Gulf Pine Catholic
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October 10, 2014
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I recently went on a Cursillo (Ker-see-yo) weekend
and by way of recommending everyone do the same,
will add some of my experiences in today’s commentary.
The Collect for today’s Mass is a
plea for more of God and less of self.
It reads, “May your grace, O Lord,
we pray, at all times go before us
and follow after and make us always
determined to carry out good works.”
Although we had a very diverse
group at Cursillo 252, one common
element was a willingness to be open
to more of what God wanted to do in
our lives. The presence of the Lord
was in that place. God didn’t send an
email, he showed up in person.
Isaiah chapter 24 presents a
doom and gloom prophecy for those who have heard the
Lord’s calling and rejected it. But since God does not
will that anyone perish, in an amazing move of grace
today’s first reading prophecies a mountain top feast for
those suffering the effects of war and future generations
seeking salvation. Instead of tears, bondage, hunger
and thirst, their allotted portion will be God’s abundant
blessings, crowned by the destruction of death forever
-- prophetic of everlasting life promised through Christ.
All who courageously heed his call and rise above
complacency, sloth and sin will see more clearly God’s
plan for their well-being. “The hand of the Lord will rest
on this mountain” (Isaiah 25:10a). For me, the Cursillo
experience was being on the mountain with Jesus and,
like Peter, not wanting to come down (Transfiguration
-- Matthew 17:1-8).
I recall visiting nursing homes where many residents
suffered from dementia and usually could not remember
what or if they ate or my name, or not much else. But
when I began praying, “The Lord is my Shepherd”
they would join in. And while I was reading from the
bible, they spoke the words from memory. Psalm 23
contains the most beloved and often quoted verses in
the Bible. It speaks of God’s care, leading, refreshment,
and a victory banquet (you spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes -- v.5). Some of those on the
Cursillo weekend came to find soul-refreshment (v.3a),
clearer guidance for life’s path or to experience a closer
walk with the Lord (v.4b) -- it was evident that all were
satisfied.
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul, uses his life
circumstances to convey the importance of depending
on the Lord. “In every circumstance…I have learned
the secret of being well fed and of going hungry,
of living in abundance and of being in need.” In a
homily on today’s reading St. Alphonsus said, “The
proud person relies on his/her strength and falls. But
the humble person puts his trust in God.” Paul writes,
“I can do all things in him (Christ) who strengthens
me” (Philippians 4:13). Paul’s dramatic encounter with
Jesus (Acts chapter 9) showed him the benefit of relying
on the Lord. It led him to write, “My God will supply
whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches
in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). When I asked my
pastor, Father Mark Ropel, what Cursillo was about and
what would happen there his answer was simply, “Just
go, you’ll be glad you did.” It turned out he was right.
Jesus willingly entering Jerusalem where he knew
his impending crucifixion would take place (Matthew
20:17-19). Although many of his followers were Jews,
all but a few of their leaders defiantly rejected Jesus and
challenged his authority at every turn. Today’s wedding
feast parable doesn’t discriminate between those who
ignored the invitation, those making excuses, and those
that insulted and killed the bearer of good news -- they
all refused to come. This gives us pause for a reality
check. Have we by commission or omission chosen
to miss the joyous feast that accompanies us on our
journey to eternal life? If so, it is not too late, God still
desires that all be saved and with a generous outpouring
of grace, God, (the king) commands his servants invite
everyone they meet to the heavenly banquet. Be in
the place where invitations are given, immersed in the
sacramental life of the Church and say “Yes” when
called.
The guest not wearing a wedding garment (Matthew
22:13) signifies the dispositions needed to enter the
kingdom of heaven. Read Matthew 7:21; 15:8; James
1:22; and 1 Corinthians 4:20).
For Reflection:
1. What experience(s) have you had that confirmed
God’s gift of grace?
2. In what ways could you be stifling the Spirit of
God residing in you?
3. How would you explain God’s plan for your life?
4. What gifts or actions are evident in someone who
is trusting God?
Action Response:
Ask your pastor or Diocesan office when the next
Cursillo weekend is. And just go.
Deacon Ralph Torrelli lives in Hattiesburg and is
assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Visit his web-
site: deaconralph.com.
1st Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10a
Psalm: 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
2nd Reading: Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
Gospel: Matthew 22:1-14
Deacon Torrell
i
Sunday’s
Readings
28th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Come to the banquet!
