I Know It's Hard, But...

October 8, 2018

Good morning, friends. Today's gospel is one of those that we know in our sleep, The Good Samaritan. My reflection is going to be pretty brief as I am already a bit late in waking up today. Here's what God placed on my heart..."Who is my neighbor?" Jesus tells the story of someone that fell victim to thievery, violence, hate, oppression, abuse,  injustice, (insert any or all circumstances that would leave one destitute, alone, hurt, neglected, or forgotten). Not only was that someone victim to any or all of the above, then they had to endure supposedly good upstanding people turning a blind eye to their desperation, ignoring their pain, avoiding the problem, and simply not caring. Raise your hand if you think similar situations exist today...Next thought...a Samaritan (insert any negative modern-day label we might have for someone that is considered acceptable to think badly of...I am tempted to insert my own labels and I'd rather not go there, but I definitely want you to go there...start with current events!) came upon the victim and was moved with compassion. This Samaritan (insert negative label) showed mercy and attended to this person's every need with generosity, tenderness, and selflessness. When Jesus asks the audience who was the neighbor, they said "the one who treated him with mercy." "Love your neighbor AS yourself." "The one who treated him with mercy." Give mercy AS you would like to receive it. There's that significant two-letter word: AS. Our neighbors are the ones that challenge us to be merciful. Why? To remind us of the mercy that each one of us desperately needs. We will only receive that which we give and give generously. 

I know it's hard, but we can do it if we have Jesus at the center of our lives. I know it's hard, but we can do it if we soak in His grace daily. I know it's hard, but we can do it if we keep our eyes fixed on Him. I know it's hard, but we can do it if we remember that they (insert negative label) need mercy as much as we do. I know it's hard, but we can do it if we trust in the Lord. I know it's hard, but we can do it if we remember those times when we fell victim to circumstances that left us in great pain, abandonment, loneliness, desperation  or neglected. We need to be known as "The Good Samaritan (insert negative label)". For me it might be "The Good Know It All", "The Good Control Freak", "The Good Holier Than Thou", "The Good Super Sinner", etc. All I know is that what defines "The Good Samaritan" is his compassion, mercy, and generosity. I'd also like to be defined by these virtues. Have a blessed day and it is well with my soul. 

P.S. I'm going on vacation tomorrow and I really do plan on writing gospel reflections, but we will see what the Holy Spirit has to say. Peace. 

Reading 1 GAL 1:6-12

Brothers and sisters:
I am amazed that you are so quickly forsaking
the one who called you by the grace of Christ
for a different gospel (not that there is another).
But there are some who are disturbing you
and wish to pervert the Gospel of Christ.
But even if we or an angel from heaven
should preach to you a gospel 
other than the one that we preached to you,
let that one be accursed!
As we have said before, and now I say again,
if anyone preaches to you a gospel
other than the one that you received,
let that one be accursed!

Am I now currying favor with human beings or God?
Or am I seeking to please people?
If I were still trying to please people,
I would not be a slave of Christ.

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,
that the Gospel preached by me is not of human origin.
For I did not receive it from a human being, nor was I taught it,
but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

Responsorial Psalm PS 111:1B-2, 7-8, 9 AND 10C

R. (5) The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or: 
R. Alleluia.
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or: 
R. Alleluia.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
sure are all his precepts,
Reliable forever and ever,
wrought in truth and equity.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or: 
R. Alleluia.
He has sent deliverance to his people;
he has ratified his covenant forever;
holy and awesome is his name.
His praise endures forever.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or: 
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia JN 13:34

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I give you a new commandment:
love one another as I have loved you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 10:25-37

There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said,
"Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Jesus said to him, "What is written in the law?
How do you read it?"
He said in reply,
"You shall love the Lord, your God,
with all your heart,
with all your being,
with all your strength,
and with all your mind,
and your neighbor as yourself."
He replied to him, "You have answered correctly;
do this and you will live."

