Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Remaining faithful to the breaking of the bread, let us live together in love. (Refrain of a song from the monks of St Meinrad)
That seems to be the key: Remaining faithful.
Today we have more instructions for living the way of the Lord. From James: do not complain about one another, that you may not be judged.
He points to the perseverance of the prophets, of Job. All remained faithful in the face of resistance, rejection, loss, and suffering.
Job’s trials are beyond imagining, yet remained loyal. How? As he would say: “I know my Vindicator lives whom I myself shall see.” His was tremendous patience and perseverance.
This seems to be the point of the words of Jesus: remain faithful to the Lord, to the covenant, to the promises one has made.
Husbands and wives make a life-long covenant with each other for life.
Priests make promises of celibacy and obedience to the bishop.
Monks, nuns, sisters, and brothers profess vows – committing themselves to a community and its way of life. All of these promises are life-long commitments.
Do what is expected or what is asked – where you are or in whatever state you find yourself. That’s what the Lord asks!
Reflection by Fr. Peter Ullrich, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections