Daily Gospel Reflection for October 16, 2015

Today's Gospel: Luke 12:1-7

Optional Memorial of Saint Hedwig, Religious

Optional Memorial of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin

So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another under foot.

Has that ever happened to your parish? Have you ever seen a crowd so desperate to see Jesus that feet are getting smashed? That you have to pick up your children, lest they get trampled by the crowd?

Perhaps they were all gathered together to hear a rousing sermon on the fires of hell:

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one.

Okay, I'll admit, I've never experienced either that Get-to-Mass Stampede (slight crowding at Christmas doesn't count), and I'm pretty sure a fire-and-brimstone homily would clear the pews fast.

But that's a bit backward, isn't it? God Himself shows up at our parish every day of the week – where are the crowds? And why don't we want to hear more about the importance of safeguarding our eternal souls?

Especially when we know that the message comes with the promise of God's infinite love and care for us:

Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.

God loves us so much He died for us. That's something worth getting up on a Sunday for, isn't it?

Ponder:

How often do my priorities get out of order? How often do I put needless worries ahead of my worship of God? Have I ever made my physical health and safety an idol? Do I ever go beyond the normal care and concern for my body, temple of the Holy Spirit, and let fear consume me to the point that I neglect my soul?

Pray:

Lord, show me how to prioritize my day, my week, my month, and my year. Show me the right use of my body, and the proper care of my soul. Help me to give myself to you completely, body and soul. Amen.

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Jennifer Fitz