REFLECTION ON THE DAILY GOSPEL 24 NOVEMBER 2012

Gospel Lk 20:27-40

This passage is difficult to understand on first reading. Here Jesus is answering the Sadducees questions on the topic of resurrection, which some believe in but many do not. Jesus responds as only God could know how. He describes the world out of this world, and that our lives here are a prelude to a heavenly time if they worship God while they are here. He guides them skillfully through how it will be. They will become “like angels”, and will be the ones who will rise. Notice how Jesus refers them to the God of the Old Testament and how he made himself available to the prophets; proving again his willingness as God to move together amongst mankind.

For us today, we have the ultimate act of Forgiveness for our sins in His death and resurrection, so we no longer have to debate whether resurrection is possible or not. All things are possible with God.
This path of a beautiful life, of which we are offered glimpses of His love daily. Regarding the afterlife, a friend recently sent me this note in response to a nice card that I sent him for Thanksgiving.

“The scenes are always heartwarming – God’s Eden and paradise – maybe someday – God willing.”

We live in hope that one day we will awaken in his kingdom and be united in his love and friendship.

REFLECTION ON THE DAILY GOSPEL–Thanksgiving Day 2012

Lk 17:11-19

It is very appropriate that this Gospel is read for Thanksgiving Day Mass. When I was a child growing up in England the village had an Autumn Harvest Festival. While I know now that some of these celebration may go back to pagan times, when I was in the village of Semington, England, only the Protestant Churches seemed to celebrate this thankfulness for the crop. Now, after almost 30 years of living in the US, the Thanksgiving vacation has become very precious to our entire family. It is the time when we give thanks for all the gifts of the year, not just the crop or physical goods that God has given, but the love, friendship, assistance, fellowship and community of his presence in our lives. Especially though giving thanks for the gift of family.
Who leads this family? Who gives all the gifts? Who gives them to those that don’t go back and “thank him”, like the leper in today’s Gospel? It is God who makes all these things possible. Today, let us accept those gifts with a thankful heart and rejoice in the ever-loving God who created them.
A very Happy Thanksgiving.

Mike

Video Gospel and Reflection 16 November 2011

Daily Gospel 16 November 2011

Reflection

We have talents and gifts and are expected to use them. God wants us to share the riches and benefits of our friendship with others. Do not hide or conceal them, but use them openly and wisely for the glory of God.

Gospel Lk 19:11-28