Pastoral Reflections by Staff of St Joseph16th Sunday of Ordinary TimeReflection by Dn Dick Bayless In this week’s Gospel from Matthew, the 1st and second reading, and Psalm all play a role to present the arguments supporting the message Jesus is defining to the Apostles. In the book of Wisdom, we hear how God protects the righteous, while at the same time challenging the disbelievers to change their ways. The author adds a reflection on God’s enduring purpose for humanity. ‘You gave your people good ground for hope. God’s acts of kindness steer us toward faith.’ In the letter of St. Paul to the Romans, the Holy Spirit will intercede for us when we pray. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines a term Divine Providence which reflects on how God looks upon His creation. Everything God has created has value. No action of His created things is too small to escape His observation. Humans are created in the image and likeness of God. Humans are created to know love and serve God, and capable of being with God in the end of time for eternity, a result of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. So, brothers and Sisters, if God looks at His creation does as he see the good seed performing good deeds which give in discipleship glory to God. Or does He see the seed and weeds being choked out by temptations and sin? Each person can look at the presence of the Holy Spirit in their life via Mass and the sacraments. The Lord calls us continually to use the valuable time on earth to follow His plan for our life by living a life that seeks eternity with him. |
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