Daily Scriptures Reflection for Sunday, November 3, 2013

Scripture: Lectionary 154. Nov.3 the 31^st Sunday (C). Wisdom 11:22-12:1. Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9,10-11. 13,14, II Thessalonians 1:11-2:2. Luke 19: 1-10:

My reflections take in all of the four readings including the Psalm Response and its verses. I just touch upon each of them as the Spirit moved me for this Sunday in Ordinary Time.

In our first reading from Wisdom we learn that this is a special revelation of God to us about God’s greatness. The inspired author who wrote in Greek uses two metaphors to show us the glory or greatness of God’s omnipotence and omnipresence. He compares the whole universe to a single grain on a scale or balance and then adds the metaphor of the whole universe as a drop of dew compared to who God is. This God is Personal and is the lover of our souls.

Psalm 145 is among the most positive psalms in the Bible. It is a prayer of praise that glorifies God and praises his loving-kindness toward us. The psalm has a universal perspective and complements what we have learned from the first reading for today. The psalm is remarkable in its originality, its warmth of expression, and its sensitive religious piety.

II Thessalonians cautions us not to predict the end time or try to use Scripture for reading what is happening in politics, wars, etc. The intention of the writer is focused on living in the present with Jesus as our focus. There is definitely a certain realism in this epistle that helps us keep our feet on the ground without delving into future speculations about the end of the world or time. We do not need prophets of doom or doomsday. We are to live in the now and in the presence of God.

The Gospel is a wonderful example of Jesus’ humanness and his appreciation of the tax collector named Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus is a very colorful and creative person who runs ahead of the crowd surrounding Jesus and then climbs a tree to see Jesus for he was small in stature. Jesus tells him to come out and down from his tree to prepare a meal for Jesus at his home. He is so moved by this that he is willing to give his money and treasures to the poor or to those whom he may have overcharged. Zacchaeus only want to be with Jesus and enjoy his presence at the table he himself will prepare. Jesus assures him that salvation (Jesus name means “salvation”) has come to his house this day. Zacchaeus lives in the present and in the presence of the Lord. We should be so lucky! And we are when we celebrate the Eucharist this Sunday. Amen.