Archive for November 4, 2023

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted: November 4, 2023 by CatholicJules in Sunday Reflections
Tags: ,
0

Calling the Fathers: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings:

Malachi 1:14-2:2, 8-10
Psalm 131:1-3
1 Thessalonians 2:7-9, 13
Matthew 23:1-12

Though they were Moses’ successors, the Pharisees and scribes exalted themselves, made their mastery of the law a badge of social privilege. Worse, they had lorded the law over the people (see Matthew 20:25). Like the priests Malachi condemns in today’s First Reading, they caused many to falter and be closed off from God.

In a word, Israel’s leaders failed to be good spiritual fathers of God’s people. Moses was a humble father-figure, preaching the law but also practicing it – interceding and begging God’s mercy and forgiveness of the people’s sins (see Exodus 32:9-14; Psalm 90).

And Jesus reminds us today that all fatherhood—in the family or in the people of God—comes from the Father in heaven (see Ephesians 3:15).

He doesn’t mean we’re to literally call no man “father.” He Himself referred to Israel’s founding fathers (see John 7:22); the Apostles taught about natural fatherhood (see Hebrews 12:7–11), and described themselves as spiritual fathers (see 1 Corinthians 4:14–16).

The fatherhood of the Apostles and their successors, the Church’s priests and bishops, is a spiritual paternity given to raise us as God’s children. Our fathers give us new life in Baptism and feed us the spiritual milk of the Gospel and the Eucharist (see 1 Peter 2:2–3). That’s why Paul, in today’s Epistle, can also compare himself to a nursing mother.

God’s fatherhood likewise transcends all human notions of fatherhood and motherhood. Perhaps that’s why the Psalm chosen for today includes one of the rare biblical images of God’s maternal care (see Isaiah 66:13).

His only Son has shown us the Father (see John 14:9) coming to gather His children as a hen gathers her young (see Matthew 23:37). We’re all brothers and sisters, our Lord tells us today. And all of us—even our spiritual fathers—are to trust in Him, humbly, like children on our mothers’ laps.

On Today’s Gospel

Posted: November 4, 2023 by CatholicJules in Personal Thoughts & Reflections
0


To walk humbly with the Lord our God is a disposition we carry in our hearts from that divine encounter with Him who dearly loves us.

And because we love Him with all our heart, mind, strength and soul, we heed His command to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. That means we put their needs ahead of ours. We are even prepared if called to, lay down our lives for them.

Humility is therefore not an act or show, but the love for our Lord shining through our every word and deed.

Abba I know You will never abandon me, I therefore strive with all my heart to live out my identity as Your beloved child. Amen

Saint Charles Borromeo pray for us…


________

First reading
Romans 11:1-2,11-12,25-29


The Jews have not fallen for ever

Let me put a question: is it possible that God has rejected his people? Of course not. I, an Israelite, descended from Abraham through the tribe of Benjamin, could never agree that God had rejected his people, the people he chose specially long ago. Do you remember what scripture says of Elijah – how he complained to God about Israel’s behaviour? Let me put another question then: have the Jews fallen for ever, or have they just stumbled? Obviously they have not fallen for ever: their fall, though, has saved the pagans in a way the Jews may now well emulate. Think of the extent to which the world, the pagan world, has benefited from their fall and defection – then think how much more it will benefit from the conversion of them all. There is a hidden reason for all this, brothers, of which I do not want you to be ignorant, in case you think you know more than you do. One section of Israel has become blind, but this will last only until the whole pagan world has entered, and then after this the rest of Israel will be saved as well. As scripture says: The liberator will come from Zion, he will banish godlessness from Jacob. And this is the covenant I will make with them when I take their sins away.
    The Jews are enemies of God only with regard to the Good News, and enemies only for your sake; but as the chosen people, they are still loved by God, loved for the sake of their ancestors. God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice.


________

Gospel
Luke 14:1,7-11


Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled

Now on a sabbath day Jesus had gone for a meal to the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely. He then told the guests a parable, because he had noticed how they picked the places of honour. He said this, ‘When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take your seat in the place of honour. A more distinguished person than you may have been invited, and the person who invited you both may come and say, “Give up your place to this man.” And then, to your embarrassment, you would have to go and take the lowest place. No; when you are a guest, make your way to the lowest place and sit there, so that, when your host comes, he may say, “My friend, move up higher.” In that way, everyone with you at the table will see you honoured. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted.’