4 Nov
Sun
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
Wis. 11:22-12:2
Ps. 144:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14
2 Thess. 1:11-2:2
Lk. 19:1-10
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Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 

Not many would deny that among their deepest desires is the longing for acceptance. Correspondingly, the experience of alienation, of being excluded of not belonging is something we fear deeply. Recalling childhood experiences many would probably hear again the echoes of voices saying "You run very fast, come join our group", or "I don't friend you, you're not my gang." And in the life of grownups, the game of acceptance and alienation is played out over and over again. Why else do we join exclusive clubs or social groups or even Church organisations if not to feel a sense of belonging? After all membership has its privileges.

And yet, it is often the case that once we find ourselves a part of some group, we are loath to extend the same hospitality to newcomers. We thrust out our arms to alienate strangers or people who are different from us, in a version of "don't friend you". Recently, the Sinagpore newspapers carried a feature on how many social clubs refuse admittance to domestic help. "You're just a maid, don't friend you..."

In this context, our readings portray a very consoling and challenging image of God, the God of open arms. God conserves and calls forth all things into existence. God holds nothing ... in abhorrence. God makes us worthy of His call. And the greatest act of hospitality of God is to be found in the person of Christ, who goes to stay in a sinner's house.



Lord, You welcome all with open arms. Thank you.

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 holy and exemplary men and women may be our companions in proclaiming boldly the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
Elaboration

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P R A Y I N G    W I T H    T H E    C H U R C H    

INTENTION : That holy and exemplary men and women may be our companions in proclaiming boldly the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.

"They began to proclaim the word of God boldly" (Acts 4:31). The word "boldly" can also be translated as "audaciously" or with "forthrightness" in announcing the Christian message. The ideal agents of evangelisation should be "holy and exemplary persons". Though God could have spread His Kingdom without human collaboration, He has always sought human partners, who as suitable and free instruments, work for the salvation of humankind.

The laity can evangelise chiefly through prayer, the testimony of life and the establishment of a temporal order inspired by the Gospel. Though preaching the Gospel is the competence and principal duty of those who have been ordained, lay people, who have the necessary theological training, can preach.

Vatican II stresses the need for priests to be holy preachers. God ordinarily prefers to show his wonders through those men who are more submissive to the impulse and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because of their intimate union with Christ and their holiness of life, they are able to say with St Paul: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Gal. 2:20). Let us therefore pray that all those who devote themselves directly to evangelisation may live a holy life that emphasises the credibility of the Christian message.




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