September 18, 2017

Sept. 18

September 18, 2017:  Monday, 24th week, Ordinary Time

  • '1' button, thanks to OneLife LA:  1 God, 1 Mediator (1st reading)
  • 'Hands' pin:  Pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument (1st reading); hear me when I lift my hands to you (psalm)
  • 'Shield' tie pin:  The Lord is my shield,... (psalm)
  • 'Heart' pin:  ...in whom my heart trusts and exults (psalm)
  • 'Harmony' tie:  With my song I give thanks to the Lord (psalm); this particular 'music' tie chosen in light of yesterday's 'forgiveness' readings
  • 'Silverware' tie bar:  Feed Your people (psalm)
  • Green in shirt:  Ordinary Time season
Listen

Read
  • 1 Tm 2:1-8  Pray, without anger, that everyone live in tranquility, devotion, and dignity.  God wills everyone be saved and know the truth. There is one God, one mediator.
  • Ps 28:2, 7-9  "Blessed be the Lord, who heard my prayer."  I trust and exult in the Lord, our strength and saving refuge.
  • Lk 7:1-10  In Capernaum a centurion sent elders to ask Jesus to save his slave's life.  Jesus went, but then the centurion sent friends to tell him, "Lord, I'm not worthy to have you enter; just say the word and heal him."  Jesus, amazed:  "I've never found such faith."  The slave was healed.
Reflect
  • Creighton 'House' appears twice in today's gospel.  'House' or 'home' is mentioned in scripture more than 'temple' or 'church.'  Jesus credits the centurion for his loyalty and his concern for his household.  We can focus on Jesus' call to follow him to the ends of the earth, but we're also called to follow him in our daily family responsibilities:  to recognize the sacredness of home and family and be dependable, loyal, loving, and hospitable.  We encounter Jesus through our families and relationships.  Discipleship in the family is not easier, harder, or less sacred than any other form....
  • One Bread, One Body:  "Holy orders":  Jesus is Lord! A lord gives orders.  The centurion sent the message to Jesus, "Just give the order and my servant will be cured."  We should seek orders from Jesus, our Lord, in Scripture, in prayer, in leaders he's given us.  May Jesus' lordship be our way of life; may our submission to him be our joy.
  • DailyScripture.net:  "Say the word; be healed":   The centurion knew the power of command and saw God's power and mercy in Jesus; risking ridicule from Romans and mockery from Jews, he approached with confidence and humility. "Humility was the door through which the Lord entered to take full possession of one whom he already possessed" (Augustine).  The centurion was extraordinary because he loved his slave and did what he could to save him, and he believed Jesus could heal him. May we approach the Lord with trust and confidence....
Today's saints, from Universalis and beyond

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