A Reflection for Sunday October 31st, 2010

Words of Wisdom and Truth
A Reflection for the Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFD
Mission Sts. Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
North American Old Catholic Church
Franklin, MA
www.missionstsergius.org


The words from the first reading for Sunday October 31st, All Hallows Eve this year, is from the Book of Wisdom 11:22-12:2 and worth more than a billion words and sermons.
The reading should most certainly open our hearts and minds to God’s infinite mercy and love for all His children regardless of their race, nationality, gender, or religious denomination.
When we take into consideration the other readings for this Sunday we have not only a message affirming God’s love and mercy for us all but also advice on how we can and will be welcomed and found pleasing in God’s eyes.
“In your sight the whole world is like a grain of dust that tips the scales, like a drop of morning dew falling on the ground. Yet you are merciful to all, because you can do all things and overlook men’s sins so that they can repent. Yes, you love all that exists, you hold nothing of what you have made in abhorrence, for had you hated anything, you would not have formed it. And how, had you not willed it, could a thing persist, how be conserved if not called forth by you? You spare all things because all things are yours, Lord, lover of life, you whose imperishable spirit is in all. Little by little, therefore, you correct those who offend, you admonish and remind them of how they have sinned, so that they may abstain from evil and trust in you, Lord.”
When the words from St. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians chapter 1:11-2:2 are taken into consideration we become strengthened even more in the knowledge of God’s love for us; “all that you have been doing through faith the name of our Lord Jesus Christ will be glorified in you and you in him, by the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. To turn now to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we shall all be gathered round him: please do not get excited too soon or alarmed by any prediction or rumor or any letter claiming to come from us, implying that the Day of the Lord has already arrived.”
So many who claim to be preaching the word of God have tried to frighten people with the admonition that dooms day is at hand, and have done so from the earliest days of the church but Christ himself told us; “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows." (Mark 13:32)
The message from Sunday’s Gospel is also comforting and affirming in that it reminds us that Christ did not head the admonishments of the Religious of His time. It also makes clear that God and Christ is there for everyone who believes and tries to live in a way that is pleasing to God according to the teachings that Christ proclaimed.
Unfortunately there are some who believe that they are the “chosen ones” because of their position, their wealth or because or their devotional practices and attendance at church but when they leave the confines of the church, and sometimes even while there, they do not practice Christina Charity and often demean others because of how they dress, or the color of their skin or their nationality.
The Gospel tells us: “When Jesus reached the spot he looked up and spoke to him: “Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I must stay at your house today.” And Zacchaeus hurried down and welcomed Christ joyfully. Others complained when they saw what was happening. “He has gone to stay at a sinner’s house” they said. But Zacchaeus stood his ground and said to the Lord, “Look, sir, I am going to give half my property to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody I will pay him back four times the amount" And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek out and save what was lost” (Luke 19:1-10)
We might also make note of what Zacchaeus said to Christ about giving half of his property to the poor and needy and making right any injustices or cheating he might have done since it is also one of the major teachings of Christ to be mindful of the needs of others and to share our gifts with those who have not.
Christ has told us time and again that being aware of others and having compassion and generosity are keys to entering into heaven. We might want to think about who of the candidates that we will vote for in Tuesday’s election will do the most for the poor and disadvantaged and then vote for them.
The Seraphic Father of our order, The Franciscan’s of Divine Mercy, knew this message so very well. St. Francis is known to have said “I acknowledge that all my possessions were given to me by God, and now here I am ready to give them back to Him”
Everything we have comes from God and therefore we need to give thanks for the gifts we have received and not hoard them to ourselves but share then according to our ability.
We need to open our eyes to the needs of others around us and to put aside our prejudices and self centered interests and open our hearts to being more receptive to living the great commandment of Christ every moment of our life here on earth.
“Love the Lord, your God, with your whole heart, mind, soul and body and love your neighbor as you love yourself” “Love one another as I have loved you”
Let us go forth from this day putting these words of Christ into action by being more concerned about the needs of others especially the poor, sick and aged and seek opportunities to share our gifts that God has given us with others.
If we do this we will be living the Gospel in our daily life and be opening our door into everlasting glory with The Father, Son and Holy Spirit and all the heavenly elect. AMEN