Friday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Click here for today's readings on the USCCB website.
Reading: 2 John 4-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:1, 2, 10, 11, 17, 18
Alleluia: Luke 21:28
Gospel: Luke 17:26-37
Today’s readings audio:
A Reply to Problems Within the Church (2 John 4-9)
In today’s first reading, which is attributed to the Apostle John, is a letter to the Church addressing some problems that he sees. He reminds the community that we are to walk in the according to Jesus’ commandments and chief among these is to love one another.
For this is love, that we walk according to his commandments;* this is the commandment, as you heard from the beginning, in which you should walk.
2 John 6
John also warns about those who would deceive the followers of Christ and teach a teaching other than what Christ himself taught.
8 Look to yourselves that you do not lose what we worked for but may receive a full recompense.
9 Anyone who is so “progressive” as not to remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God; whoever remains in the teaching has the Father and the Son.2 John 8-9
We need to take heed of this even today. Since the time of Jesus and the apostles, there have been many heresies and fractures within the Church. Today there are many Christian churches that teach their own doctrines and even within the Catholic church today there are divisions. But it is important for us to realize this and resist those changes that are contrary to the teaching of Christ. For this, we need to study and prepare so that we can defend the faith, as John did.
Too often though, we stand aside and say, ‘Well that is a problem for the church hierarchy to figure out.’ But it is really for us to raise our voices to our pastors and bishops if we see error.
In the Church, "lay members of the Christian faithful can cooperate in the exercise of this power [of governance] in accord with the norm of law." And so the Church provides for their presence at particular councils, diocesan synods, pastoral councils; the exercise of the pastoral care of a parish, collaboration in finance committees, and participation in ecclesiastical tribunals, etc.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 911
I encourage you to learn your faith so that you may not be fooled by false teachers that would lead you astray. Read your Bible and Catechism daily. If this is new to you, I further encourage you to sign up for the Bible in a Year or the Catechism in a Year by Ascension Press. There is also a pamphlet by The Coming Home Network International that gives you a reading plan for each day that you can then check off. I will provide links at the bottom of the reflection today.
It is only through study and prayer that we will defend ourselves and our families from being led astray.
The Day of the Son of Man (Continued) (Luke 17:26-37)
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus continues and makes references to the days of Noah and Lot. Up until the rain started and wiped out the people and after Lot left and fire and brimstone came down from heaven and destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, the people kept doing their daily routines. They were given ample warning and time to repent, and they didn’t. Jesus says that the same will happen when he comes again.
So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed.
Luke 17:30
We have warnings and signs in the Bible that should make people take pause and repent, but they are so caught up in their self-importance and pride that they do not realize that it is to their own destruction.
Secular society will tell you that you make your own morality and your own truth. But there is only one Truth and that is Jesus Christ. We need to bring our hearts and minds back to that Truth as it is the only way to attain Heaven. Because if we don’t, we will be like those that are left behind.
34 I tell you, on that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken, the other left.
35 And there will be two women grinding meal together; one will be taken, the other left.Luke 17:34-35
How do we know what is true or false? First, we need to attend Mass. Jesus reveals himself in the sacraments of the Church and we receive him in the Eucharist. Second, we need to study scripture. Without knowing what God actually is saying to us, we will not know the Truth, which is His Son. Third, read the Catechism as it contains the teachings of the Church. Fourth, read other books on the saints.
And finally, find a friend that you can share this with. If you are married, it should be your spouse, but if you are not married, find someone who is strong in their faith. Let that person be willing to tell you the truth when you make mistakes.
I would add find a spiritual director or develop a relationship with your pastor. I acknowledge that this may be difficult depending on the size of your parish or diocese and the time constraints on a pastor or parochial vicar, but it is still a good way to make sure that you are staying on the right path.
Bible and Catechism in a Year Resources
Ascension Press - Bible in a Year with Father Mike Schmitz - BIY - Podcast
Ascension Press - Catechism in a Year with Father Mike Schmitz - CIY - Podcast
The Coming Home Network International: Read the Bible & Catechism in a Year
Prayer for Help in Time of Trouble
Lord, in every need let me come to You with humble trust saying,
“Jesus, help me.”
In all my doubts, perplexities, and temptations,
Jesus, help me.
In hours of loneliness, weariness, and trials,
Jesus, help me.
In the failure of my plans and hopes; in disappointments, troubles, and sorrows,
Jesus, help me.
When others fail me, and Your grace alone can assist me,
Jesus, help me.
When I throw myself on Your tender love as a father and savior,
Jesus, help me.
When my heart is cast down by failure at seeing no good come from my efforts,
Jesus, help me.
When I feel impatient and my cross irritates me,
Jesus, help me.
When I am ill, and my head and hands cannot work, and I am lonely,
Jesus, help me.
Always, always, in spite of weakness, falls, and shortcomings of every kind,
Jesus, help me and never forsake me.
Amen.