Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Exodus 32:7-11; 13-14:  In this turbulent passage, we are given a vision of the disobedient Israelite people, turning away from God to worship man-made images. To add further insult and disrespect to God, the people even claim that the molten cow they had made had brought them out of the land of Egypt. What a horrible insult to God, our Creator and Redeemer! We hear God’s anger and righteous intent to enact punishment on the people; followed by Moses’ plea for mercy and forgiveness of the people. Moses’   advocacy for the people is a fore-shadowing of Jesus’ own role as mediator and conduit of mercy from God to humankind. Perhaps, this week, we can all take time to pray for the salvation of our whole world and for God’s mercy on all of us, for our transgressions are many and serious.

Psalm 51: “I will rise and go to my Father.” This psalm effectively admits our guilt, as sinners, and begs for God’s forgiveness and mercy. The psalmist poignantly prays for a new heart and a new spirit. We can, similarly, pray for the virtues of repentance, true contrition and for fruitful ideas and efforts to amend our lives and atone for our sins against God and against one another. It starts with praying for humility and self-awareness, such that we’ll become more aware of our sins and imperfections and true need for God’s mercy. After admitting to, or “owning” our sins; we then need to pray for and plan for ways to amend our lives. Ultimately, we’ll need to seek out the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession), and afterwards, rejoice to be freed of our sins! Go to Confession! Don’t deprive yourself of this comfort, out of fear.

Timothy 1:12-17:  Now, we continue with our theme of admitting our need for God’s mercy and forgiveness. Paul models a spirit of humble gratitude for God’s boundless generosity, mercy and   forgiveness. Paul recognizes that his conversion and call to discipleship aren’t anything he’s earned; but are totally an undeserved gift and blessing from God. Like Paul, we can benefit from reflecting upon and recognizing God’s many benevolent and merciful actions in our lives. May the Holy Spirit inspire us to give glory and praise, adoration and thanks to God for His goodness to us. Additionally, we can pray to the Holy Spirit for the grace to  extend mercy and forgiveness to others who have transgressed against us. After all, we’re called to forgive others with the same extravagance with which we want to be forgiven. Please God, give us humble, compassionate and forgiving hearts!

Luke 15:1-32:  The centerpiece of this weekend’s readings is the story of the prodigal son’s encounter with his extravagantly loving and forgiving father. This parable, authored by Jesus, Himself  invites all of us to confidently approach the throne of God’s mercy. Jesus is reassuring us that our Heavenly father is not only waiting for us to approach Him, but is walking toward us, with urgent love and tenderness; so that He can heal us, all the sooner! How great and how loving and forgiving is our God! Let’s strive to be like Him… to become less judgmental and begrudging and more    generous, understanding and forgiving. Consider that we’ve all been like the prodigal son, at times, as we’ve all sinned. If we want God to be forgiving and merciful toward us, then we must be merciful toward others. Dear God, make us merciful and forgiving of others, as well as repentant for our own sins.

Lovingly,
Deacon Matt