Gospel Reflections for September 2 2018
The best “to do” list ever
Moses has something important to say before his people enter the land God had promised them. I think He has something to say to Bishops today as well.
Forty years earlier Moses led his people out of Egyptian slavery and across the Red Sea that was miraculously parted by God. During their long desert journey, God gave them the Ten Commandments. They describe ten simple behaviors that would assure them lasting happiness and identify them as God’s people.
Before finally entering their new country, Moses reads the Ten Commandments to them again.
Moses knows these behaviors affirm who you are …and what you are to do. You are a follower of God …and you keep the Ten Commandments!
They would need this reminder since they would soon mix with a pagan culture that had human sacrifice and other violent acts. They would need to be strong on the inside to stay true to God and themselves.
This is important for anyone facing any big event, like a new job, a marriage proposal, or a family crisis. You can ask the same questions, “Who am I …and what am I to do?” The answers keep you grounded in integrity, where your actions match your true self. The answer is always to follow the Ten Commandments.
In the Gospel, Jesus references the kosher laws of ancient Israel that seemed more concerned with external appearances rather than inner truth. However, if you have your inner convictions firm, then no outside influence can ever change you. You will be true to yourself in any job, school, or community.
Ironically, Moses lost his leadership role because he failed his own test. He failed the first Commandment by not placing his trust in God. Another took his place.
This is a perfect Sunday for Bishops to recommit to the Ten Commandments as well. If they were ever selfishly more concerned about external appearances rather than the safety of parishioners, then they should immediately resign. Moses would agree.
School has already started for many students. Every day, they leave their families and mix with all kinds of different people. The readings remind them to be true to who they are and how to behave …no matter what. What a great lesson for people of all ages!
Your best “To Do” list” …You are a follower of Jesus …and you keep the Ten Commandments!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
I love this. Perfect timing, God’s timing. Now, time to bring the people back in as they have become lost sheep. Thank you Father Dave! ❤️
You are welcome!
So true Fr Dave
We must continue to reaffirm our faith commitments each day…to God. And pray for our church and children to be safe and strong!
The church must move past this and start to heal…
I agree. Let us keep praying for the Church.
I was very impressed by this talk by my Bishop, Robert Barron. In it he points out that Abraham Lincoln did not give up on his country when it was not going in the right direction. Rather, he focused on the basic principals that made the country great. Bishop Barron likens this to the present condition of the Church. Don’t give up because of the evils, but focus on the basic principals (Christ), and move forward.
https://www.facebook.com/BishopRobertBarron/videos/2183816005025442/?t=18
Yes, this is a great video. Bishop Barron always has the right words to say.
Very well said Fr. Dave, I think everyone should take time to go through the Ten Commandments often one at a time, and try to live a better life.
The Commandments have stood the test of time!
Yes, Fr. Dave, the bishops responsible for the terrible sexual assaults and abuse
of power, should resign. Their criminal acts that have damaged children was evil
Let’s acknowledge this scourge that has been overlooked for so many years.
Our renewed efforts as Catholics should send a signal to the hierarchy that we expect
them to be the leaders that God wants them to be.
.
Yes, all our Catholic people can actually show our leaders some good lessons!
Yes of course we should follow the Ten Commandments. Jesus brought us the beatitudes so that we could be happy. Our trust is in Jesus not the bishops. We encounter Jesus in the sacraments and especially in the Eucharist.
I like what you say about our inner values and strength being focus on
Jesus not this world.
Thank you for your reflection.
God Bless
Jane
You are welcome!
I am looking at this Gospel and seeing what is happening in the church. It is a time for us to look at our own relationship with our Lord. No matter what the devil throws at us, the Church will stand. We must look at it that way,. Our newest of 3 years priest was so down about it. You wanted to take him in your arms and say that it will get better (don’t worry, he is safe, I didn’t). At the end of his sermon, however, he told the congregation that we must get HOLY.. That to me is what this sermon is about that I must look to myself and strive that I don’t have those things in the Gospel. That is what is important not what others are doing or not doing. I believe in my heart that only good in the long run will come out of this., God is just dealing with the weeds so the church can blossom.
Well said! I am glad that you mentioned the end of the priest’s homily. That is the right ending!
Dear Father Dave,
Thanks again for your synopsis.
The Church scandal runs cold in all our hearts. On a positive note, I’ve read that major steps have been taken in recent years to weed out the potential abusers and put an end to this behavior.
Decades of abuse seems incredulous. Wouldn’t fellow priests, friends, or other contemporaries see or sense something amiss in the perpetrators?
Plus how on earth could these men offer Mass when they’ve so badly hurt those whom they were supposed to lead to Christ?
I’ve often thought the Church should permit priests to marry. The bond of marriage adds another dimension of honor and fidelity … not only fidelity to the promise itself but together in the adoration of God.
Married deacons can speak well to this. I look at the beauty and prayerful life between Franca and Dick.
That’s about all for now. God bless.
Kathleen
Good ideas, however selfishness, which is at the root of all abuse, can exist in anyone, married or not.
Dear Father Dave
Thank you for your words today.
I join with all those begging the Bishops, whether they be Bishops, Archbishops, Cardinals or the Holy Father, to follow the Ten Commandments. May the Light of Christ so enter into the hearts of these, our Shepherds, that the only Shepherds remaining will be the true Shepherds and that those wolves disguised as Shepherds will be revealed by Jesus’ light.
Excellent answer!
Father Dave, Thank you for your inspiring insights!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee our loving Jesus, follow Him and live the 10 Commandments will lead us to such a beautiful faithfilled life of love and joy and being there for others for our Jesus is living ius!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it and loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee you!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeee the precious priest pf love that you are!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Love your beautiful words Kathleen!! They touched our hearts in love!!!
Well said! SO VERY WELL SAID! THANK YOU.
BLESSINGS ALWAYS !
You are welcome!
Well said! So very well said! Thank you as always
Love and blessings.