But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, 
"And who is my neighbor?"
Jesus replied, 
"A man fell victim to robbers
as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho.
They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead.
A priest happened to be going down that road,
but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.
Likewise a Levite came to the place,
and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.
But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him
was moved with compassion at the sight.
He approached the victim,
poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them.
Then he lifted him up on his own animal,
took him to an inn, and cared for him.
The next day he took out two silver coins
and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction,
'Take care of him.
If you spend more than what I have given you,
I shall repay you on my way back.'
Which of these three, in your opinion,
was neighbor to the robbers' victim?"
He answered, "The one who treated him with mercy."
Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

Make Me A Whisper Of Your Peace

October 4, 2018

Since today is the feast of my most favorite Saint, Francis (I prefer to call him Frank), I thought I would share some of the inspirations that came to me on my last trip to Assisi. Today’s gospel talks about traveling in pairs to prepare the way for Jesus and that there would be many trials, set backs, failures, unreceptive people, and challenges. The harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few, and we laborers need to only come from a place of peace in all that we do. We need to bring peace to every person, situation, and household. I’ve recently heard that peace is not the absence of something such as conflict, but peace is the presence of Someone: Jesus. Of course, St. Francis is the model of this kind of discipleship and I strive to be but a whisper of His peace at all times. May each of us be a lamb among the wolves today. Peace be with you. 

These are pictures and my thoughts taken in late October in Assisi, 2016. If you ever get to Italy, please do yourself a favor and spend a few days in this wonderful sacred place. 

Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi
Lectionary: 458

Reading 1 JB 19:21-27

Job said:

Pity me, pity me, O you my friends,
for the hand of God has struck me!
Why do you hound me as though you were divine,
and insatiably prey upon me?

Oh, would that my words were written down!
Would that they were inscribed in a record:
That with an iron chisel and with lead
they were cut in the rock forever!
But as for me, I know that my Vindicator lives,
and that he will at last stand forth upon the dust;
Whom I myself shall see:
my own eyes, not another's, shall behold him,
And from my flesh I shall see God;
my inmost being is consumed with longing.

Responsorial Psalm PS 27:7-8A, 8B-9ABC, 13-14

R. (13) I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.
Hear, O LORD, the sound of my call;
have pity on me, and answer me.
Of you my heart speaks; you my glance seeks.
R. I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.
Your presence, O LORD, I seek.
Hide not your face from me;
do not in anger repel your servant.
You are my helper: cast me not off.
R. I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
R. I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.

Alleluia MK 1:15

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Kingdom of God is at hand;
repent and believe in the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GospelLK 10:1-12

Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them,
"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter, first say,
'Peace to this household.'
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves his payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
'The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.'
Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you,
go out into the streets and say,
'The dust of your town that clings to our feet,
even that we shake off against you.'
Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand.
I tell you, 
it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day 
than for that town."

Vagabond King

October 3, 2018

Today’s gospel opens up with a poignant sentence that is quite easy to overlook. “As Jesus and his disciples were proceeding on their journey…” We are on a journey and it is continuous. Not everyone loves a good road trip, an extended vacation, a pilgrimage, or a long journey, but I do. I love the excitement of sleeping someplace new each day and the simplicity of carrying everything I need with me. The idea of a vagabond life has always intrigued me. My childhood best friend, David and I, once decided to set out on a journey (we ran away from home for like 5 minutes), complete with quintessential red bandanas on the ends of sticks packed with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and a few of our favorite luxury items such as Malibu Barbie for me and Matchbox Cars for David. We probably walked less than a mile before we were convinced that we were starving and once we ate our sandwiches the lure of the adventure was over and we simply walked back home with our dreams on the ends of our sticks. I believe we thought that as long as we had each other we’d have everything and I think that is Jesus’ message to us today. 

One of his disciples was pretty darn enthusiastic about their current evangelization adventure and said, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus’ response to this eager disciple was a very practical one for the time, but a pretty deep theological one for us, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” Obviously, following Jesus anywhere would require tremendous sacrifice, discipline, inconvenience, and trust. Families would be left at home for extended periods of time and logistics of feeding and housing dozens to hundreds of disciples was probably just a big nightmare. There was no earthly permanence (practically speaking) to being a follower of Jesus because his time on earth, dwelling among them was limited. The deeper message for us is that once the Holy Spirit entered the scene at Pentecost, we ourselves became the den, the nest, the pillow for His head, and we carry Him wherever we go. This indwelling now has Jesus following us wherever we go, not coming after us, but residing within us as a permanent residence. He fulfills that concept that David and I set out with, “as long as we had each other we’d have everything.” 

