Contemplating today's Gospel
Today's Gospel + homily (in 300 words)
And so one day, while his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their eldest brother, a messenger came to Job and said, «The oxen were ploughing and the asses grazing beside them, and the Sabeans carried them off in a raid. They put the herdsmen to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you». While he was yet speaking, another came and said, «Lightning has fallen from heaven and struck the sheep and their shepherds and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you». While he was yet speaking, another messenger came and said, «The Chaldeans formed three columns, seized the camels, carried them off, and put those tending them to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you». While he was yet speaking, another came and said, «Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in the house of their eldest brother, when suddenly a great wind came across the desert and smote the four corners of the house. It fell upon the young people and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you».
Then Job began to tear his cloak and cut off his hair. He cast himself prostrate upon the ground, and said, «Naked I came forth from my mother's womb, and naked shall I go back again. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord!». In all this Job did not sin, nor did he say anything disrespectful of God.
From you let my judgment come; your eyes behold what is right. Though you test my heart, searching it in the night, though you try me with fire, you shall find no malice in me.
I call upon you, for you will answer me, o God; incline your ear to me; hear my word. Show your wondrous mercies, o savior of those who flee from their foes to refuge at your right hand.
”Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”
“The one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest”
Prof. Dr. Mons. Lluís CLAVELL (Roma, Italy)Today, on the way to Jerusalem leading to the Passion, "an argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest" (Lk 9:46). Every day, the media and our own conversations are filled with talk about people's importance: that of others and our own. This uniquely human logic often gives rise to a desire for success, for recognition, appreciation, and gratitude and robs us of our peace when that recognition never comes.
Jesus’s response to these thoughts —and perhaps even the remarks— of the disciples echoes the style of the ancient prophets. Gestures precede words. Jesus "took a child and placed it by his side" (Lk 9:47). Then comes the teaching: "The least among all of you is the one who is the greatest " (Lk 9:48). — Jesus, why is it so hard for us to accept that this isn’t just a utopian dream for people who aren’t caught up in the hustle and bustle of a demanding task —one in which clashes between people are all too common— and that, with your grace, we can all live this way? If we did, we would enjoy greater inner peace and work with more serenity and joy.
This attitude is also the wellspring of joy, as we see others working well for God—using a style different from our own, but always in the name of Jesus. The disciples wanted to stop them, but the Master defended those others. Once again, seeing ourselves as God’s little children makes it easier to keep our hearts open to everyone and to grow in peace, joy, and gratitude. These teachings earned Saint Thérèse of Lisieux the title of "Doctor of the Church": in her book “Story of a Soul”, she marvels at the Church as a beautiful garden of flowers and rejoices in knowing herself to be a tiny blossom. Alongside the great saints —the roses and lilies— there are the little flowers —such as daisies or violets— destined to delight God’s eyes when He turns His gaze toward the Earth.
Thoughts on Today's Gospel
“It is better to be a Christian without saying it, than to say it without being one. It is an excellent thing to teach, but on condition that what is taught is practiced” (Ignatius of Antioch)
“Frequently, we act as arbiters of grace rather than its facilitators. But the Church is not a tollhouse” (Francis”
“Whether extraordinary or simple and humble, charisms are graces of the Holy Spirit which directly or indirectly benefit the Church, ordered as they are to her building up, to the good of men, and to the needs of the world.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, nº 799)
