Thursday, October 07, 2004

1:37 am

The Catholic Calendar for Friday, October 8, 2004
Friday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Galatians 3:7-14
Psalm 111:1
Luke 11:15-26

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's Gospel, we're indignant at the Pharisees for accusing Jesus of casting out demons by the power of a satanic god, Beelzebul. In the same way, we can be angry at those religions that tell us that, as Catholics, we're going to hell! Where does such thinking come from? Why does one religion see another religion as evil? Such accusations can come from ignorance and misunderstanding, but they can also come from envy, fear, or outright maliciousness. How do we respond to such attacks?

First, as Bishop Polycarp in the second century warned the Presbyters of the early church, one must never give way to anger. Why? Because that only distorts our thinking, and may even lead us to sinful thoughts and deeds against our accusers. Rather, as Jesus did, he cooly reasoned with his enemies, saying that a house divided against itself cannot stand for very long. By reasoning, he hoped to change their minds, and even their hearts.

How important it is for us to know our faith thoroughly, so thoroughly that we can calmly point out errors in others' thinking, while at the same time giving them sound doctrine that shows forth the light of God's truth.

Do you own a copy of the New Catechism of the Catholic Church? It is beautifully and forcefully written, citing Holy Scripture and the Fathers of the Church thousands of times, and unfolding the beautiful Catholic tradition. It is sound, authoritative, and complete. And, if you have access to the Internet, dip into the treasures of the Pope's recent documents on vital modern issues.(see: www.vatican.va) We have total and instant access to all information in these days. Let us inform our minds and hearts that we may respond well and in charity to those who would attack us.

- Msgr. Paul E. Whitmore
(smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)
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Scripture from today's Mass: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm
Lives of the saints: http://www.christdesert.org/public_texts/martyrology/
Daily Meditations in Spanish: http://www.daily-meditations.org/SpanishMeditations.html
Daily Meditations in English: http://www.daily-meditations.org/
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