Memorial of Sts. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Priest, and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs
Down through the ages, the Book of Proverbs has lived up to its purpose, namely short thoughts of practical wisdom for those who seek it. Two of those bright little gems catch our attention in today’s first reading:
The plans of the diligent are sure of profit,
but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty.
Whoever makes a fortune by a lying tongue
is chasing a bubble over deadly snares.
When we chew on these thoughts together with today’s Gospel, we’re invited to consider deeper issues about the meaning of life and where it leads. The delicate soap bubble floating in the air may be a thing of beauty and delight, but it has no future and is fragile precisely because it is detached. The slightest resistance destroys it. The thoughtful person will take the time and effort to ponder the amazing interconnection and interdependence of all created things. But the most amazing of all interconnections is the dynamic linkage of people who realize their relationship with God.
This is the connecting bridge Jesus is talking about in the Gospel today. Relationships through family ties, national and cultural ties, and respect for the common good are all basically established by the desire to do the will of God. The teachable moment is present and available in our daily experience. The more we desire to do the will of God, the more closely we’re attached to and in union with Jesus. He is our source of strength, wisdom, and peace in a chaotic world.
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections