Saturday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

October 19, 2019

Deacon Anthony J. Cincotta

Assistant Director for Retreat Ministry

 

 Memorial Feast: Saints Isaac Jogues, John De Brebeuf, Priests and Companions, Martyrs

Romans 4:13, 16-18

Psalm 105

Luke 12:8-12

Today’s Gospel describes how Jesus encourages His disciples as they head off into the unknown.  It may be similar to the advice parents give their child on their first day of school.  The child becomes less “afraid” after they were given some words of encouragement.  And, as a result, off the child went on their great adventure a little taller and a little stronger.  Parents have a way of giving their children faith and confidence.  Why?  Because they trust and believe that their parents are there to love, guide and protect them.  They have “faith” in us.

When I study Luke’s Gospel I realize that there was only one person in my life who challenged my Catholic belief.  A friend, a member of the Episcopal Church, would constantly ask me why I believed certain things in my Catholic faith – mostly about Jesus’ mother, Mary.  The discussions were always friendly and polite but I would get a bit frustrated when he wouldn’t accept my response.  In the end we both respected each other because of our individual beliefs and faith in God.

I believe today’s readings should inspire us to study more.  We do this to learn and understand our own faith on a deeper level.  Jesus was speaking to Christians who were losing their lives for their faith.  Today, in many parts of the world, Christians are losing their lives for their beliefs.  Let us pray that God will sustain them in their time of need, and also pray for an increase in faith for all who have fallen away from their faith – regardless of their tradition.    

Question of the Day: Will you defend your belief in Christ and defend it to  others?

Prayer: Loving Savior, pour Your love into our hearts.  Make us ready and willing to  give ourselves to others as You have given Yourself to us.

Prosit  

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ENCOUNTERING DIVINE PHYSICIAN (Gospel of Luke 5: 17-26)

Consider joining the Men and Women of Malvern by deepening your personal relationship with Jesus and your commitment as a disciple through a weekend retreat. 

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