Monday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
It is said that Thomas Edison attempted to make the world’s first incandescent lightbulb more than 2,000 times. When he finally succeeded in doing so, he invented the thing that would make artificial light possible for all of us. When asked about how many times he attempted to make the lightbulb, he said he did not fail 2,000 times. He found 2,000 ways not to make a lightbulb. His story is considered a great American example of genius, persistence, and a will that never quits.
Along with this week’s theme, we can say that the Eucharist is the light for all life. It is the sense that we have no greater gift under the sun. When we come to Mass on Sunday as Catholics, we step into sacred space, and when Mass begins, we step into sacred time. Christ comes among us in the congregation, the priest, the Word, and most highly, the sacred Eucharist. We consume the living word Himself, we take part in a light like no other.
While I hope you are delighted by all this, there is much to do. You each have your own part to play in the Church, your own light which can bring radiance to all in the house. Does not your heart break just knowing how many people leave the Catholic Church in America every year? Let your light strengthen your own local Church. Just remember the persistence our Jewish ancestors in the faith had, leaving exile to rebuild Israel. Just remember the dedication Jesus had to His followers. He never gave up on them. We need to let our light shine so we never give up our joyous privilege of being partakers in God’s Holy Eucharist.
Challenge: Take some time to review your own commitment to Mass and the Sacraments. Are you going to Mass weekly? Are you attending faithfully and with full attention given? Give what you can. If no one is ushering at Mass, offer to help. If no one sings at the Mass you attend, start a choir if you know how to sing. If people have left the Church that you know of, reach out to them in a cordial way. Would people leave the Church if they knew how great of a treasure it has? Let your light shine! Amen.
Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections