2 Sep
Sun
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
Sir. 3:19-21,30-31
Ps. 67:4-5ac,6-7ab,10-11
Heb. 12:18-19,22-24a
Lk. 14:1,7-14
(Ps Wk II)
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 

The Kingdom of God, the perfect society, which is the goal of the Christian message, is often pictured as a banquet. As such, it is a meal for everyone, not just a private dinner for two by candlelight. All the dishes on the table are for everyone equally. It is an occasion of sharing and joyfulness. That is exactly what we do not find in today's Gospel. Today we read two parables about eating. One of them arises out of the concerns people had about where they sat, about the 'face' they were or were not getting. If you were there, would you have cared? Do you feel your worth as a person depends on how you are treated on such occasions? Our real status is measured not by our rank or occupation but by the level of love and service offered to God through our relationships with those around us. What counts is not how we are looked on by others but the degree of care and compassion with which we look at them. And that is what the second parable is about. Is eating with others an occasion for selfish status-seeking or an opportunity to share our goods with others, especially those in need?



As often as you do it to the least of these, you do it to Me

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 all those who are going through moments of inner difficulty and trial may find in Christ the light and support which leads them to discover authentic happiness.
Elaboration

- END -


© Copyright Shalom 2007. All rights reserved.