Reflections of Caritas

GOSPEL: Luke 21:5-19

Dear friends,

As we come to the end of the liturgical year, the Word of God today speaks to us about “The end”.  Overwhelmed by the horrific description of events such as destruction, wars, revolutions, earthquakes, plagues, famines, and fearful sights, we might forget to hear the real words of Jesus: “Do not be afraid… but the end is not so soon” (Luke 21:9).

The situation we are in, in this present world, might be very tough, it might even question our faith in Jesus Christ, yet if we endure, we shall have every course to smile at the end as Jesus assures us today: “Your endurance will win you your lives.”

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GOSPEL: Luke 20:27, 34-38

Dear friends,

As we near the end of the liturgical year, the word of God invites us to contemplate on the mystery of God in relation to human death and life!  Jesus assures us that there is life after death because our God is the God of living. 

This truth—that God is the God of the living—changes the way we view our life right now. We are challenged to live differently today. For we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Show your gratitude today and give thanks to the Savior who made you worthy of that age to come. Live as if this life were nothing but a short journey to your final destination in heaven because that’s exactly what it is. View your wealth not as something to be gathered, but something to be used to serve him in thanks. God blesses us so that we can bless and touch other lives.

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GOSPEL: Luke 19:1-10

Dear friends,

The story of Zacchaeus in the gospel is a true indication that the merciful Christ comes to seek and save us. Irrespective of all human obstacles, the courage and humility of Zacchaeus attracted the attention and mercy of Christ to him. He refused to be limited by the crowd or allow his shortcomings to be a hindrance to his salvation. He saw mercy and salvation, and immediately took advantage of them.

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GOSPEL: Luke 18:9-14

BE HUMBLE!

Dear friends,

In contrasting the prayer of the Pharisee with the prayer of the tax collector in the parable, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray in humility before God. Jesus surprises his listeners by showing the tax collector as the example of faith, rather than the Pharisee. Remember that Pharisees were members of a sect of Judaism active in Jesus' time. If anyone would be a model for prayer, a Pharisee was a likely candidate. In contrast, Jesus offers the tax collector as a model for prayer. This parable reminds us that when we pray, we must remember our need for God in our lives. If we are too full of ourselves, there is too little room for God's grace to work in us. A good life, like a good prayer, comes from emptying ourselves of ourselves to let God in.

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