Saturday, August 10, 2019

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time_C - Companions For The Journey_081119



                 Faithfulness                   Praise                         Service


Deacon Tom Writes,
“Companions For The Journey ”


The readings today give us a practical guide to good living. First, there’s the matter of faith. You need it! Like the ancient people that God called out of bondage in Egypt, we need faith to get us through the hardships and the adversities of this life. Let’s face it. We’re fine as long as things are going our way. We enjoy the good times, the happy moments when we celebrate birthdays, graduations, weddings and anniversaries. We delight when we are successful in moving up the corporate ladder and get the big promotion. But those days of disappointment when things don’t work our right, when relationships fall apart or end, when we lose loved ones……..that’s when faith, if we have fostered and nourished it, enables us to endure and eventually to heal. Faith is a life long friend and companion, that enables us to live life to the fullest, in good times ….. and in bad.

The Responsorial Psalm invites us to recognize the blessings we have received and to give thanks and praise to God. He has called us into an intimate relationship with Him to share in His love and goodness. In doing so He fills the deepest longings and desires of our hearts that helps us grow in faith in Him and trust in His works. 

The gospel reminds us of what we should bring into this relationship, namely…. attentiveness and faithfulness. God requires that we be diligent servants… Always mindful of what the master wants done; always faithful to do what is required. 

Some say that life is a mystery and there is a lot of truth in that statement. The same can be said about faith. There is a mysterious element to it that awakens our need to praise and give thanks to God, and moves us to be faithful and attentive servants. Like essential nutrients, these ingredients aid us in living good spiritual lives. They enable us to give mature and effective witness to the world that we are Disciples of Christ.

Jesus knows how difficult it will be to live according to the high standards He has set. So, once again He reassures us and tells not to be afraid. Words to comfort us and encourage us to persevere in our efforts to live good lives of faithfulness, praise and service.

Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom


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