November 1, 2009: Feast of All Saints

October 25, 2009: 30th Sunday in O.T., B.

October 18, 2009: 29th Sunday in O.T., B.

October 11, 2009: 28th Sunday in O.T., B.

October 4, 2009: 27th Sunday in O.T., B. (and feast of St. Francis)

September 27, 2009, 26th Sunday in O.T., B.

September 20, 2009, 25th Sunday in O.T., B.

September 13, 2009, 24th Sunday in O.T., B

Today’s Gospel reading finds Jesus insistent on fulfilling His destiny, including the suffering and the sacrifice that will entail. Peter wishes that a “God-centered life” might be in some way protected from suffering, but Jesus calls such wishful thinking “devilish!” Jesus teaches the hard truth that “Nothing worthwhile is easy.” It involves dying to what was once considered SO important in life, and now is seen as shallow–or as Jesus would put it: it’s “taking up a Cross (a means of torture and execution) to follow.” James senses that same truth–even “faith in God,” if it isn’t put into practice is worthless. Jesus once reminded His disciples that even Satan “believes in God!” So, what is “faith in practice?” It is, according to Isaiah: “giving our back to those who would beat us, our face to those who would yank out our beard, and not shielding ourselves from the “spitting” (contempt and wrath) of others.” In a word, we don’t give up on people–no matter how ugly they are to us. Our purpose is to carry them to the Mercy Seat of God. I’m reminded of the old poster for Boys Town: “He ain’t heavy, Father, he’s my brother!” Do you remember it? Who are you carrying, today? Bring their name and their need to Mercy Seat with you, today. Mention them as you receive Holy Communion. Lift them to the Light.