Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • October 4, 2019 5 9274 Hwy 49/Airport Gulfport, MS 39503 228-863-5525 1-800-880-2446 FAX: 228-863-9612 www.butchoustalet.com Prices starting at $2,499 ~ with airfare included in this price from anywhere in the USA Many trip destinations: the Holy Land; Italy; France; Portugal; Spain; Poland; Medjugorje; Lourdes; Fatima; Ireland; Scotland; England; Austria; Germany; Switzerland; Turkey; Greece; Budapest; Prague; Our Lady of Guadalupe; Colombia; Brazil; Argentina; Domestic Destinations; etc… We also specialize in custom trips for Bishops, Priests, and Deacons (Hablamos Español) 855-842-8001 508-340-9370 www.proximotravel.com anthony@proximotravel.com call us 24/7 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 Thanks to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Jude, for prayers answered. LD Habakkuk was a strong, faith-filled prophet of the Lord. But in the mold of many Old Testament prophets was deeply perturbed by what seemed to be God’s deaf ear and failure to act in ways that he felt appropriate in various situations. In today’s first reading, he confronts God in an accusatory tone about the wickedness and injustice in his world. “O Lord, I cry for help, but you do not listen! I cry out to you ‘violence’ but you do not intervene.” It’s a contagious temptation isn’t it? This idea that we know better than God about what is going on and what should be done about it. In what ways and places have you expressed or heard similar rants in our day where evil seems to be running rampant while God and goodness remain inactive and silent? But, while mimicking Habakkuk’s frustration, voicing our grumbling and complaints or doubting and questioning God, we should reflect on our motives and commitments. Are you a distant observer of God’s ways or a disciple in-service for the long haul? Will your complaint be harshly critical, and your feet take you to paths separate from God or will you submit your limited understanding to God’s infinite wisdom and walk in his ways? St. Augustine wrote, “The mysteries and secrets of the kingdom of God first seek for believers that they may understand. For faith is understanding’s step and understanding faith’s attainment.” Let’s remember; Habakkuk did not question or point fingers from a distance and did not turn away from God; his queries were leveled while faithfully continuing in God’s service. Faithfulness must persist even when misunderstanding or doubts surface. God’s reply assured his prophet that He too was still on-the-job. “The vision (to raise-up a righteous remnant) still has its time (God’s time, not ours), presses on to fulfillment (will surely occur), and will not disappoint (do not get discouraged or give up). If it delays, wait for it (as a sign of your trust in God), it will surely come, it will not be late (God’s reliable promise) …The just man, because of his faith (trust and confidence that springs from belief in God), shall live” (Habakkuk 2:3-4 -- my comments) After converting Timothy to Christ, Paul installed him as an “overseer” (Bishop) of the Ephesian community. Today’s letter acknowledges Timothy’s pastoral problems and encourages the young leader to remain faithful in God’s work despite hardships and setbacks. Paul further offers himself as a model of perseverance and faith and urges Timothy; … “Stir into flame the gift of God that you have…” (2 Timothy 1:6). The image here is a flame of faith in danger of dying out that must be stoked with additional (combustible) materials. Not using God’s gifts will allow them to go dormant. By his grace, God gives gifts needed to carry out the task to which he has called. God expects us to continual nurture those gifts. The extent of our active cooperation will determine whether the grace received will enjoy a reawakening in ourselves and others or suffer a decline. There is a great need in the church today that the fire God planted within us, through sacramental gifts, may blaze to effectiveness, a persistent exercise of prayer, knowledge of Scripture, compliant submission to God’s will, and love of God and neighbor. These are all necessary prerequisites to entering the kingdom of heaven. Many of us can point to a person in our lives whose faith and faithfulness to God was so visible that it helped to shape ours. In today’s Gospel, Jesus’ disciples, after witnessing the Lord’s prayer life, miracle working power, words of wisdom like no other, and faith and faithfulness to the Father are compelled to ask, “Lord, increase our faith.” Jesus’ reply affirms a consistent biblical principle: “If you have faith, nothing is impossible.” He supports this claim with the analogy of a faithful servant consistently discharging his duty without fanfare or coercion. Your faith must be demonstrated by your works. Is it time to revisit your patron saint for some needed influence and inspiration? Faith increases through our cooperative efforts with God’s gifts. Faithfulness prevails when our minds and hearts are fixed on Jesus and not diverted by inordinate worldly cares. “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples (John 15:8). For their part, the apostles had the self-sacrificing example of Jesus to motivate them -- Jesus accompanies us as he did them. God will not disappoint those of us who persist in faith and faithfulness. And who knows - someday someone may name you as one of their influencers. Let us pray, “Lord, change my heart, may it be more like yours. Change my will, may it conform to yours.” Deacon Ralph Torrelli lives in Hattiesburg and is assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Visit his web- site: www.homilypearls.com. 1st Reading: Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4 Psalm: 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9 2nd Reading: 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14 Gospel: Luke 17:5-10 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Faith that prevails Deacon Torrell i Sunday Scripture Commentaries