Tuesday 19th October

MEMORIAL OF JOHN DE BRÉBEUF AND ISAAC JOGUES, PRIESTS, AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS

Learn the language of God’s love

In 1642, Jesuit missionary John de Brébeuf penned “The Huron Carol.” Drawing from the experience of indigenous Americans, it lauds a babe born into modest means— wrapped in a “ragged robe of rabbit skin.” Instead of shepherds and Magi, Native American hunters and chiefs arrive to pay homage to “Jesus, your King.” While the famous Canadian carol comes under some cultural scrutiny in modern times, it also gets credit for preserving the Huron/Wendat language it was written in. Mostly, it reminds us to speak other people’s languages—figuratively, if not literally—when sharing the Good News.

Today's readings: Romans 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21; Luke 12:35-38 (474).

“Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more.”

Wednesday 20th October

MEMORIAL OF PAUL OF THE CROSS, PRIEST

Need some passion in your life?

“Passion” is a fiery word with various meanings, from an intense love relationship to an activity that we give our all to. Christians also have a unique understanding of “passion” as the suffering and death of Jesus. Saint Paul of the Cross was so fired up by this that he founded a religious community dedicated to the Passion of Jesus. But wait a minute, how did we get from intense love to suffering? Paul makes the connection for us—the Passion is about Jesus’ great love, a love so great that he was willing to suffer and die for us. Take a moment to reflect anew what you live—or would die—passionately for.

Today's readings: Romans 6:12-18; Luke 12:39-48 (475).

“But thanks be to God that . . . you have become obedient from the heart.”

Thursday 21st October

God at work

Summer vacations are now a faded memory as workplaces and schools operate at full swing. The Catholic Church has a rich tradition of seeing work as more than a necessity and duty. Through work we transform nature—a creative act, just as God’s ongoing creation of the world is a creative act. A job that contributes to well-being can also be a path toward personal fulfillment. Whatever your work involves today, offer it up to God and take note of how God is able to work through you.

Today's readings: Romans 6:19-23; Luke 12:49-53 (476).

“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!

Friday 22nd October

MEMORIAL OF JOHN PAUL II, POPE

Reasonable faith

In this era of “alternative facts,” it is challenging to find the truth. Saint John Paul II gave us good counsel on seeking truth. In the encyclical letter Fides et Ratio (“Faith and Reason”) he wrote, “. . . believers do not surrender. They can continue on their way to the truth because they are certain that God has created them ‘explorers,’ whose mission it is to leave no stone unturned, though the temptation to doubt is always there. Leaning on God, they continue to reach out, always and everywhere, for all that is beautiful, good and true.” How might you be an “explorer” in situations where truth is difficult to find?

Today's readings: Romans 7:18-25a; Luke 12:54-59 (477).

“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?”

Saturday 23rd October

MEMORIAL OF JOHN OF CAPISTRANO, PRIEST

You get as good as you give

Jesus, his disciples, and the early evangelists were all clear about one thing: “the wages of sin is death.” Beyond physical death, the selfishness of sin cuts off our relationship with God and the opportunity for true peace and joy. Paying attention to the needs of others as well as yourself keeps us alive in Christ. Study after study shows that happiness comes from social connectedness and a spirit of generosity. Franciscan Saint John Capistrano says of the faithful: “The brightness of their wisdom must make them like the light of the world that brings light to others.” Ponder the ways that you can acquire wisdom to share with others.

Today's readings: Romans 8:1-11; Luke 13:1-9 (478).

“The concern of the flesh is death, but the concern of the spirit is life and peace.”