Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • October 19, 2018 5 9274 Hwy 49/Airport Gulfport, MS 39503 228-863-5525 1-800-880-2446 FAX: 228-863-9612 www.butchoustalet.com 1260 Ocean Springs Road, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 Ph: 228-818-0650 For more information, contact Jody Ellis Stoddard, Executive Director or email her at gardensED@BlueHarborSL.com Web Address: www.gardensseniorliving.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheGardensSeniorLivingOceanSprings Thank you, Jesus, Mary, St. Jude, and St. Anthony, for prayers answered. CS Ask someone how they are doing and often the reply is, “Oh, I’m hanging in there” The “Oh” could often be interpreted as a woe, as in “woe is me.” I’m reminded of the popular poster which pictures a large cat hanging by its claws to the side of a tree with the caption, “Hang in there, baby!” Unfortunately, too many of us resemble that image. In contrast to the human slump, however, is God’s intent that we not just survive but thrive as we allow his word, presence and power to transform our lives. The prophet Jeremiah declares God’s intent, “I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe -- plans to give you a future full of hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). And Jesus, speaking as the Good Shepherd says, “A thief (one who would rob people of God’s promises and blessings) comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy, I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). So, today we take a snapshot of which side of the scale our life is on now and which direction we would like it to go. Today’s readings reinforce God’s promises of enduring presence to those who believe -- a presence that guarantees God’s rescue from defeat no matter how badly a situation may appear. In our first reading, Amelek, ruler of a fierce and powerful people more than capable of destroying the Israelites, mounts an attack on Israel and engages them in battle. But soon finds out that he is fighting against God. Psalm 121’s response is, “Our help is from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” Paul writing to Timothy declares; “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness, so the one who belongs to God may be equipped for every good work.” Our Gospel affirms that even when faced with the obstacles of corruption and injustice, God will bring victory to those who call out to him. Were Israel to face Amalek on their own strength they would have surely been defeated. The nation would have been decimated and God’s promises would have been rendered useless. So, God victoriously fought Israel’s battle. Once again God’s promise would be fulfilled despite the obstacle. Moses’ victory celebration included building an altar to God and prophesying, “…the Lord will war against Amalek through the centuries” (Exodus 17:16). Moses’ prophecy assures that in our own day and time, God will do everything possible to guarantee his faithful receive his blessings and promises. If our fidelity and reliance on the Lord wane, if our sinfulness stubbornly persists without repentance, if we fail to serve the Lord daily by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, for- giving offenders, sup- porting those striving for closeness with God, and preaching the good news of salvation in word and deed, victory may elude us as well. What or who are the Amalek’s in your life -- those powerful forces that try to bring you down? What obstacles, self-imposed or external are robbing you of receiving God’s promises for thriving in faith, persisting in hope and declaring God’s bountiful blessings to others? Whatever they are, your God is larger and more powerful. Today’s Psalm offers assurance of God’s guardianship, protection and sleepless care in contrast to our weariness and limited persistence. “The Lord will guard your coming and your going both now and forever” (Psalm 121:8). We declare belief that the God powerful enough to create and sustain everything, wants to come to our aid in times of trouble. God steadfastly protects his creation. Saint Paul reminds Timothy (and us) to persistently live the Gospel of Jesus Christ even when many others are not. And concludes, “A crown of righteousness awaits…to all who have longed for his appearance.” Patience, courage and constancy will prevail. Luke is the author of the Gospel bearing his name and Acts of the Apostles. His writings show Jesus as fulfilling God’s promises to Israel and that these promises extend to all believers. Today’s gospel offers hope to those wondering if God cares or has the power to do something about their plight. The woman in today’s parable had three major obstacles against her getting a favorable hearing. First, she could not afford to bribe the corrupt judge to rule in her favor. Second, women had no legal rights to petition a court. Third, as a widow, she had no husband to speak on her behalf. Jesus explains the “takeaway” for his hearers. If someone so helpless could get a favorable ruling from a corrupt judge because of persistence, how much more will our loving, merciful God come to the aid and do battle for those who remain faithful to his ways. Simply praying on occasion or often does not capture the full meaning of this parable (see Luke 11:5- 8). Fidelity to the Lord in all our ways must be the backdrop, the motivator, the engine that drives our prayer life. Then, unity with God will be our lifelong companion and his loving kindness will endure more than we can imagine. One of the ways to greater happiness, peace and confidence is to help someone else find God’s blessings for their life. Deacon Ralph Torrelli lives in Hattiesburg and is assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Visit his web- site: www.homilypearls.com. 1st Reading: Exodus 17:8-13 Psalm: 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2 Gospel: Luke 18:1-8 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Survive or thrive? Deacon Torrell i Sunday Scripture Commentaries