25 Oct
Thu
29th Week in Ordinary Time
Eph. 3:14-21
Ps. 33(32):1-2,4-5,11-12,18-19
Lk. 12:49-53
(Ps Wk I)
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Many people think that Jesus came to preach a soft gospel. They think that as Christians they can live an untroubled and peaceful life by fulfilling certain religious obligations and rituals. To them, values such as forgiveness and peace are readily given and require no effort on their part.

In today's Gospel, however, Jesus reminds us that there is a side to his message that demands Christians to do more than fulfill obligations or participate in rituals. He demands that we commit our lives totally to him. This means that we have to decide whether we are for him or against him. It is not enough to be a Christian by name. To be a Christian means that we forsake everything and everyone who stands in the way of our total commitment to Christ.

This is why Christian discipleship is costly. The choice that we make for Christ may even cause divisions and conflicts in the family and community. In the face of these, a Christian needs to hold on to a clear set of gospel values and priorities. This commitment to Jesus is not based primarily on human kinship but on hearing and doing God's word.

So are we totally for Jesus? If we have not committed ourselves totally to Jesus, then there is still time for a decision, warns Jesus. He has already come to set the earth on fire. And by sending the Holy Spirit, he has started to separate the wheat from the chaff. So do not wait too long. Because before we know it, the time for judgement will be upon us.



Lord, help us to commit ourselves to You totally.

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 consecrated religious men and women may bestir themselves, and be present among the poor, the marginalized, and those who have no voice.
Elaboration

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