Friday of the Thirty-first Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

Writing to the Philippians, St. Paul’s letter has been termed “the letter of joy” because he is able to encourage them to rejoice in the faith, based on true understanding of Christ’s unique role in the salvation of all who profess Jesus as Lord. St. Paul reminds us of something particularly important for an election year: “Our citizenship is in heaven.” We are destined to be with God forever. Our affiliation should be first with Jesus Christ, not with a political party, not with a sports team, or any other human institution. It is challenging not to get caught up and distracted by any number of earthly matters that rob us of our peace of heart, but maintaining peace in our hearts is essential for being able to listen to the voice of God speaking to us.

Note well the characteristics of those whom St. Paul deems as enemies of Christ: “Their end is destruction. Their God is their stomach; their glory is in their ‘shame.’ Their minds are occupied with earthly things.” When earthly cares and concerns seem to overwhelm us or occupy our minds, we have to surrender our hearts to God. We can pray with the Psalmist: “In God alone is my soul at rest” (Ps 62:1). So important in the spiritual life is placing our trust in God!

Reflection: Reflect on and pray the Prayer of St. Teresa of Avila as you consider what is weighing on your heart?

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.

Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB