October 26, 2017

Oct. 26

October 26, 2017:  Thursday, 29th week, Ordinary Time

See 10 connections with today?Legend below
Listen
For gospel
    • But who shall abide the day of his coming? from Messiah/ Handel:  traditional, "soulful"
Pope Francis homily
Jesus calls us to conversion, to fight against evil even in our hearts, a struggle that gives peace but not ease.  The fire Jesus set on earth calls for changing how we think, feel, and act, becoming Christian with the strength of Christ.  Conversion involves everything, body and soul.  It's not like putting on make-up; it's a change the Holy Spirit makes, within, that I have to make mine so the Spirit can act.  This means battle!  Easy-going, lukewarm Christians, who don’t fight, don’t exist.  You can take a pill to go to sleep, but there's no pill for the inner peace and strength only the Spirit can give.  We must help the Spirit by making space in our hearts.   Daily examination of conscience helps us fight against the maladies of worldliness the enemy sows.
The fight Jesus wages against evil, isn't old, it's a thing of today, all days; the fire Jesus came to bring is in our hearts.  Allow him to enter, and ask yourself each day, how have I passed from sin to grace?  Have I made room for the Spirit?  We can't resolve difficulties by watering down the truth.  Jesus brought fire and struggle.  What am I going to do?  For conversion, we need a generous and faithful heart.  Generosity comes from love and is faithful to God's Word.
Read
    "Not peace..."
    (animate)
  • Rom 6:19-23  Present your bodies as slaves to righteousness for sanctification.  Sin's wages is death, but God's gift is eternal life in Christ.
  • Ps 1:1-4, 6  "Blessed are they who hope in the Lord."  Blessed those who delight in and meditate on God's law.  They yield fruit, prosper.  God watches over the just.
  • Lk 12:49-53  “I came to set the earth on fire; how I wish it were already blazing!  I've come not to establish peace but division; families will be divided....”

Reflect
  • Creighton:  Some division is good, like division of labor so people can work together with their respective expertise to get things done, but much division doesn't build the community such as political strife here and abroad.  In the face of difference, instead of being divisive we can try to grow in understanding....

  • One Bread, One Body:  "The choice":  Every human being is enslaved and free.  We can choose to be slaves of sin or slaves of God.  If we choose sin, we'll reap corruption, things we'll be "ashamed of, tending toward death"; if we choose God, we'll be sanctified.  Each day by our actions, words, thoughts, and silences we choose life or death, sin or selfishness.  Choose life!  Take up Jesus' cross and invite everyone else to....
  • Passionist:  Is today’s gospel about division at odds with Jesus the healer and reconciler?  It's easy to stay in groups where my assumptions are affirmed and reinforced and berate those who challenge us, but Jesus shows us a different way.  There will be division, differences, and discomfort, but we need to reexamine our assumptions....
    "Not peace..." —Lk 12:51
  • DailyScripture.net:  "Fire on the earth":  "I came to cast fire upon the earth":  Jesus shocked his disciples when he said he'd cast fire and cause division.  Fire was associated with God and his action:  God manifested his presence by fire, such as the burning bush; God assured the Hebrews of his presence, guidance, and protection with the pillar of fire; Elijah called down fire from heaven.  Fire was also a sign of God's glory, holiness, protective presence, just judgment, and wrath against sin.  Fire is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit's presence and power.  John the Baptist said Jesus would baptize with the Spirit and fire. When the Spirit was poured out on the disciples at Pentecost, "tongues of fire" appeared over their heads.  God's fire purifies and cleanses us and inspires reverence and respect for God and his word.  Jesus used Hebrew hyperbole to warn of the Gospel's serious consequences for our lives.  He likely had in mind Micah's prophecy:  my enemies are those of my household.  Christianity is loyalty to Christ that takes precedence over every other relationship, putting God first.  Do I love God above all else?  Would I forsake all for Christ?  Family or friends can become our enemies if they keep us from doing what God wants.  The Gospel is good news for those who seek pardon, peace, and the life God offers us.
    Another twist on "no peace"
  • Today's saints, from Universalis
    • Chad, abbot, bishop, holy and humble, dedicated to preaching the Gospel.
    • Cedd, Chad's brother, monastery founder, bishop
Dress legend
  • 'Walker' tie pin:  Blessed those who don't walk in the way of sinners;... (psalm)
  • 'Trees (with leaves),' 'fruit' in pins and suspenders:  ...they're like trees planted near running water that yield fruit and whose leaves never fade (psalm)
  • 'Fire' pin, red, orange, and yellowin shirt, tie, and socks:  "I've come to set the earth on fire" (gospel)
  • 'Olympics' tie pin:  Setting fire to the earth (gospel)
  • 'No-peace' button:  "I've come to establish division, not peace." (gospel)
  • 'Abacus' tie pin:  Families will be divided (how to divide) (gospel)
  • Green in tree:  Ordinary Time season
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