Be an Advent disciple, ready to receive Christ whenever he comes, and respond. Alertness is both contemplative and active.

Creighton: For Jesus, authority is expressed as slave-service, especially in a meal setting. In today's gospel slaves are waiting for their master’s return and ready when he knocks. The master is so pleased, he serves them. Luke postpones the teaching on authority from where it occurs in Mark till after the Last Supper. To lead is to serve with the dedication expected of slaves, as Jesus did. John goes further. Jesus girds his loins, performs the slave service of foot washing, then commands his disciples to wash one another’s feet....

One Bread, One Body: "Hope-full": The body of Christ is broken. The culture of death is becoming more oppressive. However, "despite the increase of sin, grace has far surpassed it" (Rm 5:20). We can have a new springtime of the Christian life if we're docile to the Spirit (Tertio Millennio Advenient); then justice and freedom will be restored. Jeremiah prophesied, "I know my plans for you, for your welfare, not woe! plans to give you a future full of hope." The Vatican II bishops prophesied that Mary is a sign of hope (Lumen Gentium). With Mary leading, we'll cross the threshold of hope. In a despairing world, Christians are full of hope, "and this hope will not leave us disappointed, because the Spirit has poured God's love into our hearts...." So if anyone asks the reason for your hope, be ready to reply."

Passionist: "Eternal life": Concern for the next life makes life on earth more precious. The thought of heaven should give us courage in facing death. “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ.” “Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” “Things eye hasn't seen nor ear heard, that haven't entered into the human heart, God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Light your lamps!

DailyScripture.net: "When the Master knocks, open": The Lord wants us to be prepared for his coming. He calls us every day: "I'm knocking. If you hear and open, I'll come in...." In Jesus' time servants had to be attentive, ready to unbolt the door and let their master in right away. Today's gospel adds an unexpected reward for those who were: the master waited on his servants. The story illustrates God's generosity, love, and humility: the Father sent his Son to become a servant for our sake. Do you listen to the Lord's call? Are you ready to let his word nourish you and transform you into his likeness and way of love and mercy? We can miss God's provision if we let other things, even good things, distract us. Just as Jesus was faithful, even to the point of laying down his life for us, we too are called to be faithful, ready to do whatever our Father commands. Only love can transform us so we can offering our lives in service to God and each other. The Lord Jesus frees us from fear and pride so we can love and serve as he did. Lord, give us a servant's heart and willing spirit eager to listen and obey.

Today's saints, from Universalis

Antony Mary Claret, Cuba bishop, founded Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Claretians), reformed clergy, built hospital and schools... Read his writings.

Dress to God's Word / "Liturgical Dress"