October 20


 Saint Paul of the Cross

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Today’s Gospel: Luke 12:35-38
(Watchful Servants)

“Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.


Reflection:

Paul has the most welcoming news for the Ephesians: you who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ! He is our peace. He tore down every dividing wall and made us one family, no longer strangers and foreigners, we are now fellow citizens of the saints and members of God’s household. Jesus is the cornerstone, and we are all part of His house. Can you picture our Church that way? Always remember there’s always room for everyone.

Then Jesus tells His friends to keep their lamps burning and always be ready, because when the Master returns and finds His servants watching, something amazing will happen: He ties on an apron, sits them down at the table, and serves them! Oh wow, our Master serves us. What an incredible God! That’s what we’re waiting for, and it’s why we can be joyful watchers. Keeping our lamps lit simply means living our faith where others can see the light from within us in all we do.

Nobody kept a lamp lit like Mary did. Even on Holy Saturday, when all seemed silent, tradition says her faith never flickered, and the light of the whole Church burned in her heart. Saint Paul of the Cross, who founded the Passionists, preached the love of Jesus shown on the Cross so tenderly that hearts were moved to turn back to God. He knew Mary stood beside the Cross, and she stands beside us. It is Beneath the Standard of Mary, where the lamp is never out, and the dawn is always coming.

Where could your light be a little brighter today, in your home, at your parish, or in your workplace? Who might see it and who might be drawn toward Jesus? Ask Our Lady to keep your lamp lit and your heart ready. Always remember, they will know we are Christians by our love.

 

Rosary Man Jim 🌹
Freely given. Freely shared.

Location: Tonawanda, NY 14150, USA

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