Tuesday 23rd September – Memorial of St. Pio of Pietrelcina

Reflection: Luke 8:19-21

OUR IDENTITY WITH CHRIST

 The parable of the sower in the same chapter of our reading gives a clearer picture of what Christ is telling us today. “The seed that fell on the good soil stand for those who hear the message and retain it in a good and obedient heart, and persist until they bear fruit” (Luke 8:15). Jesus plants His words in our hearts each time we hear the gospel and at the time of harvest, He will come back to take with him, those who are his own: those who bear fruits of obedience. No other standard would be used to separate the good from the evil.

Beloved in Christ, Jesus’ response in our reading today; “My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and obey it” is directed to all of us. Our identity with Christ is not because we were born in Catholic or Christian homes but because we obey and follow Jesus. Christ is calling you and me to identify with him by becoming a bearer of His word, living to please him and trusting in his grace to obey faithfully till the end of our lives on earth.

Obeying God would seem foolish to human senses at times just like in the case of our Father Abraham who was told to kill his son Isaac and our Mother Mary who was told that she would bear a son by the power of the Holy Spirit. Let us hold on when such moments come in our lives. Let us remember that the word was made flesh. (John 1:14). It was so because nothing is impossible for our God to do. Therefore, if you have heard God’s word today, harden not your heart but believe and never be ashamed to identity with Christ in all you do today. Go therefore and bear fruit of love, kindness, peace and self-sacrifice. If you identity with Christ, he would identity with you in all you do.

PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, help me never be ashamed to speak your word today and wherever I find myself, may I bear good fruits of righteousness and holiness. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 201 – What is the significance of receiving a name in Baptism?

Through the name that we receive in Baptism God tells us: “I have called you by name, you are mine” (Is 43:1).

In Baptism a person is not dissolved into an anonymous divinity, but rather is affirmed precisely in his individuality. To be baptized by a name signifies that God knows me, he says Yes to me and accepts me forever in my unrepeatable uniqueness.

HIDE A TREASURE: “My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and obey it” Luke 8:21 GNB

Readings for Today: Proverbs 21: 1-6, 10-13; Psalm 119: 1, 27, 30, 34-35, 44; Luke 8:19-21