Monday, September 25, 2006

25th Monday in Ordinary Time (II)
Hearing and Doing


Readings: Proverbs 3:27-34; Psalm 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5; Luke 8:16-18


Why do we try to refrain from doing evil and seek to do good instead? Why do we try not to refuse a kindness and not to pick a groundless quarrel? Our readings provide the answer: For nothing is hidden but it will be made clear, nothing secret but it will be known and brought to light. Even when it seems that no one is looking, the consequences of our actions will somehow come to light. Even when it seems as though the good always suffer while the wicked prosper, our readings emphasize that God will not let this state of affairs last forever.

On one level, this is a message of consolation. We are encouraged to hope in God especially when it seems that our attempts at doing good and avoiding evil bring us trouble and misunderstanding. But it is also a message of guidance and of warning. Where is the guidance? Notice how Jesus’ words in today’s gospel come immediately after the parable of the sower. How are we given the strength to act as a Christian ought? By asking God for the grace to be ever more receptive to God’s life-giving Word, even as the good soil is receptive to the seed. And hence the warning: So take care how you hear

What is God’s word saying to us today? What are we being invited to hear?

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