Everything means everything, which is Jesus’ second message for us today. He said to one of his disciples, “Follow me”, and said disciple came up with probably the best most understandable excuse to delay following him, “I have to go to my dad’s funeral, but as soon as that is over, I’m all in, Jesus!” I mean who’s going to argue with that totally legit thing to have to do right? Is Jesus telling us to ignore the obligations of our lives? Of course not, he is telling us to put him first and follow his lead. Guess where Jesus would take that disciple if he had followed him? To his dad’s funeral of course! 

Jesus’ last point today is that we cannot get stuck in the past and a journey requires forward momentum. My journey with David ended the minute we went back. The gospel opens with “As Jesus and his disciples were proceedingon their journey”. This journey continues with us and it can only move forward when our “Vagabond King” finds a permanent dwelling within us. We have the amazing privilege to be his host, his companion, his pillow, his den, his nest, and his resting place. I love that he has chosen to go with me wherever I go and I love that when I put him first I have everything I need. He is my sustenance AND my luxury item for the journey and it is well with my soul. 

Reading 1 JB 9:1-12, 14-16

Job answered his friends and said:

I know well that it is so;
but how can a man be justified before God?
Should one wish to contend with him,
he could not answer him once in a thousand times.
God is wise in heart and mighty in strength;
who has withstood him and remained unscathed?

He removes the mountains before they know it;
he overturns them in his anger.
He shakes the earth out of its place,
and the pillars beneath it tremble.
He commands the sun, and it rises not;
he seals up the stars.

He alone stretches out the heavens
and treads upon the crests of the sea.
He made the Bear and Orion,
the Pleiades and the constellations of the south;
He does great things past finding out,
marvelous things beyond reckoning.

Should he come near me, I see him not;
should he pass by, I am not aware of him;
Should he seize me forcibly, who can say him nay?
Who can say to him, "What are you doing?"

How much less shall I give him any answer,
or choose out arguments against him!
Even though I were right, I could not answer him,
but should rather beg for what was due me.
If I appealed to him and he answered my call,
I could not believe that he would hearken to my words.

Responsorial Psalm PS 88:10BC-11, 12-13, 14-15

R. (3) Let my prayer come before you, Lord.
Daily I call upon you, O LORD;
to you I stretch out my hands.
Will you work wonders for the dead?
Will the shades arise to give you thanks?
R. Let my prayer come before you, Lord.
Do they declare your mercy in the grave,
your faithfulness among those who have perished?
Are your wonders made known in the darkness,
or your justice in the land of oblivion?
R. Let my prayer come before you, Lord.
But I, O LORD, cry out to you;
with my morning prayer I wait upon you.
Why, O LORD, do you reject me;
why hide from me your face?
R. Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

Alleluia PHIL 3:8-9

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I consider all things so much rubbish
that I may gain Christ and be found in him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 9:57-62

As Jesus and his disciples were proceeding
on their journey, someone said to him,
"I will follow you wherever you go."
Jesus answered him,
"Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests,
but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head."
And to another he said, "Follow me."
But he replied, "Lord, let me go first and bury my father."
But he answered him, "Let the dead bury their dead.
But you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God."
And another said, "I will follow you, Lord,
but first let me say farewell to my family at home."
Jesus answered him, "No one who sets a hand to the plow
and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God."

Will You Push Me To The Dance Floor?

October 2, 2018

Today I’m going to share a story that might not directly relate to the gospel, but I think I can tie it into the Memorial of our Guardian Angels. Today’s gospel is the same gospel that I wrote about on August 4, 2018, http://jenbedison.blogspot.com/2018/08/little-and-lost.html so you can also read that reflection if you’d like. 

Everyday, my friend, Frank (actually named Francis Patrick Michael Kevin after his dad’s four Irish Catholic brothers) asks me the same question. With his 3-pack-a-day, 91 year-old voice with prominent and quintessential New York accent, Frank says, “Sweetheart, will you push me to the dance floor?” Frank has COPD and it is extremely difficult for him to push himself in his wheelchair on the carpet in our building, however, once he hits the dance floor, it is smooth sailing and moving forward is easy and almost effortless because of the push. For me, obviously, this is a metaphor for our spiritual lives at times. When we labor to move forward, we need to turn to one another and ask, “Will you push me to the dance floor?” Sometimes the push will be gentle, sometimes assertive, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, but eventually that push will get us to the dance floor where we will then be able to move effortlessly. 

