Monday | September 12, 2022
Luke 7:1-10:
That the centurion is not a Jew is important to this story as is the fact that he is a good and kind man who has found favor with the Jewish people. He seeks the compassion of Jesus but feeling undeserving of being in Jesus’ presence or having Jesus in his home, he sends messengers in the hope that Jesus will cure his slave from a distance. Jesus senses this man’s tremendous faith and heals the slave by his word.
I am thankful to be reminded by this unlikely character of the disposition I must have each time I come to your table. I am not worthy.
Sunday | September 11, 2022
Luke 15:1-32:
This entire chapter in Luke’s Gospel is devoted to the joy felt when someone or something lost is found. In each scenario, the shepherd, the woman and the father, go above and beyond what would normally be done to find the lost. And in the end, they celebrate.
I find such comfort in these stories. You do not let me out of your sight. No matter my sin, you will me back and celebrate my return to you.
Saturday | September 10, 2022
Luke 6:43-49:
Jesus uses two fruit trees to illustrate the significance of the source of our actions, why we do what we do. Like the healthy tree, goodness within yields goodness without. Jesus’ discourse ends with the parable of the two foundations. Following Jesus, trusting and believing in him, is the foundation upon which we are to build our lives.
You are my source and my foundation. I pray to be mindful every day of my life of your abiding presence within me, before me, behind me, beside me.
Friday | September 9, 2022
Luke 6:39-42:
The familiar saying about the blind leading the blind combined with the saying about the splinter and beam make it clear what Jesus is telling the disciples. To teach others how to live and lead them rightly, they must first recognize their own faults and change their ways.
Honestly, I spend too much time judging others and not enough time acknowledging my faults and striving to change to be the best I can be. St. Peter Claver, pray for us.
Thursday | September 8, 2022
Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23:
Matthew’s Gospel is unique in that it begins with the genealogy of Jesus followed by the infancy narrative. There are unusual and very human characters in the line of David paving the way for Jesus’ humble, human birth. Today, we celebrate Mary’s birth, one of only three “birthdays” celebrated in the liturgical year, placing Mary rightly in the company of John the Baptist and her son, Jesus.
Dearest Mother, from your very beginning you were a part of God’s great plan. I pray to be as trusting as you. Pray for me.
Wednesday | September 7, 2022
Luke 6:20-26:
Jesus comes down from the mountain with blessings, Beatitudes and woes. The Beatitudes, though fewer than in Matthew’s Gospel, speak to the disciples about how those hardships they endure will ultimately become blessings. The woes are directed to those who have much, but because they do not see to the needs of others, they too will one day suffer.
To love you above all things means that I must let go of all that binds me, and grab hold of you and you alone.
Tuesday | September 6, 2022
Luke 6:12-19:
Disciples of Jesus have followed and learned from him. Jesus spends the night in prayer, perhaps discerning the next step on his mission. In the morning, he names the Twelve Apostles, a significant number as they are sent out to renew Israel.
Pope Francis tells us repeatedly that we are all loved and chosen though we are sinners. For this, we praise and thank you, dearest Lord.
Monday | September 5, 2022
Luke 6:6-11:
The Pharisees are now watching and waiting for Jesus to break the law. Jesus is aware and does not let that interfere with doing his Father’s work. He is the Lord of the Sabbath and will do what is good for the man by healing his hand. The Pharisees don’t get it because they have already made up their minds about Jesus.
Let us pray this day for the conversion for all who have let evil enter their hearts and guide their actions.
Sunday | September 4, 2022
Luke 14:25-33:
Jesus’ words are harsh but do make the point. Neither family nor possessions can come before the commitment to being a disciple. Those called must prepare for great sacrifice and hardships that they will endure once committed to this all-consuming vocation.
We must pray for ourselves and all who have been called to follow. May we grow in our relationship with you and invite others to follow with us.
Saturday | September 3, 2022
Luke 6:1-5:
Sabbath rest is extremely important to the Jewish people, to a fault. The Pharisees observe the disciples picking and eating grains of wheat on the Sabbath. They bring their criticism to Jesus veiled in a question. In response, Jesus cites a similar situation from Scripture, perhaps hoping to help them see that there are valid exceptions to everything, and at the same time, revealing the Pharisees’ shallow understanding of God’s law.
You are Lord of the Sabbath. You show me the way to the Father, guide me in truth and offer me eternal life. For this, I praise and thank you.
