Gospel for October 20 2024 – Matthew 22: 34-40
Gospel Reflections for October 20 2024
World Series Winner!
Can you imagine a Major League Baseball team seeking the World Series title, but without playing any games at all? You would be outraged, but that is what happens in today’s Gospel.
Two disciples are intrigued when Jesus announces His “Kingdom of God.” That sounds like a wonderful place and so they want prominent roles in that Kingdom, but they want it instantly and without actually following Our Lord!
Jesus takes it all in good humor but indicates that they will have to eventually get in the game which simply means they must follow Him, and live and love with total commitment just as He has done for them.
He also indicates that a Christian life may include severe challenges, hardship, and even suffering. Christians might have to enter the arena of a difficult life. (…what life doesn’t?) Christians never ask for suffering, and if possible, you can hope it never happens, but if it does, you know exactly what to do. (See my article, What if I get Sick?)
By following the words and life of Jesus you emerge from suffering, wiser, happier, and more at peace than ever before, just as He did. Your steady commitment to love, in sickness and in health, and no matter what life brings, ensures the same peace that Jesus enjoyed. There is no easy path to success in life …or in Major League Baseball!
While it sounds great to get a trophy instantly, it’s not actually very satisfying if it comes with no effort. Cheap awards just don’t feel like awards, and do not satisfy.
The two disciples in today’s Gospel certainly had sincere intentions but they were innocently mistaken about how real success and happiness is found. If they took the cheap shortcut, they would remain weak and defenseless against the first challenge that ever came along.
I hope your favorite team wins the World Series. Yet I know every player on any favorite team will have to actually enter the stadium and play with everything they have and with total personal commitment in order to win.
You can also enter each day with that same spirit of total commitment to Our Lord. You can truly feel like …and actually be …a winner each and every day.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
If you really want to suffer … pick the Dodgers!!!
I must admit, I have a hard time rooting for the Dodgers after they mocked religious sisters in such a cruel way.
I read the article you suggested about getting sick. I was advised by a Doctor that I had fourth stage cancer. He asked me how I felt about that and what steps I would take after getting that news.
Well I said, My Life has been wonderful great Wife, Parents and Now Children and Grand kids. I am right with my Lord and if He wants Me , I’m ready to go. He looked surprised and wondered How I came to think that way, so I shared my belief and how it came to be.
He then offered some treatments that were not proven but needed patients willing to endure them. I signed a few release papers, said many Prayers and here I am three. Years later still alive and living in Gods Graces.
Infusion has ceased life is good and the Cancer is in remission. DEO GRATIAS
Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. Faith, Hope, and Love are still the three best medicines to take every day!