These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity! Nothing is new under the sun. (Eccl 1:2-11)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092624.cfm
Today we begin the strange Book of Ecclesiastes. One of my favorite quotes is: “Better to be a live dog than a dead lion” (Eccl 9:4). Or as the wife in Moonstruck says to her cheating husband, “Cosmo, I just want you to know, no matter what you do, you’re gonna die just like everyone else.”
Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. (Lk 9:1-6)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092524.cfm
The ministry to the sick is not an optional part of the church’s mission. Caring for the sick is essential to the apostolic mission. My mom was a nurse. She taught me to care for others. It is thanks to her that I’m a priest.
He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself also call and not be heard. (Prv 21:1-6, 10-13)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092424.cfm
The Book of Proverbs contains a wealth of practical spirituality. Many of Pope Francis teachings sound like they come right from Proverbs: "You pray for the hungry. Then you feed them. That's how prayer works." - Pope Francis. Today's photo is of some of my favorite Sisters of Mercy.
Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim when it is in your power to do it for him. Say not to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give,” when you can give at once. (Prv 3:27-34)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092324.cfm
Today we begin reading from the Wisdom literature. The Book of Proverbs is a collection mostly of sayings, some of which have been attributed to Solomon and others. The Book of Proverbs takes inspiration from this verse: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prv 9:10). Padre Pio (1887-1968) was an unwitting character in the exposé of the Mafia entitled, Mafia USA by Nicholas Gage (1972). I remember as a young monk having to publicly read this book during the evening meals at the monastery.
They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” (Mk 9:30-37)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092224.cfm
The Nicene Creed joyfully proclaims that Jesus died and rose again “for us and for our salvation.” But the Fourth Eucharistic Prayer gently reminds us that he gave himself for our salvation so “that we might live no longer for ourselves but for him.” It’s never just about us . . . or as my godmother used to say, “Big I, little you.” Rather salvation is about others, it is about service, being the servant of all, just like Jesus.
