Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • November 8, 2024 5 Compassionate Service 228-374-5650 Bradfordokeefe.com Thank you, Jesus, Mary, St. Pio, St. Jude and St. Anthony, for prayers answered. GSK Opening Remarks: Warning! We have all heard the warning, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” And since billions of dollars are reported as being lost annually to scam artists, it should make us suspicious about who can be trusted. Today’s readings describe real-life circumstances and how real people handled these to demonstrate trust (or lack of) in the Lord. Survival Instinct: Our first reading offers a proposition that sounds too good to be true. Imagine this encounter as a phone call. ‘Hello, widow of Zarephath, my name is Elijah. I know that you are experiencing a crisis in your life now. The drought in our land has gone on for three years; all you have is one cup of water and enough flour and oil to bake one loaf of bread, and after they are consumed, you and your son will die of starvation. But, if you bring that cup of water to me and use the flour and oil to bake a loaf of bread for me, I assure you that God will provide for you and your son later.’What would you do? Should you trust the reliability of God’s promise? Will you risk the common sense survival instinct for the promise of a better, unseen future? Will desperation win over God-centered faith? The widow, acting on the belief that God wanted to save her and her son’s life, did what Elijah asked. God, in turn, provided enough food for them and Elijah until the drought ended one year later and showedHis resurrectionpower by raisingher son from the dead (1 Kings 17:15-24). What circumstances, incidences, or situations are you experiencing that call for trust in God’s promises? Relying on God’s word, even after confirming it with the Scriptures, Church teaching, and a reliable spiritual adviser, still takes a courageous act of faith. But doing so could be the prerequisite to experiencing God’s power in ways never before realized! Action affirms trust: Hoping his readers will move from an intellectual acceptance to a deep trust and submission to the Lord, the Hebrews’ author applies faith and reason in explaining the transition from Jewish ritual sacrifice to Christ’s offering Himself on a cross. Mosaic Law dictated that someone desiring reconciliation with God should offer the visual sign of bringing his animal to the Jewish priest for a blood sacrifice -- giving up (the animal) he owned represented a self- offering. Of course, the sacrificial offering had to be repeated each time a person sinned. Conversely, Jesus, though sinless, offered Himself, freely, once, to take away the sins of many and to bring salvation to those eager to do His will. What heartfelt visual sign(s) express your willingness for oneness with the Lord? Are there attitudes or habits (pride, lust, distrust, and insistence on complete understanding before belief) you should give up to God? Don’t put it off any longer. The Lord is calling. Oneness with Christ now and for eternity is acquired through action based on trust. Christian? In a Pew Research survey, 30% of people who formerly identified themselves as “Christians” declared “none” when asked about their church affiliation. Those 30% were compelled to select the “none” option because the survey’s definition of “Christian” included those attending church weekly and demonstrating commitment to their faith, whereas in previous surveys, one could consider themselves “Christian” if they attended church at least once a year. That survey caused reflection on what it means to be “Christian.” Today’s Gospel points to the answer. It concludes a long discussion (started in Luke 11:15) between Jesus and the Scribes and Pharisees about what constitutes true religious observance. The Jewish leaders believed that wealth, positions of authority, and outward practices were the identifying marks of religious piety and assured them a privileged position with God. Jesus, however, used a poor widow who gave, sacrificially, all that she had as an example of dedication to God and trust in His provisions. When we consider our giving of time, money, faith, trust, service to others, and assent to God’s will, we should ask the question, “Is it sacrificial or mostly from my surplus?” Prophets, patriarchs, disciples, and saints (both ancient and modern) serve as witnesses that those who risk surrendering to Christ, who trust more daringly, hopefully, and faithfully, and who serve others more passionately reap great rewards in this life and friendship with God for eternity. To the extent we let God transform us into his image we will -- by the example of our lives -- fulfill our duty as citizens of the United States, but much more importantly, as disciples of Jesus Christ.” -- Archbishop Charles Chaput For Reflection: 1. Recall a Scripture promise too good to be true. Did you reject it, ignore it, or act on it? What lesson did you learn? 2. In matters of faith and trust, what religious practices do you observe? 3. How can you give free assent of intellect and will to the whole truth God has revealed? Action Response: 1. Discuss your answers to questions in this commentary with a spiritual adviser. Record some actions you can take to grow stronger in faith and trust. Deacon Ralph Torrelli lives in Hattiesburg and is assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Visit his website: www.homilypearls.com. 1st Reading: 1 Kings 17:10-16 Psalm : 146:7, 8-9, 9-10 2nd Reading: Hebrews 9:24-28 Gospel: Mark 12:38-44 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time Trust in the Lord Deacon Torrell i Sunday Scripture Commentaries Pray for an increase of vocations to the priest- hood, to the diaconate, and to the religious life, especially in the Diocese of Biloxi