13 Nov
Wed
32nd Week in Ordinary Time
Wis 6:1-11
Ps. 82(81):3-4,6-7
Lk. 17:11-19
(Ps Wk IV)
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 
 

Those who have authority and power bestowed on them on earth must know and understand that they are subject to God's scrutiny, so that they may behave and act in ways that are wise and just to all. This is the advice that Wisdom has for earthly kings and rulers. For God is the source of every king's authority, and as a result, he governs his land on God's behalf. Therefore, "as administrators of his kingdom", if they have not been good or just rulers, they will face God's swift and terrible judgement. Indeed, harsher judgement is reserved for those in power when compared with the lowly because the latter are already at a disadvantage in their lives.

The psalmist for the day takes up this cry as he declares, "Arise, O God, judge the earth". He prays that the Lord will bring justice to the weak and the orphan, and defend the afflicted and the poor. Power as it should be exercised by someone in authority is demonstrated by Jesus when he feels compassion for the ten lepers who cried out to him for healing. Jesus gives them a command, which they obey while still unhealed. But on the way, they discover they are indeed healed. However, like earthly kings who fail to acknowledge that their authority comes from God, the lepers who did not thank Jesus failed to acknowledge that their healing comes from God. What about us? Do we acknowledge that who we are and what we have comes from God? Hopefully, we do.



Lord, help me realise that everything comes from You.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That a spirit of dialogue, encounter, and reconciliation emerge in the Near East, where diverse religious communities share their lives together.
Elaboration

- END -


© Copyright Shalom 2019. All rights reserved.