As I was thinking about my Guardian Angel this morning, it came to mind that my Guardian Angel is constantly pushing me to the dance floor. I know that mostly I feel real bad for my angel because I keep him so dang busy all the time, and I often picture him needing a beer at the end of the day because he pretty much spent it protecting me from my own stupidity, but I digress. What if my Guardian Angel is the one who pushes me when I can’t push myself, and he simply points me in the direction of the dance floor? How beautiful. There are many angels fighting the battles of our lives (thank you, God), but what if our Guardian Angels’ primary role is to get us to the dance floor? I know this is far from theological and quite the stretch on my part to even consider, but what a lovely thing to ponder today. Our Guardian Angels stay with us forever and I think it is wonderful to imagine each one as our escort to the dance floor. Guess who loves to dance? Yes, and He is there waiting for us.

On this Memorial of the Guardian Angels, may we ask, “Sweetheart, will you push me to the dance floor?” where smooth sailing and Jesus wait, and it is well with my soul. 

Memorial of the Guardian Angels
Lectionary: 456/650

Reading 1 JB 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23

Job opened his mouth and cursed his day.
Job spoke out and said:

Perish the day on which I was born,
the night when they said, "The child is a boy!"

Why did I not perish at birth,
come forth from the womb and expire?
Or why was I not buried away like an untimely birth,
like babes that have never seen the light?
Wherefore did the knees receive me?
or why did I suck at the breasts?

For then I should have lain down and been tranquil;
had I slept, I should then have been at rest
With kings and counselors of the earth
who built where now there are ruins
Or with princes who had gold
and filled their houses with silver.

There the wicked cease from troubling,
there the weary are at rest.

Why is light given to the toilers,
and life to the bitter in spirit?
They wait for death and it comes not;
they search for it rather than for hidden treasures,
Rejoice in it exultingly,
and are glad when they reach the grave:
Those whose path is hidden from them,
and whom God has hemmed in!

Responsorial Psalm PS 88:2-3, 4-5, 6, 7-8

R. (3) Let my prayer come before you, Lord.
O LORD, my God, by day I cry out;
at night I clamor in your presence.
Let my prayer come before you;
incline your ear to my call for help.
R. Let my prayer come before you, Lord.
For my soul is surfeited with troubles
and my life draws near to the nether world.
I am numbered with those who go down into the pit;
I am a man without strength.
R. Let my prayer come before you, Lord.
My couch is among the dead,
like the slain who lie in the grave,
Whom you remember no longer
and who are cut off from your care.
R. Let my prayer come before you, Lord.
You have plunged me into the bottom of the pit,
into the dark abyss.
Upon me your wrath lies heavy,
and with all your billows you overwhelm me.
R. Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

Alleluia PS 103:21

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Bless the LORD, all you angels,
you ministers, who do his will.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel MT 18:1-5, 10

The disciples approached Jesus and said,
"Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?"
He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said,
"Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children,
you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.
Whoever humbles himself like this child
is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.
And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

"See that you do not despise one of these little ones,
for I say to you that their angels in heaven
always look upon the face of my heavenly Father."

Mind = Blown

October 1, 2018

When I put myself in today’s gospel I want to assume the role of the one lonesome disciple that does not get caught up in their argument over who is the greatest. I mean aren’t I so super spiritually mature that I know my place and my true identity in Christ and I feel so totally secure that those kinds of petty arguments are beneath me? I already know that I’m his favorite and so I don’t even need to argue about it or prove it or say a single thing. BUT let’s face it; I’m the one leading the discussion right. Gosh darn it, sometimes these reflections really make me look at things in my life that I am just not proud of!! 

It’s time for us to keep these kinds of things in check and rest in the blessed assurance that God’s love is big enough, wide enough, and unconditional enough to make each and every one of us His true favorite. The only way for us to even wrap our brains around this mystery is through humility and that is why Jesus brought a child into the scene. I noticed that he places the child by his side showing equality. Children were considered the very lowest in Middle Eastern culture so this gesture would have definitely gotten their attention. Jesus aligns himself the least of these to remind the disciples and us that he became small so that we might also become small. Our smallness allows for the bigness of God. So whoever puts the least of these at their side, equal to themselves, in the Name of Jesus, receives Jesus. Every time we align ourselves with the meek, the poor, the lowly, the unlovable, the distressing disguise, the hard to deal with, the ignorant, the foolish, the mean, the hurting, the ugly, the broken-hearted, we receive Jesus. Receiving the least of these and also becoming the least of these is a living breathing exchange of Eucharist? Mind = blown. Our smallness is a sacramental sign of grace? Mind = blown. The smaller I become the greater I become? Mind = blown. 

