Be not afraid in praise of his glory

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today establish our invitation to give glory to God in the joys and suffering of our lives.

Source:http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/101918_clip_image001_0000.jpg

Our Inheritance through the Spirit is proclaimed in the Letter to the Ephesians.

* [1:12] We who first hoped: probably Jewish Christians (contrast Eph 1:13, you, the Gentiles); possibly the people of Israel, “we who already enjoyed the hope of Christ,” or perhaps present hope in contrast to future redemption (cf. Eph 1:14).

The Gospel of Luke urges our courage under persecution as we live in the support of His Presence.

* [12:2–9] Luke presents a collection of sayings of Jesus exhorting his followers to acknowledge him and his mission fearlessly and assuring them of God’s protection even in times of persecution. They are paralleled in Mt 10:26–33.

Molly Mattingly explores what a difference fear makes in relationships.

In a time when I constantly hear “we are more divided” and “us/them” language, what are some ways I can choose dialogue and love over fear? Second, I noticed that I am not often aware of the communion of saints who pray and praise with us in the celebration of Eucharist, even when I can see a few of them represented in the windows right in front of me. These saints stuck with their faith and their faith communities, even (and especially) when doing so was incredibly painful for them. In a time when our Church is perceived by the world to be the cause of terrible suffering, and when indeed it’s members and systems are rightly accused, how can I learn from the example of my ancestors in faith? How can my participation in a faith community lead to healing and rebirth? We are in good company when we pray with the saints, our elder siblings in faith.East window: Charles Garnier, Gabriel Lalemant, Jean de Lalande, Isaac Jogues; Instruct the Ignorant, Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Clothe the Naked

Don Schwager quotes “Comfort for those who doubt God's providence in Christ”, by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"To bestow yet another means of comfort on our minds, he forcibly added that five sparrows are scarcely perhaps worth a penny, and yet God does not forget even one of them. He also said that the separate hairs of your head are all numbered. Consider how great care he takes of those that love him. The Preserver of the universe extends his aid to things so worthless and descends to the smallest animals. How can he forget those who love him, especially when he takes so great care of them? He condescends to visit them, to know exactly each particular of their state, and even how many are the hairs of their heads... Let us not doubt that with a rich hand he will give his grace to those who love him. He will not permit us to fall into temptation. If, by his wise purpose he permits us to be taken in the snare in order that we may gain glory by suffering, he will most assuredly grant us the power to bear it." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 87)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 12:1-7 shares a story telling us about how the Lord has works in lives.

“Lord, when fear rises up within me, give me the grace to trust in your promises.”

Friar Jude Winkler examines the theology of the Spirit in the Letter to the Ephesians. The predestination idea is an invitation we receive to live in the Holy Spirit or the Love between the Father and Son. Our close connection to God is not a get out of jail free card but a confirmation of Divine Presence as we embrace the Cross.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, observes contemplation can be a displacement of the ordinary, a paradigm shift that becomes a temporary refuge when human suffering reaches the extent of spiritual and psychic dissolution. It can be a state of extraordinary spiritual attenuation, a removal to a level of reality that allows distance from excruciating circumstances.

References

(n.d.). Ephesians chapter 1 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved October 19, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/1
(n.d.). Luke chapter 12 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved October 19, 2018, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/luke/12
(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections .... Retrieved October 19, 2018, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 19, 2018, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
(n.d.). Saint Luke, Evangelist (Feast) - Mass Readings and Catholic Daily .... Retrieved October 19, 2018, from https://wau.org/meditations/
(n.d.). Daily Meditations Archives - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 19, 2018, from https://cac.org/category/daily-meditations/