TODAY’S READINGS

From Luke’s Gospel (Lk 9:22-25) we read the familiar utterance of Jesus to those who are paying attention:

“If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself
and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (v. 23)

“There is no doubt about it: a person who loves pleasure, who seeks comfort, who flies from anything that might spell suffering, who is over-anxious, who complains, who blames and who become impatient at the least little thing which does not go his way — a person like that is Christian only in name; he is only a dishonour to his religion, for Jesus Christ has said so…” (St John Mary Vianney, Selected Sermons, Ash Wednesday) (The Navarre Bible: St Luke, 124-125)

“Conversion is accomplished in daily life by gestures of reconciliation, concern for the poor, the exercise and defense of justice and right, by the admission of faults to one’s brethren, fraternal correction, revision of life, examination of conscience, spiritual direction, acceptance of suffering, endurance of persecution for the sake of righteousness. Taking up one’s cross each day and following Jesus is the surest way of penance.” (CCC 1435)

“In the first century, to take up a cross meant one was on the way to crucifixion and hence in the final hours of one’s life. To take up a cross daily can mean to live each day as if it is one’s last, focusing on the most important thing to do in one’s remaining hours: unite oneself with Jesus as his follower.” (Bringing the Gospel of Luke to Life, 261)

We hear this verse often quoted, but do you ever really stop to think about its practical implications? Consider the quote directly above. Living each day as if it was one’s last (and one day it will be!) surely would make us measure every thought, word, and action very carefully. And, if followed faithfully, would make us initially consider our entire lives and what penance and reparation would be required for past faults against God and others. I need to get busy.

And get a load of the list from the Catechism of challenges that lead to conversion! Admission of faults, fraternal correction, acceptance of suffering, endurance of persecution, and on and on. A tall order. Being a disciple of Jesus is no mean feat. The Lord is a demanding God, teacher, brother, and friend. Am i up to it?

Last but not least, the first excerpt, from The Navarre Bible was especially hard hitting for me; I see many of my habitual shortcomings in that list. A CINO (Christian In Name Only), a dishonor to Catholicism? I don’t like the sound of that. So what am I going to do about it? I have much to consider, to pray about, to change.

NEW BOOK!

I was very excited to receive on Tuesday, the day it was released, Wisdom of Solomon by Mark Giszczak. I have been waiting for a few years now, hoping that the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture series, which had completed its entire New Testament set of books, would expand to the Old Testament. Well, it’s finally here! Diving in will have to wait till after Easter — I can’t wait!

REMINDER

My daily ten-minute Eucharist for Lent vidcasts continue today with a breaking open of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

A FINAL NOTE

The superb Opening the Scriptures series from Our Sunday Visitor includes the Bringing the Gospel of Luke commentary quoted above. Note that they have both this volume and the entry on Matthew available for $10 (just click on the link after the quote). A wise buy if you can swing it.

God bless.