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.
This is the word of the LORD that came to Jonah, son of Amittai: "Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and preach against it; their wickedness has come up before me." But Jonah made ready to flee to Tarshish away from the LORD. He went down to Joppa, found a ship going to Tarshish, paid the fare, and went aboard to journey with them to Tarshish, away from the LORD. (Jon 1:1-2:1-2, 11)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100923.cfm
The Book of Jonah is a somewhat quirky, humorous story of a reluctant prophet running away from the Lord. Of course, we can all sympathize. We’ve been there, done that. But God has a way of bringing us back to where God wants us to be. And the Scriptures are gifted with the best “fish story” ever!
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Phil 4:6-9)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100823.cfm
Saint Paul is not advocating a Pollyanna, “Don’t worry, be happy” approach to spirituality. Rather Saint Paul reminds us that we should be centered on the true, the honorable, the just, the pure, the lovely, the gracious. This is NOT passivity in the face of the many problems of the world, just the opposite: “Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me.” And he adds: ”Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Turning to the disciples in private he said, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it." (Lk 10:17-24)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100723.cfm
The Return of the 72 is an occasion of joy for Jesus as he listens to their experiences and reminds them of the blessings they have received. Today we remember Our Lady of the Rosary. The Rosary has taken many forms and reflects many styles of prayer and devotional practice in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.
Alleluia (Ps 95)
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100623.cfm
As the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops begins in Rome, we are reminded to LISTEN. For the One we follow sends us the Spirit to guide us into all truth. It is that same Spirit which the Risen Lord breathes upon us that still guides the church in union with the Successor of Saint Peter.
Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. (Lk 10:1-12)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100523.cfm
The Sending of the 72 reminds us that “mission” isn’t just for missionaries in foreign lands. We are all called to be “missionary disciples” by virtue of our Baptism. As Saint Francis of Assisi used to say: “Preach always, use words when necessary.”
