Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 45:1, 4-6: Here, the prophet, Isaiah speaks in God’s voice to Cyrus, King of Persia. God reminds Cyrus that he (Cyrus) is “anointed,” or authorized by God for a specific purpose. Cyrus has been commissioned and empowered to help liberate Israel. Cyrus is God’s instrument for subduing and conquering other nations, deposing kings and “opening doors,” or freeing oppressed people from captivity they experience from their oppressors. By grasping Cyrus’s right hand, God is symbolically indicating the authority He’s conferring on Cyrus.

God reminds Cyrus that he (Cyrus) hasn’t earned the privilege of becoming God’s assigned rescuer for Israel. Twice God emphasizes that He is called Cyrus “though you knew me not.” We might take time to reflect that we are all privileged to be God’s instruments for the missions that God gives to each one of us. This week, let’s thank God for the privilege or gift of working in God’s Kingdom.

Psalm 96: “Give the Lord glory and honor.” Now, we ponder a psalm of praise for God, our King. We’re called to not only praise God and offer Him glory, but to share God’s love with others by witnessing to them of God’s greatness. The author proclaims God’s sovereignty and almighty power. The whole world is invited to worship, praise and adore God; reminiscent of the visit of the Magi, at Jesus’ birth. It’s emphasized that adoration, worship and praise are due the Lord, as we owe God our very lives and all the blessings we enjoy.
Lastly, we’re reminded to worship God in “holy attire,” meaning we are to approach God with humility and respect. “Holy attire” could be symbolically reminding us to clothe our souls with purity by availing ourselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) to prepare ourselves to participate in liturgical worship or Holy Mass.

1 Thess: 1:1-5b:  Today, Paul furthers this exhortation, encouraging the Thessalonians and us to continue practicing the faith by “labors of love,” (efforts to minister to others), and “endurance,” (persistence in the faith, despite challenges, hardships and sometimes severe suffering of persecution, privations and frequent interpersonal conflicts). Paul validates benefits of developing and cultivating an outlook of hope and expectation of success in order to continue our efforts to expand God’s Kingdom. We’re being reassured that when we serve God, sincerely and share God’s Word and Mission, we are displaying convincing evidence that we’re “chosen by God,” to be instruments of His encouragement and grace, no less than Isaiah was! Take time this week to thank God for the callings to serve.

Matt 22:15-21:  Are we sincere in our efforts to follow Jesus? Are we authentically serving Jesus in others? Do we “walk the walk” as well as “talk the talk;” living the faith and communicating it to others, accurately? We see in today’s Gospel that many of the Pharisees, scribes and church elders of Jesus’ time weren’t sincerely and consistently practicing the faith they professed. Are we any better?

How can we improve at being a “good neighbor?” How might we improve at ministering compassionately to others, rather than responding with indifference to those suffering around us?
Today’s readings leave us with many questions to ponder. As Christians, we have to monitor ourselves and seek others’ feedback, as to how effectively and authentically we’re living up to our Christian calling. Let’s pray for accurate self-knowledge and enlightenment. Let’s be open to change.