Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings

Reflection on Scripture

If we listen to today’s readings and interpret them literally, we may become confused and dejected as the young man in the Gospel because he thought that he had to give all he had in material things away. We may hear this Gospel and begin to rationalize our existence, and our self-talk may tell us things like: How will I eat? How will I support my family? How will I survive?

If we raise questions like the ones above, then we are rooted deeply in a materialistic lifestyle. If we really want God, we do not necessarily need to give away our possessions, but we may have to change how we value the things that we have.

As I grow older, I realize that many things that I have treasured because of their sentimental attachment will soon be tossed into the dumpster by people who do not treasure them as much as I do. The reminders of family and friends that have gone before us become less important as we realize we do not need mementos but the reality of being in their presence again in eternal life.

I have learned to change my thoughts on wealth and possessions, and I find that I am less anxious and concerned about human events that can and will change my lifestyle in a second. May I share my thoughts with you?

Everything is a gift from God. We cannot even pray without the grace provided by the Holy Spirit. Our health, wealth, abilities, gifts and talents are given freely by God, but we need be careful in how we use them. We must always think that we are on a lifelong lease with God for material things and at death, the lease becomes null and void. We are expected to care for and protect what is given us and to give to with others, based upon our abilities, some of what we have. Giving involves not only possessions but our inventory of time.

Does giving make you feel good? If so, you are not giving enough. Do you write a check to your favorite charities, which is good and needed, and feel good about it? Then you are not giving enough. The poor women Peter met on the steps of the temple gave from her want and not her excess.

And how about our life? Do you want control over your life and rationalize the time you spend with others by sighting your busy work schedule or your involvement with various clubs or organizations, or are you a sports mom or dad, torn between sporting events and allowing these to consume your time. And, we must not forget the important text and emails that are dependent upon our response to save the world.

Each morning, we need to rise, open our hearts and minds to God before we start each day. We need to surrender all that we are, with our freckles and worts. to God. Our simple prayer needs to be focused on how thankful we are, not for what we possess, but for the gift of salvation obtained for us at great costs by the eternal suffering servant. Once we thank God, we can now invite Him into our hearts. We can ask God to fill us again with His love, but we can only do this if we are empty and need refilling because we have given the love received away.

We need to say to ourselves and to God each day, Lord I am your servant and I come to do your will. And then we can add how we long to see Him face to face and allow that thought to direct all our actions and desires to Him who loves us.

Deacon Phil