Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • October 18, 2019 5 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 9274 Hwy 49/Airport Gulfport, MS 39503 228-863-5525 1-800-880-2446 FAX: 228-863-9612 www.butchoustalet.com In thanksgiving to the Holy Spirit, Blessed Mother and St. Jude, of prayers answered. BAB Ask someone how they are doing and often the reply is, “Oh, I’m hanging in there.” The “Oh” can be interpreted woe, as in “woe is me.” I’m reminded of the popular poster picturing a large cat hanging by its claws to the side of a tree with the caption, “Hang in there, baby!” Unfortunately, our lives tend to resemble that image. But there is plenty of evidence in Scripture that God wants more for us. To not just barely survive but thrive as we allow His Word, presence and power to transform our every thought, emotion, word and action. Today’s readings reinforce the promises of God’s 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 that he is fighting against God. Were Israel to face Amalek on their own strength they would have surely been defeated and the nation wiped out -- rendering God’s promises useless. But God would have none of it and victoriously fought Israel’s battle. Once again God’s promise would be fulfilled regardless of 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 us in our own day and time, that God will do everything possible to guarantee his faithful ones receive his blessings and promises. God will bring victory to his chosen ones who call out to him. If our fidelity and reliance on the Lord wane, if our sinfulness stubbornly persists without repentance. If we fail to work daily in the Lord’s vineyard of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, forgiving offenders, supporting those striving for closeness with God, and preaching the good news of salvation in word and deed, victory will 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 externally brought to bear, 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 than the obstacle. Today’s Psalm response, “Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth,” offers assurance of God’s guardianship, protection and sleepless care in contrast to our weariness and limited persistence. The Psalmist begins with a personal profession of trust in the Lord and goes on to assert that the Lord guards him on his journey in life. He then assures those who will read or hear his words, “The Lord will guard your coming and your going both now and forever” (Psalm 121:8). First the Psalmist believes, then he declares. What a great model for us. We can internally assent our belief in God and feel good about it. But how much more witness value if we openly and unashamedly declared a strong faith by our words and deeds. Get a Bible and pray this Psalm now. Make its words and heartfelt declarations your own and ask the Lord for the courage to be more open about the goodness of God in your life. People you know need to see and hear that the good news can be lived. We declare belief that the God powerful enough to create and sustain everything, wants to come to our aid in times of trouble. God created and steadfastly protects his creation. 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 persistent in prayer and faithful to his ways. Simply praying on occasion or often does not capture the full meaning of this parable (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 the God who never abandons us will be our lifelong companion. God’s loving kindness will endure more than we can imagine. Follow the ways of the church to experience God’s victory over sin and sadness -- live the sacramental life daily and help someone else find God’s blessings for their life. Have you committed to tell everyone how the good news of Jesus Christ has transformed your 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 of Ordinary Time Survive or thrive? Deacon Torrell i Sunday Scripture Commentaries