Scripture meditation for the Daily Gospel

REFLECTION ON THE DAILY GOSPEL 29 NOVEMBER 2012

/ Michael J. Cunningham / Leave a comment

Gospel Lk 21:20-28

Those who have rejected Jesus will pay a price. There really is no shorthand for doing so. How do we internalize this … do we reject Jesus knowingly, or do we just sometimes misunderstand Him? This passage speaks directly to the times we reject Him knowingly and those that do so. There are consequences, although we try and avoid describing a “fire and brimstone” vengeful God. Just as in the Old Testament the prophecy of Destruction is followed by Restoration for those that follow him.
Jesus then describes the path of redemption and love, through His mission, and invites us to join him in safety and comfort for all times.

REFLECTION ON THE DAILY GOSPEL 28 NOVEMBER 2012

/ Michael J. Cunningham / Leave a comment

Gospel Lk 21:12-19

The warnings of personal persecution and promises of safe keeping in a future world are given to the apostles and the crowd surrounding him. It could be just this way today. Many still persecute in their own name, and we have to reach inward and to Him for the faith and strength to withstand many attacks.

We die a little death every time our faith it attacked, but when we rise up and defend it we are rewarded and strengthened. “ … but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.”

REFLECTION ON THE DAILY GOSPEL 26 NOVEMBER 2012

/ Michael J. Cunningham / Leave a comment

Gospel Lk 21:1-4

The leaders of the Jewish faith of the time expected the poorest members of society to give up their inheritance to them. While Jesus applauds the widow for her generosity, he also makes the analogy of “giving everything up”, something that he would do Himself on the cross for mankind.

We can only imagine generosity … selfless generosity such as that of the widow. Leaving her plight only to God’s will. A faith that will be hard for us to emulate in both bad and good financial times.
At the weekend, I stopped to get gas at a local station in NH, having recently had the good fortune to afford a newer car. A disheveled man drove in next to me in a car that was rusty and more than 30 years old. It reminded me of my previous car and wondered how others viewed me when they saw me in that car. A car I was pleased to have at the time, as it was our only form of transportation. No matter how hard it is, we need to work on being humble not judgmental when we encounter the poor. The selflessness of many who are poor and still give should inspire us all to better things.