Reflections for Sunday, October 20, 2013
Meditation and Questions for Reflection or Group Discussion
(Exodus 17:8-13; Psalm 121:1-8; 2 Timothy 3:14–4:2; Luke 18:1-8)
Saying Yes to God’s Plan and Mission for Your Life
… so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:17)
Imagine that you wake up one morning to find a package on your front doorstep. On it is a note from God:
“My Dear Friend, I have a very important mission for you. Inside this package is everything you will need to accomplish it.”
In the box is a Bible with ribbons marking four passages, two red cards with the word yes on them, and a wooden cane. When you open the Bible, you notice that the four passages marked are today’s Mass readings. The first one you open to is Psalm 121. It contains God’s assurance that he will help you. That would explain one yes card. God wants you to say yes to him, and he promises to help you along the way.
The second ribbon sends you to 2 Timothy, where the Lord shows you that he does have a plan for your life and that the Scriptures will equip you for “every good work” that is part of that plan.
Next, reality sets in as you read the story from Exodus. You see that there will be battles to fight, but that God will send people to hold you up. This second yes card is so that you will be humble enough to say yes to the people God sends your way.
When you read the final passage about the persistent widow, you realize what the cane is for: limping back and forth and pounding on doors. You understand that part of your mission will require perseverance—even when it feels like you aren’t getting anywhere.
Every morning when you wake up, think about this box. Say yes to God’s mission for you, and use the tools and people that he has put in your path.
“Lord, guide my footsteps, and strengthen me for the challenges that I will face in your name. Thank you for loving me so much that you give me the honor to do your will on earth.”
(Many thanks to The Word Among Us (www.wau.org) for allowing us to use meditations from their monthly devotional magazine. Used with permission. The Word Among Us Mass Edition contains all the readings and a meditation for each of the daily and Sunday Masses.)
Questions for Reflection/Discussion
- In the first reading, we see that whenever Moses’ intervention on behalf of his people flagged, those people he was charged with leading and protecting began to falter. Each of us, no matter what our state in life, has responsibilities for others, whether they be family, friends, or work associates. How constant are you in praying on their behalf? How could you improve?
- Also in the first reading, notice that Moses can’t do it alone. Without Aaron and Hur to support his raised hands when they grew tired, the outcome of the battle with Amalek would have been a disaster. Moses, the man who parted the Red Sea and spoke to God face-to-face, still needed the support of others to be victorious over his enemies. Do you believe that you too need the support of other men or women if you are to engage in and win your own spiritual battles against the world, the flesh, and the devil? If you are not already in a small faith sharing group, are you willing to consider joining one or even forming one? If not, why not?
- What occasions can you plan in the upcoming weeks to get together with others to pray together and to support each other? What would prevent you from doing this?
- In the responsorial psalm, we read that God “neither slumbers nor sleeps” in his ever vigilant protection. Also, he is our “help”, our “shade”, our “guardian”, “he is beside you at your right hand”, and “the Lord will guard your coming and your going.” In light of these wonderful truths, what steps might you take to focus your thoughts more on God during the day?
- In the second reading, St. Paul tells Timothy of the importance of “sacred Scripture” because it “is inspired by God and is useful” in our growth as Christians. In what ways has Scripture been “useful to you for “teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training”? How can you better incorporate Scripture reading into your daily prayer and your daily routines?
- The Gospel’s parable contrasts the dishonest judge with our loving Father who so wants to shower us with his love. Do you see God as a harsh judge waiting to punish you whenever you falter or a loving Father so that you can “call out to him day and night”? Why?
- How does your view of God the Father affect how you live out your life each day? This week, pray daily that God the Father will allow you to experience his loving care in a personal way.
- The meditation asks us to imagine receiving a box with “a Bible with ribbons marking four passages, two red cards with the word yes on them, and a wooden cane.” The meditation goes on to explain the messages conveyed by the contents of the box, in light of the Sunday Mass readings. How can you apply these messages to your own life?
- Take some time now to pray and ask the Lord to strengthen and guide you, so that you can do his will and accomplish his plan for your life. Use the prayer at the end of the meditation as a starting point.
