Gospel Reflections for September 3 2017
Hurricane force wind and rain!
I wish there was something we could have done to stop the hurricane from devastating so much of Southern Texas and Louisiana this last week. The scenes of neighborhoods under water and displaced families has been heart-rendering.
However, what has been inspirational to see is the efforts of hundreds of thousands of people quickly coming to the aid of the desperate people there. Despite recent media reports of political divisions here and there, when a crisis like this hurricane happened, the best and heroic efforts of so many people have come forward to make things better.
Hurricanes are a natural part of the weather patterns in that area, and have occurred there for literally millions of years. However, because of so many towns and cities there now, these hurricanes now seriously impact those families in that stormy area.
Yet, despite the hundred mile an hour winds, pounding rain, and record high flooding, many courageous people are using every means possible to seek out those who are in trouble and need help. We have all seen the images of First Responders and helpful friends and neighbors in boats rescuing stranded people from their flooded homes. No hurricane will stop them!
In today’s Gospel, Jesus predicts He will suffer if He travels to Jerusalem. He knows it is a place of wild emotions and very sinful people. Peter, and perhaps even other disciples try to convince Him to seek safety instead. Jesus confronts Peter with some of the strongest words in the Gospel, “Get behind me, Satan!” Jesus recognizes that an appeal to seek safety and security precisely when loved ones are in trouble, is precisely what Satan would like. That will not happen with Jesus!
Jesus knew the kind of world He was coming to when He was born in Bethlehem, and He also knows the “storm” He is coming to now if He travels to Jerusalem. He knows the devastation and destruction that sin, selfishness, greed, immorality, violence, hate, and evil bring to people’s lives.
He knows the suffering and heartbreak that sinfulness causes, yet He means to enter that storm for our salvation and nothing will stop Him …not even Peter!
Nothing will stop Him from rescuing the people He loves.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Thank you, Father Dave. I guess our Lord spent His life on earth fighting the elements of nature, especially the nature of humanity.
There is no bigger battle!
Hi Father Dave, current events brings us all together as one nation under God as such we have to see for what our neighbor needs rather than what I want It’s always a blessing reading what you write so inspirational.
Joe
You are welcome!
Thank you Fr. Dave,
I am very proud to see the goodness that has been brought forth from the storm. I guess you could say that Jesus is a beautiful silver lining.
We also need to keep the people in Southeast Asia and India in our prayers. They had no Superdomes to go to when the rain hit them and many people died. All The beautiful churches that have Halls and The Sporting event Halls like a super dome also double as Safehavens in times of need.
I pray that church communities grow in their love for God and Jesus Christ and continue to build safe Havens for the needy.
Jesus is our silver lining of Love.
Yes, that is our prayer for everyone in crisis!
Love your beautiful words, Jesus must enter the storm and He does so williingly and beautifully so we might be saved!! We must enter the storm of life, fight abortion,fight terrorism, figth immorality and help,.be a giver, be another Jesus in our world!! We must radiate Jesus’ love by praying and doing good deeds!! The beautiful responders in Texas are doing just that!! Our President Trump is fighting the storm by being pro life, pro family, pro faith and announcing a day of prayer tomorrow for the beautiful people of Texas!!! Love our president!!!!We must be Jesus in our world!!!
With much loveeeeeeeeeeeeee,
Franca and Dick
Thank you!
With the tragedy in Texas beyond compare, we saw the face of Jesus saying,
“Love one another as I have loved you”
It is heartening that the president designated Sunday as a national day of prayer for the victims.
and to hear the governor and VP calling on the Lord to help the suffering people in this
devastating hurricane.
How would I cope mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually in similar circumstances?
I am sure that many people will come to your aid!