Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for 31st Sunday in  Ordinary Time

Wisdom 11:22-12:2  This passage begins with an analogy or comparison (“before God’s eyes, the universe is a grain of sand”), demonstrating that God is infinite; transcending all. The author also comforts us with a      proclamation of God’s infinitely    magnanimous love… a love that fuels the vast furnace of God’s     mercy! The intensity and tenderness of God’s love is emphasized by the encouraging message of this passage. We’re being awakened to the fact that despite man’s rampant sinfulness, God acts mercifully in response… allowing sinful men time for repentance which could invite God’s forgiveness and healing Presence. Let’s reflect this week and examine out consciences. Are there sins  we need to repent of and request forgiveness for? Consider availing yourself of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Great peace could be yours!

Psalm 145: “I will praise Your name, forever, my King and my God.”  With keeping the first reading in mind, this psalm of praise glorifies God in the first verse by offering God the reverence and worship that we’re called to practice. As suggested in the first reading, the second verse of today’s psalm voices   appreciation and gratitude for God’s graciousness, mercy, kindness and compassion. Reflecting on God’s love and mercy is always appropriate and doing so can greatly calm us and lift our spirits. The third verse of today’s psalm calls us to evangelize others and engage in faith-sharing and spreading the “Good News” of God’s merciful love, awesome power and urgent  desire to save all of God’s children. The last verse of this inspiring psalm extols God’s faithfulness and calls us to reciprocate God’s faithfulness to us with faithful loyalty and obedience to Him. Our God lifts and raises us up. We must be forever thankful!

2 Thess. 1:11-1:2:  Like St. Paul, reflect that we are called to pray for all of God’s people to conform themselves to God’s Will, obey God’s Commands and fulfill God’s missions for them. Only then can we become “bearers and sharers” of God’s glory! Recall that our very purpose and calling is to practice, share and emulate the faith in thought, word and deed. If we conform ourselves to God’s Will for us, then we have nothing to fear; not even death itself. We needn’t fear the end of our lives, whenever that may be, if we’re living faithfully and in accord with God’s plan for us. We’re called to live holy lives… and, if we do so, we needn’t fear the last judgment. We can run to meet our God with joy and confidence! The tone of this passage is one of encouragement; not a warning.

Luke 19:1-10:  The story of Zacchaeus is an appropriate focus for us today, as within it we see Jesus’ own remarkable love and mercy… even while people were still sinners! Jesus doesn’t just call and welcome the perfect. He calls us all… and… if we haven’t done so already, He invites us to repent and be saved. In calling sinners, Jesus isn’t giving them permission to keep sinning. He’s inviting all of us to leave sin behind and follow Him. Jesus’ life, then and now, is one continual act and invitation of forgiveness, love and belonging to Him.

Reflect on what we’re told: Zacchaeus “received Him (Jesus) with joy.” Then, Zacchaeus publicly repents and makes amends. He promises to give half of his possessions to the poor and to repay four times what he’s extorted from others. In celebration of Zacchaeus’ conversion, Jesus rejoices. Now, Jesus wants to rejoice over our    repentance and conversion! 

Deacon Matt