Good News ReflectionFOR NEXT SUNDAY: November 22, 2009Solemnity of Christ the King, Cycle B
Parish bulletins, faith-sharing groups, RCIA: For professionally published, printable copies of this reflection, please go to Catholic Digital Resources:http://catholicdr.com/calendar/November/33rdB.htm - Preview a sample
Next Sunday's Readings:Dan 7:13-14Ps 93:1-2, 5Rev 1:5-8John 18:33b-37http://www.usccb.org/nab/112209.shtmlUSCCB Podcast of the Readings: http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_11_22.mp3
When the question of Christ's kingship comes up in next Sunday's Gospel reading, Jesus redirects us to the true meaning of divine kingship. Without denying that he is the king, he says: "The reason I was born into the world is to testify to the truth." He is not the king of a country or a world; he is the king of truth, the ruler of reality.
The perception of reality that we develop when Jesus is not our teacher and interpreter and revealer of truth is warped and blurred by the falsehoods and misunderstandings and counterfeits of the kingdom of the world, which is ruled by Satan. But wait! The very idea that this world is ruled by Satan is a warping of the truth. It's not reality. Remember, Jesus came into the world to destroy the devil's domain and to bring all of creation into his kingdom. Those in this world who accept Christ's kingship listen to his voice and live in the truth.
When we sin, it's because we don't fully understand the reality of the situation. Jesus is not yet fully the king of that part of our lives.
For example, think of someone who has asked you for something that you cannot afford to give. Perhaps it's the building project at church. Or the sick neighbor. Or the co-worker who doesn't have the level of faith that you have. Or the aging parent who needs more and more assistance.
Do you feel like you don't have enough to satisfy their needs? Are you so tired and downtrodden from your own burdens that you cannot take on someone else's? Well, it's our flesh nature that says we cannot enjoy doing more for others than we're already doing. This is a warped view of reality; it looks like we'll be happier if we cater to our own desires instead of taking care of someone else's need.
In true reality, a joyful lifestyle develops when we listen to the voice of Jesus, even when he says, "go the extra mile" or "be like the Good Samaritan and take a detour to minister to others". We have to trust the truth that he teaches, regardless of how well we understand it.
Understanding grows in the doing of God's will more than in the thinking about it. Joy grows as we gain the understanding that comes from seeing some of the fruits of what we've done. When we sin, it's because we cannot envision the good fruits that will come from doing things the way Christ tells us to. Under his kingship and the Holy Spirit's wisdom, we thus gain freedom to overcome all of our sinful tendencies.
Questions for Personal Reflection:What lies are you believing? What fear is motivating this false belief ("FEAR" is "False Evidence Appearing Real")? What teachings of the Church are you unwilling to trust? What beliefs about yourself give you low self esteem? These are all areas where Jesus is not your king. What will you do to learn and understand the truth?
Questions for Community Faith Sharing:Name a common misconception you've seen or experienced that keeps people away from Christ or away from church? Why do people believe this unreality? How can we help them learn the truth and accept the kingship of Christ?
STARTING ON MONDAY, if you're a member of the "Emmaus Journey" e-group, share your answers by writing to EmmausJourney@gnm.org* To join and become a member, go to: http://gogoodnews.net/GNMcommunities/EmmausJourney/
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaThis work is NOT in Public Domain, and should NOT be copied without permission. For PERMISSION and info on how to copy this reflection, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue... Join the cause on facebook and help spread the message!
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is Terry Modica's publishing house providing professional writing services; the income from this will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe
No comments:
Post a Comment