29th Sunday - C (October 15, 2022)

 

Not the Judge’s Way, but God’s Way

Luke 18: 1-8

 

In most of Jesus’ parables, one of the characters would reflect some aspects of God’s goodness.

 

In today’s parable, however, the judge “who neither feared God nor respected any human being” would have to be seen as the opposite of God. 

 

Consequently, Jesus urges us to avoid the attitude and behaviors of the judge.  St. Paul illustrated the way of Jesus when he exhorted Timothy, “Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”  (Second Reading, 2 Timothy 3: 14-15)

 

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29th Sunday - B (October 17, 2021)

 

What to ask

Mark 10: 35-45

 

The request made by James and John, and the reaction from the other disciples expose their ambition.  It is such an opposite with the way of Jesus, who “came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 

 

Jesus thus comments to James and John, “You don’t know what you are asking.”

 

Similarly, we do not always know what to ask for in prayer.

 

We should first ask for an ever deeper appreciation of Jesus’ self-sacrificing love for us.  Then, we would know to pray for what we each need to imitate Jesus in his way of service.    

 

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29th Sunday - A (October 18, 2020)

 

“Repay To God What Belongs to God”

Matthew 22: 15-21

 

The question then is, “What does not belong to God?”

 

All things and all people are from God and belong to God.

 

In the current social and political climate, this fact challenges us to examine our attitude regarding all that God has created. 

 

Some possible questions are:

Do I allow myself, other people, or created things to take God’s place in my life and in my heart?  One practical application of this question is in our political viewpoint and affiliation.  Is the #1 rule in my life God’s law, or my political agenda, or that of my political party or leader?

 

Another question:  How do I treat others, particularly those who hold different opinions than mine?  In the Second Reading, St. Paul reminds us that we all are “brothers and sisters,” “chosen” and “loved by God.”  

 

Today is also World Mission Sunday.  View Pope Francis' message for this day  here.

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29th Sunday - C (October 20, 2019)

Readings

29th Sunday - B (October 21, 2018)

Ransom and True Freedom

Mark 10: 35-45

Last week, a person let his possessions keep him from following Jesus.  It’s the temptation of having things in our control.

This week, the Gospel warns us of the danger of the desire for power and positions.  It’s the temptation of controlling people.

Meanwhile, Jesus surrendered even the control of his life.  He “gave his life as a ransom” to give us true freedom.   

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29th Sunday - A (October 22, 2017)

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Matthew 22: 15-21

What Belongs to God

“Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”

The question is, “What belongs to Caesar that does not belong to God?”

The fact is everything belongs to God, beginning with the life we have. 

Even Caesar’s power, in the eyes of faith, comes from God. 

While legitimate civil authorities have their roles in our lives, in the good running of a country and of the world, to them belongs nothing that does not come from God. 

Then, how does Jesus’ instruction guide or challenge me in how I set priorities of my life? 

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29th Sunday - C

Commentary

Luke 18:1-8

Prayer – More than Asking for Things and Favors

Sometimes, we limit our prayer to asking God for favors. 

There are non-verbal prayers (for example, meditation) and verbal prayers (which can be said out loud or silently).  Traditionally, verbal prayers are put into four categories.
1. Prayer of Adoration (praising God) and Thanksgiving
2. Prayer of Petition (asking for what we ourselves need)
3. Prayer of Intercession (asking for what others need)
4. Prayer of Contrition (asking for forgiveness) [1]

In the Gospel of Luke, which we listen to during this liturgical year, there are examples of all four types of verbal prayer. 

Last week, we learned from the Samaritan leper prayer of adoration and thanksgiving.  Once he was cured, he returned to Jesus, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.”

Today, we have an example of prayer of petition.

Next week, we will learn from a tax collector how to pray for forgiveness.  

At other places in Luke’s Gospel, we also have examples of people who pray for others (for example, the centurion who asks Jesus to cure his sick servant in 7:1-10).

It is important to know that prayer is more than asking God for things and favors.

In addition, in Luke, Jesus teaches us the right attitude of prayer.

