Search
Our Sunday Reflection - September 15, 2024
-
-
Faith, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:14-18
-
-
-
Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day
Yesterday we celebrated the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. That’s quite a mouthful, but it means that by dying on the cross, which he willingly accepted, Jesus was exalted. In today’s Gospel, Jesus confides in his disciples for the first time that he would be persecuted and killed. Then turning to the entire crowd, he tells them that they must take up their crosses, for it is in sacrificing their lives they can save them. Are you willing to accept your cross, difficult as it may be? As you ponder that question, remember this: your cross, the cross Jesus calls you to shoulder, is linked to the Holy Cross itself, which is the most beautiful sign of our salvation.Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word
Isaiah, attacked and rejected for speaking out, assuredly had a difficult cross to bear. But today we hear him insisting that he is willing to face all his opponents, for he trusts in GOD. James writes that faith must be put into action, which may lead to carrying a difficult cross. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the crowd that each person must take up his or her cross if they wish to save their life. As we listen to the readings, let us ponder which crosses we are reluctant to carry and pray for the strength and resolve to shoulder them.Reflections
- Sometimes the picture Isaiah paints of a Messiah is quite different from the Jewish tradition. He foresees that rather than marching to Israel in triumph, the Messiah will be reviled and rejected. Why? Because sinful leaders and a sinful people don’t want to hear God’s commands. But the Messiah would trust in God no matter what he had to endure. In subsequent verses, Isaiah says that the Mes siah eventually would be slain for the sins of his people. This is the Messiah we recognize as fulfilled in Jesus. This is the fate Jesus warns his disciples is coming.
- This lesson is appropriate today, for today is Catechetical Sunday. Over the next six Sundays, we will hear Jesus catechizing his disciples—and us—on what it truly means to be a disciple. Recently, we have heard Jesus perform miracles, heal the sick, and face down the scribes and Pharisees. But now he teaches a very difficult lesson. First, he tells them that he will suffer and be killed. Then he tells them that each disciple must take up his or her cross and follow him. They must sacrifice their lives for his sake and for the gospel. Not even Peter, perhaps his closest disciple, can accept all this. Can we?
- These expectations were difficult for his disciples then, and they are for us now. How do we answer the question Jesus addresses to his disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:29). If we acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the One who has become our Savior, then we are obligated to take up our crosses for his sake, joining them to his cross. We participate in his cross when we carry our crosses, accept help from others in carrying them, and assist others in carrying theirs.
Question of the Week
What cross of mine can I commit to carrying without complaining? Will I accept help when necessary? Whom can I assist in carrying their own cross?
-from Pastoral Patterns
-
readings of the mass
LISTEN HERE to the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, September 15, 2024
SELECT HERE for the Readings of Sunday, September 15, 2024
-
Offerings
The Sunday offerings are a portion of our blessings that we give to God (Church) in gratitude to what God has done for us...ONLINE GIVING OPTIONS -
Reflections on the readings
-
-
-
-
News from the Vatican
-
6 hours agoOn Sunday Pope Francis made his first public appearance in five weeks, coming to the balcony of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to wave and give a blessing to believers who had gathered below. -
yesterdayPope Francis’s medical team has announced that after five weeks of hospitalization and two brushes with death, he will be discharged Sunday, but must continue to rest and undergo his various... -
yesterdayAs Pope Francis marks five weeks in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, doctors have said he continues to improve but have not yet given an expected discharge date, while top aides have said a ‘new phase’ of...
-
-