26TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalter: Week 2 / (Green)
Ps 88:10bc-11, 12-13, 14-15
Let my prayer come before you, Lord.
1st Reading: Job 9:1-12, 14-16
Then Job answered: Very well I know that it is so.
But how can a mortal be just before God? If one were to contend with him, not once in a thousand times would he answer.
His power is vast, his wisdom profound.
Who has resisted him and come out unharmed?
He moves mountains before they are aware; he overturns them in his rage.
He makes the earth tremble and its pillars quake.
He commands the sun, and it does not shine; he seals off the light of the stars.
He alone stretches out the skies and treads on the waves of the seas.
He made the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and every constellation.
His wonders are past all reckoning, his miracles beyond all counting.
He passes by, but I do not see him; he moves on, but I do not notice him.
If he snatches away, who can stop him? Who can say to him, “What are you doing?”
How then can I answer him and find words to argue with him?
If he does not answer when I am right, shall I plead with my judge for mercy?
Even if I appealed and he answered, I do not believe that he would have heard.
Gospel: Lk 9:57-62
As they went on their way, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
To another, Jesus said, “Follow me!” But he answered, “Let me go back now, for, first, I want to bury my father.” And Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their dead; as for you, leave them, and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
Another said to him, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say goodbye to my family.” And Jesus said to him, “Whoever has put his hand to the plow, and looks back, is not fit for the kingdom of God.”
Reflections
What does the story of a plowman have to do with the journey with God? A plowman who looked back while plowing caused his furrow to be crooked. He had to look straight ahead in order to keep the plow from going off course. Likewise, if we look back, we hang on to former securities and comfort zones preventing us from what God has for us. Looking back is holding on to past ways and questionable behavior. The gospel does not record the response from these three would-be disciples. We are only left with the question which Jesus intends for us as well. Are you ready to take the path Jesus offers? His infinite mercy is sufficient and his love is strong. There is nothing greater we can do with our lives than to place them at the service of the Creator of the universe. We cannot overcome God in generosity and mercy. Ours is many times conditional and not gratuitous. Jesus promises that those who are willing to part with what is most dear to them for his sake “will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life“ (Matthew 19:29). Is there anything holding you back from pursuing the Lord and his will for your life?
Daily Reflection 2018
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Biblical Texts are taken from Christian Community Bible, Catholic Pastoral Edition (57th Edition) The New English Translation for the ROMAN MISSAL
With permission from the EPISCOPAL COMMISION ON LITURGY of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
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