 Two weeks ago (27^th Sunday), in Luke 17:5-10, using the image of the servant coming in from the field, and still expected to serve his master, Jesus told us of who we are and who God is, and that God does not owe us anything.  All that we have and all that we are come from God’s gracious love and generosity.  Humility and gratitude are essential in our prayer.

The week prior to that, with the parable of the rich man and poor Lazarus, we learned that prayer cannot be separated from charity and sensitivity to the needs of people around us. 

Today’s parable encourages us to pray with trust because God, who is the opposite of the wicked judge, will grant us what we need for our salvation and wellbeing. 

May the reflection on these Gospel passages help enrich our prayer life, and ultimately, deepen our relationship with God.

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[1]  The classifications of these four categories of prayer may varied.  Sometimes, prayer of adoration and prayer of thanksgiving are separated, but prayer of petition and contrition are combined.  

29th Sunday - C (October 16, 2016)

Readings

29th Sunday - B

Commentary

Mark 10: 35-45

Jesus' Patience

Today's Gospel passage reports the request James and John make. It comes after the third time Jesus announces what would happen to him in Jerusalem (10: 32-23). And this time, Jesus gives more concrete details of his suffering and death than ever before. [1]

With each prediction, Jesus moves closer to Jerusalem. There is also a progression in Jesus' selection of his audiences for the predictions of his passion. [2]

The first prediction of the passion was given to the disciples. Peter responded by trying to dissuade Jesus. In response, Jesus spoke to “the crowd with his disciples” about the call to deny oneself, take up one's cross and follow him (Chapter 8).

The second prediction was again given to the disciples. They then argued who was the greatest. Jesus called the Twelve and taught them about true greatness in humble and loving service of others (Chapter 9).

Today's passage from Chapter 10 follows immediately the third prediction. Here, the prediction was given only to the Twelve. And after their erroneous response, Jesus again spoke only to the Twelve.

There seems to be a progression here. Those Jesus himself has chosen and called seem in need of his patience and instruction more than anybody else.

The Lord knows them and their needs well. They are his friends. And he is patient with them.

He would try over and over again to teach them the mystery of his love, which reveals fully on the cross.

His mercy and patience give us courage when we don't get it.

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[1] Francis J. Moloney. The Gospel of Mark, A Commentary. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2002; p. 204.

[2] http://www.progressiveinvolvement.com

29th Sunday - B (October 18, 2015)

Readings

Image:  Roger Beattie, "The Humble Servant", found at http://www.progressiveinvolvement.com

29th Sunday - C

Commentary

Luke 18: 1-8

Faith-filled Prayer

The widow in this parable knows her needs.  Moreover, she knows who has the ability to help her.

The judge is the only person who can “render a just decision for [her] against [her] adversary.”

Do I always know that God alone can satisfy all my needs and all the longings of my heart? [1]

If we look at the example of the widow that way, then the character of the wicked judge has something to teach us.

In some parables, Jesus uses positive examples to illustrate some truths about God.  For instance, the father in the parable of the prodigal son reflects the forgiveness and love of God.

In this parable, however, God should not be likened to the judge, who “neither feared God nor respected any human being.”   It is evident that this judge does not act in any Godly manner.  The Law of Moses specifically demands God’s people to care for the vulnerable in society like the widow.  One example is Deuteronomy 27:19, “Cursed be anyone who deprives the resident alien, the orphan or the widow of justice.” [2]

We should think of God as the total opposite of this wicked judge.

Now, we can hear/read again the questions Jesus asks us, “Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night?  Will he be slow to answer them?”

Then we can and praise God for who God is.  We can ask for forgiveness trusting in God’s mercy.  We can thank God for God’s love and blessings.  And with faith, our prayers can be “of humble acceptance” of God’s will [3] when we do not understand it.  And we can “pray always without becoming weary” when God is “slow to answer” us. 

And that is the challenge.

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[1&3] Francis Moloney, The Gospel of the Lord: Reflections on the Gospel Readings, Year C. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1991; p. 173.

[2] Luke Timothy Johnson, The Gospel of Luke.  Sacra Pagina Series.  Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1991; p.269.

29th Sunday - C (October 20, 2013)

Readings

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