Gospel Reflections for October 21 2018
The winner’s trophy!
Can you imagine a Major League Baseball team seeking the World Series title, but without playing any games at all? We would be outraged, but that is what happens in today’s Gospel.
A well intentioned mother is intrigued when Jesus announces His “Kingdom of God.” That sounds like a wonderful place and so she wants a prominent role in that Kingdom for her two sons, but she wants it instantly and without them 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 sometimes include severe challenges, hardship, and even suffering. Christians might have to enter the arena of a difficult life. (…what life isn’t?) Christians never ask for suffering, and if possible, we hope it never happens, but if it does, we know exactly what to do. (See my article, What if I get Sick?)
By following the words and life of Jesus we emerge from suffering, wiser, happier, and more at peace than ever before, just as He did. Our 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.
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 mother in today’s Gospel certainly had sincere intentions for her sons, but she was 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. Cheap shortcuts lead nowhere.
I hope your favorite team wins the World Series. Yet I know every player on any favorite team will have to actually enter the arena of life and play with everything they have and with total personal commitment in order to win.
Enter each day with the same spirit of total commitment and fidelity to Our Lord. You can truly feel like …and actually be …a winner each and every day.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
I try to start each day in prayer & hope God will bless us . And by the end of the day we feel we have done our best…
Just the right way to start and end you day!
Love your commentary!! With Jesus as the center of our lives and living His precious love, we are always winners in love!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it and love you for giving our precious Jesus to us!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, franca and Dick!!
Beautiful Life, beautiful faith!! We are sooooooooooooooooooooooooo blessed in loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
Yes!
You hit is out of the park again, Fr Dave. Im sharing this with my team at home. Thank you for the reminder⚾️
I am honored you liked my article, and are sharing it with your team at home!
You hit is out of the park again, Fr Dave. Im sharing this with my team at home. Thank you for the reminder⚾️
Great insights for meditation, Fr Dave!
Anything worthwhile takes time and effort, and taking time from our busy schedules
to reflect on God”s goodness to us could be worth the effort!
Yes, it is always good to remember God’s goodness to us.
Every time I hear this Gospel I always think what I would want. I think I would be happy just getting a little corner in heaven. I think pride would tell us that we would like to sit right next to Our Lord but then I look at the past mistakes and would be happy just making it and being thee to worship God wherever as long as I make it.
I think you are choosing well.
“Most people have the will to win, few have the will to prepare to win” Bobby Knight
Whether it’s baseball, chess or heaven, we need preparation. Thank you for your untimely message.
I meant “timely” message .. oops!
I meant “timely” message .. ooops
Yes, I agree with Bobby Knight’s message!
Dear Father Dave,
You’ve given us a wonderful metaphor of reflection.
I’ve been a devoted Catholic all my life and her teachings have been a guiding and strengthening force.
Every day brings a new and exciting challenge of some sort. I wouldn’t be the same person without God’s enormous gift of faith. It’s beautiful!
God bless you for all you do.
Kathleen
Well said!