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.
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.
While he was at table in Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" He heard this and said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." (Mt 9:9-13)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092124.cfm
To sit at the Table with Jesus means we have to rub shoulders with tax collectors and sinners and those outside the Law. It’s always been that way, it always will be, because he came for sinners.
Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources. (Lk 8:1-3)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092024.cfm
The women disciples were with Jesus throughout his ministry and were faithful to the end whereas the gospels record that the Twelve abandoned him and fled. Saints Andrew (1821-1846) and Paul (1794-1839) and the First Martyrs of Korea, 227 men and women, (1791-1888) remained faithful even to death.
