October 29, 2011
Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
[I]n respect to election, they are beloved because of the patriarch. For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. Romans 12:28b-29
"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:11
Piety
For the LORD will not cast off his people, nor abandon his inheritance; But judgment shall again be with justice, and all the upright of heart shall follow it. Psalm 94
Study
Jesus is the One who humbled himself and now we exalt him every day in every way. Throughout these recent cycle of readings from St. Paul's letter to the Romans, we have been reflecting on how this single overwhelming act of humility helps us to overcome whatever trials, tribulations and obstacles are in our path. We are refreshed for the journey by our friends who strengthen us to stay vigilant with our piety, study and action.
The loving humility of Jesus even overcomes the adversity between Jews and Gentiles. Our mortal squabbles can be wiped away by the love of Jesus -- a love the breeds respect because we focus on what we share not what makes us different. The talk show/news cycle mentality that we must destroy our opponent melts away under this standard. We may disagree on ideas or means, but each person is worthy in the eyes of the Lord and that love can never be taken away.
God's love will never fade. As we learned in Isaiah, "Though the mountains fall away and the hills be shaken, My love shall never fall away from you nor my covenant of peace* be shaken, says the LORD, who has mercy on you." (Isaiah 54:10). Likewise, his call to us to live lives filled with humility and love is as ever-present as the gift of forgiveness that lights the path ahead.
Action
Who are the foes in your life? What mountains must you climb this week? What disturbs your peace?
Sometimes our brothers and sisters face obstacles based on natural disasters. This week, amidst the news of the economic up-tick, World Series victory of the Cardinals, and the various political news cycles, two natural disasters affected people -- a major earthquake in Turkey and floods in Thailand.
Consider helping the people cope with these disasters and overcome the mountain of despair they face by channeling some charity to Catholic Relief Services (www.crs.org) or through projects in the affected areas supported by GlobalGiving (www.globalgiving.org).
