Memorial of St. Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Last Sunday’s Gospel ended with the phrase “The last will be first, and the first will be last.” What can this mean for your faith? How can we interpret this in regard to the signs of the times? A good way to put it is that it is not over until it is over. There is labor to be done in our vineyard, and it is as serious as a prison fight. Christians will toil often without seeing clear results in the field of Earthly labor. One can go years and years without feeling any spiritual consolation or seeing any fruit from sacrifice.
The Prophet Zechariah encouraged God’s people not to lose heart. The Lord would shepherd them. Jesus in today’s Gospel grounds His disciples in the reality that He would soon endure His passion. These readings reveal a tension in the life of Christian devotion. You can never rest on your laurels. You cannot assume anything will last forever. And yet, we know in faith, that Christ is with us. God is stronger than any challenge. We move forward soberly aware of sacrifice and irrationally optimistic because Christ can and will redeem all.
Challenge: Take the time to armor your mind and soul. Find your source of strength in the Mass. Whatever job you have or place you live, start attending daily Mass in a parish nearby when it is available. Don’t let yourself off the hook. Remember that the blessings of Mass are your armor of faith that strengthens you as you journey into battles ahead of you. Fear not. “The last will be first, and the first will be last.” Amen
Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections