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