Author: admin

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Gospel: Luke 8: 1-3

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another,
preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God.
Accompanying him were the Twelve
and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities,
Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,
Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza,
Susanna, and many others
who provided for them out of their resources.

The Gospel of the Lord.

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These three verses from Luke’s Gospel are filled with interesting, sometimes overlooked, details. 

First, Luke tells us, “Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another.” At first read, it’s easy to presume that’s what Jesus always did; he came to encounter, to preach, to heal, and to save.

But the reason why Jesus is journeying from one village to another is because he’s been thrown out of the synagogues. This initiates a new phase in his ministry whereby the mountains, the hills, and the sea serve as his pulpit. 

The weak and sinful are mesmerized by him, while the religious authorities are plotting his death.

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In addition to the Twelve Apostles, Luke tells us that “some women” were part of this travelling caravan. They all have one important thing in common: each was healed by Jesus.

Filled with gratitude for the Lord, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and others, become Christ’s devotees, providing for him out of their own personal resources – food, shelter, and the comfort of their companionship. 

Some of these women will also stand faithfully with him at the Cross. I wonder if Jesus always knew that…

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What makes this band of women so interesting is how different they are. Mary Magdalene had “seven demons” cast out of her. Some say she was once mentally ill, even a prostitute. 

Meanwhile, Joanna, came from significant means and influence; she was the wife of King Herod’s “CEO.”

Seeing these two women come together reminds us of Christ’s ability to bring together very different people under a single cause, just as he did with the Apostles.

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So, what might these verses mean for us?

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As different as we may be – in age, experience, background – each of our hearts has been touched by Christ. That love for Jesus is what unites us. As Saint Paul says, “Bear with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.” 

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Image credits: (1) The Faith Walk, Etsy (2) Pauca Verba (3) Women Walking with Jesus

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1 Timothy 4: 12-16

Beloved:
Let no one have contempt for your youth,
but set an example for those who believe,
in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
Until I arrive, attend to the reading, exhortation, and teaching.
Do not neglect the gift you have,
which was conferred on you through the prophetic word
with the imposition of hands by the presbyterate.
Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them,
so that your progress may be evident to everyone.
Attend to yourself and to your teaching;
persevere in both tasks,
for by doing so you will save
both yourself and those who listen to you.

The Word of the Lord.

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On paper, Saint Paul’s accolades are impossible to repeat: 

The Risen Christ spoke to him; he helped write half of the New Testament; he was an Apostle; the greatest missionary of his age; and a man of exceptional spiritual and physical endurance.

But there’s one thing, in particular, that I find endearing. Although he likely had no children of his own, Paul had the tender heart of a father. 

He ordained a number of men to the priesthood, including Timothy, whom he refers to as his, “spiritual son.”

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In our first reading, we hear part a letter, which Paul writes to Timothy, revealing several important truths about their relationship.

First, Paul writes to encourage Timothy, who seems to be struggling in his faith. “Do not neglect the gift you have,” he says, “which was conferred on you with the imposition of my hands.”

We don’t know exactly why Timothy was struggling – it could be the effect of Paul’s absence, the weight of persecution, dryness in prayer, or burn out.

“I remember you constantly in my prayers, night and day,” he says.

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Paul continues with tender-hearted affirmation, reminding Timothy that he follows in the footsteps of other faithful Christians, including his own grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice, who came to faith before him.

Their faith, “dwells in you,” he says.

But Paul concludes by challenging Timothy – as I suppose as any father would – to, “bear your share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God.”

Such is the nature of a healthy father-son relationship: there is tenderness and affirmation, but also the encouragement to become the best version of yourself.

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I’d imagine Paul has the same fatherly love for each of us. While he assures us of his prayers, he also reminds us to work hard in the vineyard of the Lord.

So, how might I bear my share of the Gospel? What might I do for Jesus today?

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Image credits: (1) Dreamstime.com (2) Saint Paul Writing His Epistles, Valentine de Boulogne (3) Cassie Pease Designs

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Gospel: Luke 7:31-35

Jesus said to the crowds:
“To what shall I compare the people of this generation?
What are they like?
They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another,

‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance.
We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’

For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine,
and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’
The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said,
‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard,
a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’
But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

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This is one of the more obscure passages in Luke’s Gospel, making it difficult for us to find its immediate relevance to our lives today.

But a deeper dive may reveal a pearl of wisdom.

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Two of the most significant moments in community life are weddings and funerals – this is no less true today than it was in ancient Palestine. Weddings are moments of great joy, while funerals usher in inevitable sorrow. 

Members of any community are expected to participate in these events when invited. As Saint Paul says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” 

Not doing so could be considered rude, hurtful, even offensive.

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In today’s Gospel, the Lord likens his ministry to a joyful wedding. All are invited to participate! Yet, for some reason, the crowds are not interested in celebrating with him; rather, they accuse Jesus of being a glutton and a drunkard.

On the other hand, John the Baptist’s fire-and-brimstone style preaching stoked fear and repentance in peoples’ hearts, much like a veil of grief descending upon a funeral. That didn’t please the crowds, either; rather, they accused John of being possessed by a demon. 

You can imagine the Lord throwing his hands up in frustration. Neither celebration nor sorrow seemed to satisfy the crowds.

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We can feel that same sense of frustration when trying to share our faith with family members, friends, or those on the edge of faith.

Whether we take the joyful approach of Christ, or the stern style of John, either path leads to an encounter with the Divine.

But faith can never be forced. Some people hear the Gospel message and chose to neither dance nor weep. They’re indifferent. 

All God asks of us is to present the Gospel message, then pray for the best.

So, how might we share our faith today?

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Image credits: (1) Forward in Christ (2) Baptism of Christ, David Zelenka, 2005 (3) Cru