Friday | September 9, 2022
Luke 6:39-42:
The familiar saying about the blind leading the blind combined with the saying about the splinter and beam make it clear what Jesus is telling the disciples. To teach others how to live and lead them rightly, they must first recognize their own faults and change their ways.
Honestly, I spend too much time judging others and not enough time acknowledging my faults and striving to change to be the best I can be. St. Peter Claver, pray for us.
Thursday | September 8, 2022
Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23:
Matthew’s Gospel is unique in that it begins with the genealogy of Jesus followed by the infancy narrative. There are unusual and very human characters in the line of David paving the way for Jesus’ humble, human birth. Today, we celebrate Mary’s birth, one of only three “birthdays” celebrated in the liturgical year, placing Mary rightly in the company of John the Baptist and her son, Jesus.
Dearest Mother, from your very beginning you were a part of God’s great plan. I pray to be as trusting as you. Pray for me.
Wednesday | September 7, 2022
Luke 6:20-26:
Jesus comes down from the mountain with blessings, Beatitudes and woes. The Beatitudes, though fewer than in Matthew’s Gospel, speak to the disciples about how those hardships they endure will ultimately become blessings. The woes are directed to those who have much, but because they do not see to the needs of others, they too will one day suffer.
To love you above all things means that I must let go of all that binds me, and grab hold of you and you alone.
Tuesday | September 6, 2022
Luke 6:12-19:
Disciples of Jesus have followed and learned from him. Jesus spends the night in prayer, perhaps discerning the next step on his mission. In the morning, he names the Twelve Apostles, a significant number as they are sent out to renew Israel.
Pope Francis tells us repeatedly that we are all loved and chosen though we are sinners. For this, we praise and thank you, dearest Lord.
Monday | September 5, 2022
Luke 6:6-11:
The Pharisees are now watching and waiting for Jesus to break the law. Jesus is aware and does not let that interfere with doing his Father’s work. He is the Lord of the Sabbath and will do what is good for the man by healing his hand. The Pharisees don’t get it because they have already made up their minds about Jesus.
Let us pray this day for the conversion for all who have let evil enter their hearts and guide their actions.
Sunday | September 4, 2022
Luke 14:25-33:
Jesus’ words are harsh but do make the point. Neither family nor possessions can come before the commitment to being a disciple. Those called must prepare for great sacrifice and hardships that they will endure once committed to this all-consuming vocation.
We must pray for ourselves and all who have been called to follow. May we grow in our relationship with you and invite others to follow with us.
Saturday | September 3, 2022
Luke 6:1-5:
Sabbath rest is extremely important to the Jewish people, to a fault. The Pharisees observe the disciples picking and eating grains of wheat on the Sabbath. They bring their criticism to Jesus veiled in a question. In response, Jesus cites a similar situation from Scripture, perhaps hoping to help them see that there are valid exceptions to everything, and at the same time, revealing the Pharisees’ shallow understanding of God’s law.
You are Lord of the Sabbath. You show me the way to the Father, guide me in truth and offer me eternal life. For this, I praise and thank you.
Friday | September 2, 2022
Luke 5:33-39:
The Pharisees challenge Jesus and his disciples’ new ways. Jesus tells them a parable comparing his ministry to a wedding. Fasting is not appropriate at such a celebratory event. Jesus is telling the Pharisees that his presence is a reason to celebrate. They must not cling to the old ways for their own sake but rather welcome the new.
How often do we hear, even say, “We’ve always done it that way”? Thank you, for calling us to celebrate the new with you.
Thursday | September 1, 2022
Luke 5:1-11:
The fishermen are by the shore cleaning up after an unsuccessful night. On the shore, Jesus is preaching the word of God to the people. Presumably, to be seen and heard better by the crowd, Jesus gets into Simon’s boat. For Simon Peter and the other disciples, this is the beginning of a new life, and they know it.
I don’t know what it would mean for me to “give up everything.” Maybe I do know but I am afraid to think about it. Please help me to hear, understand and have the courage to stop holding on and follow.
Wednesday | August 31, 2022
Luke 4:38-44:
Jesus goes to Simon’s house for the Sabbath meal. Simon’s mother-in-law is ill so Jesus ministers to her. During his stay in Capernaum, Jesus continues actively ministering to the needs of the people through healings and exorcisms. Unlike the people in his hometown, the people of Capernaum want Jesus to stay with them.
There are so many who do not know that you are their Lord and Savior. I pray that they come to know and understand you are the loving and merciful God of all.
