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Catholic Daily Liturgical Guide 26.09.2022

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Catholic Daily Liturgical Guide 26.09.2022

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JOB 1: 6 – 22

There was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord, “From going back and forth on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not put a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But put forth your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only upon himself do not put forth your hand.” So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house; and there came a messenger to Job, and said, “The oxen were ploughing and the donkeys feeding beside them; and the Sabeans fell upon them and took them, and slew the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, there came another, and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burnt up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, there came another, and said, “The Chaldeans formed three companies, and made a raid upon the camels and took them, and slew the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was yet speaking, there came another, and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house; and behold, a great wind came across the wilderness, and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you.” Then Job arose, and tore his robe, and shaved his head, and fell upon the ground, and worshipped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.

The Word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 17: 1, 2 – 3, 6 – 7 (R.) 6b

R/. Lord, turn your ear to me; hear my words.

O Lord, hear a cause that is just,
pay heed to my cry.
Turn your ear to my prayer:
no deceit is on my lips. R/.

From you may my justice come forth.
Your eyes discern what is upright.
Search my heart and visit me by night.
Test me by fire, and you will find no wrong in me. R/.

To you I call; for you will surely heed me,
O God. Turn your ear to me; hear my words.
Display your merciful love.
By your right hand you deliver from their
foes those who put their trust in you. R/.

ALLELUIA
Mark 10: 45

Alleluia.
The Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“He who! Is least among you all is the one who is great.”
LUKE 9: 46 – 50

At that time: An argument arose among the disciples as to which of them was the greatest. But when Jesus perceived the thought of their hearts, he took a child and put him by his side, and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me; for he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” John answered, “Master, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he does not follow with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him; for he that is not against you is for you.”

The Gospel of the Lord.
[5:15 am, 26/09/2022] Tk: REFLECTION: Supporting One Another
September 26, 2022
check the audio below

Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.” (Luke 9:49-50)

Why would the Apostles try to prevent someone from casting a demon out in Jesus’ name? Jesus was not concerned about it and, in fact, tells them not to prevent him. So why were the Apostles concerned? Most likely because of jealousy.

The jealousy we see in this case among the Apostles is one that can creep into the Church at times. It has to do with a desire for power and control. The Apostles were upset because the person casting out demons did not follow in their company. In other words, the Apostles were not able to be in charge of this person.

Though this may be hard to understand it may be helpful to see it in a modern context. Say someone is in charge of a ministry at church and another person or persons start up a new ministry. The new ministry is quite successful and, as a result, those who have been working in the older more established ministries may get upset and a bit jealous.

This is silly but it’s also reality. It happens all the time, not only within a church setting but also in our daily lives. When we see someone else doing something that is successful or bearing good fruit, we may get envious or jealous.

In this case, with the Apostles, Jesus is quite understanding and compassionate about the whole thing. But He is also quite clear. “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.” Do you see things in life this way? When someone does well do you rejoice or are you negative? When another does good things in Jesus’ name, does that fill your heart with gratitude that God is using that person for good or do you get envious?

Reflect, today, upon the many good things going on all around you. Reflect, especially, upon those who are furthering the Kingdom of God. And reflect upon how you feel about them. Pray that you will see them as your coworker in the vineyard of Christ rather than as your competitor.

PRAYER:
Lord of true goodness, I thank You for the many good things taking place within Your Church and within society. Help me to rejoice in all that You do through others. Help me to let go of any struggle I have with envy. Jesus, I trust in You.

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