October 23, 2022

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sir 35:12-14, 16-18 2 Tm 4:6-8, 16-18 Lk 18:9-14

GROW AS A DISCIPLE | PRAY, STUDY, ENGAGE, SERVE

GROW:

I love baseball. Have you ever seen a batter strike out three times straight, only to hit a game-winning home run or base hit on his fourth at-bat? It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, the victory is all the sweeter! I do not believe God actually influences the outcome of baseball games (well, maybe a little; I’m a Cubs fan after all). But I do believe ours is a God who stands by us even in the worst of slumps. Like St. Paul, the key is to keep the faith even when life throws us curveballs, as it inevitably will. If we approach the Lord with the perseverance of Paul and the humility of the tax collector, he will give us the strength we need to finish the race. We can make an effort to approach each day with gratitude, knowing the Lord is always at our side.

GO EVANGELIZE | PRAYER, INVITATION, WITNESS, ACCOMPANIMENT

GO: Have you heard of Blessed Solanus Casey? He became a Capuchin Franciscan priest, but because of his academic difficulties his ministry was limited. Ordained a “simplex priest,” he could say Mass but not preach or hear confessions. And so he was assigned to become a porter, or “doorkeeper.” Rather than complain, Father Solanus embraced this ministry. “He was always ready and willing to listen to anyone any time of the day or night,” according to the biography read at his beatification in 2017. Because of his humility and holiness, people from all walks of life were drawn to him, often waiting hours to greet him at the door of St. Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit. Hearing today’s reading about the prideful Pharisee and the humble tax collector brought his story to mind. Through this parable, Jesus challenges us to approach God and others with humility, understanding that all we are and all we do come from God. We don’t have to be the “first,” the “best,” or the “brightest” – but simply need to ask God to help us grow in love and faith.

ACT: Read about Blessed Solanus and recite the “Canonization Prayer,” which asks God: “May your will be done in my life today.”