Reflections on the Daily Readings 27th September 2021
Monday 27th September
Memorial Of Vincent De Paul, Priest
God works with us as we are
Saint Vincent de Paul is known for founding two religious orders, reforming the church, and serving the poor to such an extent that he is the patron of all works of charity. Many schools and parishes bear his name. But in his lifetime, he was also known for being irritable and quick-tempered—which his friends confirmed and he himself admitted. He said it was only God’s grace that made him compassionate, humble, and generous. He’s a perfect example that we don’t have to be perfect to do saintly work—if we let God soften our hard-heartedness, what great things we might do.
Today's readings: Zechariah 8:1-8; Luke 9:46-50
“For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”
Tuesday 28th September
A faith that runs in the family
Good King Wenceslaus is, of course, best known for his care of the poor and the concern he showed his servant, as immortalized in the famous Christmas carol. Indeed, it was young Wenceslaus’ habit to sneak out in the middle of the night and—with his servant assisting—roam the countryside looking for poor or imprisoned people he could anonymously help with his almsgiving. But Wenceslaus and his grandmother, Saint Ludmila, could also be patron saints for grandchildren who are raised in the Catholic Christian faith primarily by their grandparents. Pray for all modern grandparents who assume this role.
Today's readings: Zechariah 8:20-23; Luke 9:51-56
“Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord.”
Wednesday 29th September
Feast Of Michael, Gabriel, And Raphael, Archangels
God’s special care for migrants
Power sharing and collaborative ministry are thorny questions within church circles and many faith communities. Jesus can be our model and our guide, in this as in all questions. When he sent the apostles out he did so in pairs and “gave them power and authority.” Add it up and it equals shared, collaborative ministry. Those who are sure of their own authority are able to share it freely and without fear. More ministries and leadership positions will open up in the church when those with power learn to trust the faith community the way Jesus did.
Today's readings: Ezra 9:5-9; Luke 9:1-6
“He sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”
Thursday 30th September
Memorial Of Jerome, Priest, Doctor Of The Church
Translating the faith for the ages
Where would the church be without the word? If you have ever read a verse from the Bible, thank Saint Jerome (347-419). His translation of the Bible from Greek and Hebrew into Latin set the standard until the mid-20th century, paving the way for scholarship that affects our contemporary translations of scripture. His pivotal writing and translating earned him the rare title of “doctor of the church.” Give a nod to Saint Jerome by reading a favourite scripture passage today.
Today's readings: Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12; Luke 10:1-12
“Say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’”
Friday 1st October
Memorial Of Thérèse Of The Child Jesus, Virgin, Doctor Of The Church
Graceful glances
Glances are totally underrated. They seem trivial, hurried and fleeting, even stolen! They are the smallest of gestures, barely registering a flick of the eye. It is surprising then that a glance can also be a prayer. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux wrote, “For me, prayer is an aspiration of the heart, it is a simple glance directed to heaven, it is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trial as well as joy; finally, it is something.” Our prayerful “glances” are significant. They register with God. A glance can communicate everything to God, especially when life leaves us wordless. Pause now for a moment and glance at God.
Today's readings: Baruch 1:15-22; Luke 10:13-16.
“Justice is with the Lord, our God.”
Saturday 2nd October
Memorial Of The Holy Guardian Angels
All night and all day
Years back, in perhaps what were more innocent times (or at least appear so to us now), Catholic schoolchildren were encouraged to leave a little space on their chairs for their guardian angels. This charming bit of nostalgia reveals a deeper article of faith. From biblical times to the present, the testimony on angels guiding us has been consistent. Saint Augustine said, “Go where we will, our angels are always with us,” while Saint Bernard encouraged Christians to “Make the holy angels your friends . . . we have nothing to fear under the protection of these guardians.” Perhaps the larger truth is that although suffering and even tragedy may come our way, if we leave our hearts open, we will not be left alone. God will be at our side. Scoot over a bit!
Today's readings: Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29 (460); Matthew 18:1-5, 10
“Their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”