Finally, John tells Jesus that they witnessed an “outsider” or non-disciple driving out demons in his name and they tried to stop him. Jesus tells them, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.” I feel like he is setting them up for the future with this comment. We are not an exclusive clique. We welcome all who would accept my Name and this thing is going to go viral so learn to deal with it. I know that human nature is to belong and sometimes our need to belong creates these exclusive groups of like-minded people that are well intentioned, but nonetheless exclusive. Jesus cautions us against this kind of pride today and it is always humbling to be made aware of those gosh darn human tendencies that make us so gosh darn human. 

Today we celebrate the beautiful little saintly life of Therese of Lisieux who is a model of this gospel. May we be small so that God can be His big amazing glorious all-loving self. Our smallness is a requirement for us to receive Jesus. I don’t know about you, but I really really really need Jesus, so I pray for that I will walk side by side with the small today and Eucharist will happen. Mind = blown and it is well with my soul. 

Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
Lectionary: 455

Reading 1 JB 1:6-22

One day, when the angels of God came to present themselves before the LORD,
Satan also came among them.
And the LORD said to Satan, "Whence do you come?"
Then Satan answered the LORD and said,
"From roaming the earth and patrolling it." 
And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you noticed my servant Job,
and that there is no one on earth like him,
blameless and upright, fearing God and avoiding evil?"
But Satan answered the LORD and said,
"Is it for nothing that Job is God-fearing?
Have you not surrounded him and his family
and all that he has with your protection?
You have blessed the work of his hands,
and his livestock are spread over the land.
But now put forth your hand and touch anything that he has,
and surely he will blaspheme you to your face."
And the LORD said to Satan,
"Behold, all that he has is in your power;
only do not lay a hand upon his person."
So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

And so one day, while his sons and his daughters
were eating and drinking wine
in the house of their eldest brother,
a messenger came to Job and said,
"The oxen were ploughing and the asses grazing beside them,
and the Sabeans carried them off in a raid.
They put the herdsmen to the sword,
and I alone have escaped to tell you."
While he was yet speaking, another came and said,
"Lightning has fallen from heaven
and struck the sheep and their shepherds and consumed them;
and I alone have escaped to tell you."
While he was yet speaking, another messenger came and said,
"The Chaldeans formed three columns,
seized the camels, carried them off,
and put those tending them to the sword,
and I alone have escaped to tell you."
While he was yet speaking, another came and said,
"Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine
in the house of their eldest brother,
when suddenly a great wind came across the desert
and smote the four corners of the house.
It fell upon the young people and they are dead;
and I alone have escaped to tell you."
Then Job began to tear his cloak and cut off his hair.
He cast himself prostrate upon the ground, and said,

"Naked I came forth from my mother's womb,
and naked shall I go back again.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
blessed be the name of the LORD!"

In all this Job did not sin,
nor did he say anything disrespectful of God.

Responsorial Psalm PS 17:1BCD, 2-3, 6-7

R. (6) Incline your ear to me and hear my word.
Hear, O LORD, a just suit;
attend to my outcry;
hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit.
R. Incline your ear to me and hear my word.
From you let my judgment come;
your eyes behold what is right.
Though you test my heart, searching it in the night,
though you try me with fire, you shall find no malice in me.
R. Incline your ear to me and hear my word.
I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; 
incline your ear to me; hear my word.
Show your wondrous mercies,
O savior of those who flee
from their foes to refuge at your right hand.
R. Incline your ear to me and hear my word.

Alleluia MK 10:45

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Son of Man came to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 9:46-50

An argument arose among the disciples
about which of them was the greatest. 
Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child
and placed it by his side and said to them,
"Whoever receives this child in my name receives me,
and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
For the one who is least among all of you
is the one who is the greatest."

Then John said in reply, 
"Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name 
and we tried to prevent him
because he does not follow in our company."
Jesus said to him, 
"Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you."

