August 31, 2014
22nd Sunday Ordinary Time
We all have volunteered at one time or another – stepping forward, raising a hand, saying “yes.†At reception of Holy Communion, we say: “Amen†which means: “Yes.†The gifts of bread & wine and the offertory collection that we bring to the altar symbolize our giving of self i.e. our expression of gratitude in Eucharist and our participation in the sacrificial and redemptive offering of the Mass. St. Paul in his Letter to the Romans urges us to offer our bodies as a spiritual offering pleasing to God. He cautions us not to conform to this age but to allow our bodies and minds to be transformed as we discern God’s purpose. It is a very difficult thing to do i.e. to offer ourselves not knowing what God may ask of us. In our first reading, Jeremiah confronts God. “You duped me.†Called as a young boy to share God’s Word, Jeremiah, the crying prophet, has come to experience rejection, ridicule and failure. He tells God he wishes to stop but a fire burns within, in his bones and he is compelled to continue to proclaim God’s salvation and judgment. In the Gospel, Jesus explains what he understands “Messiah†to mean but Peter objects: “God forbid that you should suffer.†Jesus reacts strongly and calls Peter, the rock, a Satan for trying to trip him up. Jesus could well have been troubled already. In the Garden of Gethsemane, he prays to his Father to remove the cup of suffering but concludes “not my will but yours be done.†We too are hesitant to offer ourselves to God not knowing what life will bring. Yesterday Nigel and Russchele promised their love and fidelity during the wedding ceremony. They are saying “yes†publicly not knowing how their life together will unfold but trusting in God’s providence. Today, before the preparation of the gifts and offertory of the Mass, let us pray for generosity of hearts to say “yesâ€, for the grace of discerning our place in God’s plan, and for the courage to be faithful to our commitment.
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21st Sunday Ordinary Time
