25 Sep
Sat
25th Week in Ordinary Time
Qoh. 11:9-12:8
Ps. 90:3-6,12-14,17
Lk. 9:43-45
(Ps. Wk I)
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The writer of our first reading lived around 200BC, too early for him to have had a clear belief in life after death. He was, however, in the noble tradition of Jewish belief in God and His ethical teachings were uncompromisingly high. Nevertheless, the writer believed that life was good and was meant to be enjoyed. Life was short, a gift of God and should be lived with zest. It is hard for us to understand how such seemingly contradictory positions could be held at one and the same time. The Responsorial Psalm does not help much! The writer settles for asking God to be merciful enough to balance our miseries with an equal number of happy events.

At first sight the Gospel seems to make matters even worse. Jesus advised His disciples not to be excited by the miracle He had just performed. He warned them that He would have to go through a very severe test. They were so scared they couldn't even ask Him what it might be. When they saw Jesus on the cross they must have wondered what life was all about. Clarity would come only after Jesus told the disciples on the road to Emmaus that suffering in the right cause could be the prelude to a meaningful and joyful life even here.



Lord help me to be patient enough to wait for the light at the end of the tunnel.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That old people may be considered an asset for the spiritual and human growth of society.
Elaboration

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