Who Do You Say That I Am?

September 28, 2018

Today’s gospel captures a special piece of my heart. It begins with, “Once, when Jesus was praying in solitude…” This is how I begin each day and it just warmed my heart that Jesus, who is God, also prays in solitude, in fact He meets me here for coffee everyday. It gives me a glimpse into His heart that reminds me that He is the lover of my soul and He wants to spend time with me in prayer. It also says his best friends were with Him. We all have an intimate group of friends or perhaps family that we let into our circle of trust. This detail in the story also warms my heart because it shows Jesus’ love for his friends. So as I was reading it occurred t me that perhaps Jesus was asking His disciples the question, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” more from His human side. I know that in my prayer time, I am often pensive about who I am and what others think of me. Prayer time engages our hearts to ponder the spirit and that often leads us to self-examination. I wonder if Jesus was in this same kind of space when he asked the question. I always used to picture it like a teaching session, but it seems like He was truly pondering this in prayer. I just love that thought. 

Anyway, maybe the answer given about what others thought of Him, John the Baptist, Elijah, etc., served as a benchmark for where He still needed to go in His ministry. Like shouldn’t the crowds already know that I’m the Christ? I guess I still have work to do. This is a very human thing to do isn’t it? I’m constantly checking my progress on things that I’ve poured my heart and soul into. Shouldn’t I be a better singer by now? Shouldn’t I have learned how to say no by now? Shouldn’t 100’s of people be reading my blog? Shouldn’t I be published already? I guess I still have work to do. 

Today I can imagine Jesus asking His disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” still in that quiet intimate place of prayer. Was He a bit weary that the crowds had not gotten it yet and needed some affirmation that if at least His best friends got it then He could continue on with His mission. Doesn’t this thought give this gospel such a different feeling? I love the thought of Jesus truly wondering if He was reaching anyone because I wonder that every single time I publish this blog. It comes from a place of longing and wanting to share the message of love with everyone and the reality is that it is only shared with a few. I get where He’s coming from. So when Peter answers with all his Peter gusto, “The Christ of God” perhaps it was a bit too enthusiastic and broke into the intimacy of this quiet prayer space that they were in. Have you ever known someone that changes the energy of the room with one sentence? Because this was their private time together (like grouping in Cursillo: what happens in grouping stays in grouping), Jesus asked them not share it yet as it was still His mission to do so at the right time. Their mission would come at Pentecost. 

Then from this place of prayer, Jesus tells them what is going to happen to Him. I imagine it was shared from His heart and perhaps He was scared, or anxious, or deeply focused. I wonder if there were any tears or wringing of His hands. I know that when I am faced with impending challenges I shed lots of tears. Today’s gospel shows me a piece of Jesus’ heart that I find to be so tender. He wants intimacy with us in prayer so that He can ask us, “Who do you say that I am?” This is the only question that matters really. My prayer time should be focused on my answer to this question. Obviously, He is the Christ of God, but what does that mean in my life? I encourage each one of us to spend prayer time in solitude to ponder this. He will meet you there and you can work it out together. It is well with my soul.

Reading 1 ECCL 3:1-11

There is an appointed time for everything,
and a time for every thing under the heavens.
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to tear down, and a time to build.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them;
a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away.
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to be silent, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.

What advantage has the worker from his toil?
I have considered the task that God has appointed
for the sons of men to be busied about.
He has made everything appropriate to its time,
and has put the timeless into their hearts,
without man's ever discovering,
from beginning to end, the work which God has done.

Responsorial Psalm PS 144:1B AND 2ABC, 3-4

R. (1) Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
Blessed be the LORD, my rock,
my mercy and my fortress,
my stronghold, my deliverer,
My shield, in whom I trust.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
LORD, what is man, that you notice him;
the son of man, that you take thought of him?
Man is like a breath;
his days, like a passing shadow.
R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

Alleluia MK 10:45

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Son of Man came to serve
and to give his life as a ransom for many.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel LK 9:18-22

Once when Jesus was praying in solitude,
and the disciples were with him,
he asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?"
They said in reply, "John the Baptist; others, Elijah;
still others, 'One of the ancient prophets has arisen.'"
Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Peter said in reply, "The Christ of God."
He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.

He said, "The Son of Man must suffer greatly
and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,

and be killed and on the third day be raised."