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.”