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.
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/092723.cfm
Ministry to the sick and suffering is an essential part of the proclamation of the Kingdom. The church has always been involved in caring for the sick. As Jesus says, “I was sick and you cared for me.” Saint Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) is best known through the work of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society which serves the poor in over 150 countries.
The children of Israel–priests, Levites, and the other returned exiles– celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy. (Ezr 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092623.cfm
Visiting Jerusalem on pilgrimage is a religious experience for Jews, Christians and Moslems. I found myself overwhelmed at the Wailing Wall and on the Via Dolorosa and in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the other holy places. Perhaps, over 50 years of studies and ministry prepared me to experience the profound joy of standing on the Temple Mount.
Jesus said to the crowd: "No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light. (Lk 8:16-18)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092523.cfm
“This little light of mine . . . I’m gonna let it shine!” is not just for children. It’s a challenge for all of us—not to let anyone (including ourselves!) conceal the flame of faith burning brightly in our heart and in our life.
Seek the LORD while he may be found, call him while he is near. Let the scoundrel forsake his way, and the wicked his thoughts; let him turn to the LORD for mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving. (Is 55:6-9)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092423.cfm
Our God is near to us always. The Merciful, the Compassionate. In the liturgy, the hymn, Lord, Have Mercy is from the Greek (Kyrie eleison) but is not originally a penitential plea for mercy. Rather, it is an acclamation that means “Lord, you are the giver of mercy.” Today (September 24) is the feast of Our Lady of Mercy—so Happy Feast Day to all the Sisters of Mercy!
When a large crowd gathered, with people from one town after another journeying to Jesus, he spoke in a parable. "A sower went out to sow . . .” (Lk 8:4-15)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092323.cfm
The little details often get overlooked, but in the case of the parable of the sower the little details mean a lot. Part of the key to evangelization is that we can’t evangelize inside the four walls of the church. Some of us are content with getting stained-glass suntans, but we have to go outside the church building if we’re going to sow the word. Even if, like the sower in the parable, we throw the seed in the middle of the street or among the weeds. It is not our careful preparing of the soil, but rather God who brings the miraculous harvest. Maybe it’s just that simple . . . “a sower went out to sow.” Padre Pio (1887-1968) always gave advice: "Pray, hope, and don't worry."
