We should be encouraged by today’s first reading that death is not the final word. Many of us have experienced the loss of very close or immediate family members. We often find ourselves wondering why they had to suffer so much.
For those who are ill, whether battling cancer or simply facing the challenges of old age, this provides answers to questions that have weighed on our minds. We are reassured that there is hope for new life in our Lord through his resurrection.
We are called to be obedient, steadfast in our faith, and to follow our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Why seek any other outcome or rewards when we have the fullness of life in and with him? In the end, we have hope of life eternal with him. Amen
Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop
Pray for us…
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First reading
Wisdom 2:23-3:9
The souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God
God made man imperishable,
he made him in the image of his own nature; it was the devil’s envy that brought death into the world, as those who are his partners will discover.
But the souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God, no torment shall ever touch them.
In the eyes of the unwise, they did appear to die, their going looked like a disaster, their leaving us, like annihilation; but they are in peace.
If they experienced punishment as men see it, their hope was rich with immortality; slight was their affliction, great will their blessings be.
God has put them to the test and proved them worthy to be with him; he has tested them like gold in a furnace, and accepted them as a holocaust.
When the time comes for his visitation they will shine out; as sparks run through the stubble, so will they.
They shall judge nations, rule over people’s, and the Lord will be their king for ever.
They who trust in him will understand the truth, those who are faithful will live with him in love; for grace and mercy await those he has chosen.
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Gospel
Luke 17:7-10
You are merely servants
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Which of you, with a servant ploughing or minding sheep, would say to him when he returned from the fields, “Come and have your meal immediately”? Would he not be more likely to say, “Get my supper laid; make yourself tidy and wait on me while I eat and drink. You can eat and drink yourself afterwards”? Must he be grateful to the servant for doing what he was told? So with you: when you have done all you have been told to do, say, “We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty.”’
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