Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Readings

Once there was an evangelical preacher, who went from town to town preaching the Gospel and proclaiming the good news. Eventually, his following had grown, and he was invited to speak to a large assembly of Christians in a major city. The newspapers were filled with articles on this gathering and the local television station was broadcasting the event.

The preacher wanted to look and be his best. He worked on his talk day and night, always envisioning the people who would hear his words and come to the Lord. He bought a new set of clothes, new shoes, got an expensive haircut, and he was ready to rise and shine for the occasion.

The evening came and the auditorium was full to capacity. Many notable Christians were there, and they were seated close to the stage to lend their support. Also, attending was a poor woman who lived on the streets and after some inconveniences, she was seated at the rear of the auditorium. She politely thanked the attendant and went to her seat, sat down, and placed her bag, which held all her possessions, in front of her.

Finally, it was time for the preacher to make his appearance. He came onto the stage accompanied by the roar of applause. The crowd quieted down, and he prepared to speak. But before he could say a word, the homeless woman rose to her feet, and inspired by the Holy Spirit, she began to deliver the message the Lord had given her. That night, many people gave their hearts and souls to the Lord and sought His mercy and forgiveness and they were bathed in His love.

The preacher did not have the opportunity to say a single word. Later that evening he sought the Lord in prayer, and he simply told the Lord how he had served Him loyally for years and how prepared he was and the preacher exclaimed he did not understand. The Lord answered the preacher that He the Lord could raise up anyone at anytime to do His work and the Lord sought the humble and the contrite to deliver His message.

Today’s readings delivers an important message. We are nothing without the Lord and even in our belief we are totally dependent on His grace. In our troubled world, maybe we need to be a little more attentive to those who appear to be marginal members of society or our very congregations. Today, is the day that we begin to surrender to grace and in humility of body, mind, and spirit, we surrender to the will of God. Today, let us be unafraid and place our trust in the Lord.

May God continue to bless us,

Deacon Phil