Reflection for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time, by S. Monica Zore, OSF

First Reading: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18
Psalm: 34:2-3, 17-18,
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
Gospel: Luke 18: 9-14

Reflection
I have struggled with the parable about the Pharisee and the tax collector. Though I know that I am a sinner, I know that is not how I approach my God in prayer. I realized as I pray with the parable this time that I definitely identified more with the Pharisee. I would love to know that I have completed the checklist of things to do to get to heaven. And yet there are not enough good deeds that I could do that would earn me that privilege. The tax collector recognizes that undeserving as he is, God is there to receive him. And that is what our God desires, our willingness to come and give all and not be concerned with the items on a checklist. When we love, we do not have the time to count what has been done. We are caught up in the loving.

Prayer
O loving God, You have lavished me with blessings. Help me trust in Your mercy and Your knowledge of my heart’s desire. Help me to respond generously, willingly, eagerly as I am called throughout my day to serve and share Your love. Help me to know that my effort is enough and all that You ask. Amen.

S. Monica Zore, OSF

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Reflection for the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, by S. Mary Ann Stoffregen, OSF

First Reading: 2 Kings 5: 14-17
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 2: 8-13
Gospel: Luke 17: 11-19

Reflection

When it’s hard for me to settle on a theme in the liturgical readings I go to the psalm response.  Today’s is perfect:  “The Lord has revealed his saving power.”  Even in the first reading, it is the Lord who is saving/healing as is evidenced when Elisha refuses the gift from Naaman.  In the letter to Timothy, Paul wants all the chosen to “obtain salvation that is in Christ Jesus.”  And in the Gospel, it is Jesus himself who saves/heals the ten lepers.  And what is our response to the saving/healing power of God?  Do we show our gratitude as Naaman or the Samaritan leper, returning to Jesus and glorifying God with loud voice?

Prayer

Loving and forgiving God, thank you for the many ways you have saved and healed me.  Thank you for the gift of life, the grace of Baptism, the food of Eucharist, the hope of Reconciliation.  Help me to see your action in all the people and situations I encounter this week.  Let me be willing to do the simple things like plunging into the healing waters as well as the harder ones like accepting sufferings that may come to me, in the name of Jesus and with a grateful heart.

Mary Ann Stoffregen, OSF

Reflection for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time, by S. Rose O’Brien, OSF

First Reading: Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
Gospel: Luke 17:5-10

Reflection

What do we do when we experience hardships, trouble and misery?  Habakkuk complains to God directly about the destruction and misery he sees around him.  God replies that the vision still has its time and if it delays, wait for it and it will not disappoint.

What do we do when we experience hardships, trouble and misery?  We believe that God is with us always and we pray…

Prayer

Come Lord Jesus, strengthen and console us in our faith and love.  Stir into flame again the Holy Spirit who dwells within us as we wait and we will not be disappointed.  Amen.

Rose O’Brien, osf