REFLECTIONS TODAY
The second prediction of the passion starts with a seeming moment of triumph: all are amazed at Jesus’ every action, especially at his power to expel demons and bring health and well-being. But Jesus, as if pouring cold water upon the enthusiasm of his disciples, takes this moment to repeat the rejection and betrayal that he is about to undergo. Naturally, the disciples are unable to understand what the Master is trying to say to them.
What a stark contrast the evangelist manages to paint here: from admiration of Jesus to his betrayal and death! Such is the reality of life that our Lord embraces out of his love for us. He asks us now to “pay attention” (v 44), to heighten our awareness of life’s mysteries, not be surprised by the contradictions inherent in human reactions.
Jesus invites us not to be afraid to go through it all. He is here to accompany us; he has passed the same route. Let us try to overcome our reluctance in taking his hand, and let us ask him for the light we need in understanding the meaning of the crosses that come our way.
First Reading • Eccl 11:9—12:8
Rejoice, O young man, while you are young and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart, the vision of your eyes; Yet understand that as regards all this God will bring you to judgment. Ward off grief from your heart and put away trouble from your presence, though the dawn of youth is fleeting.
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years approach of which you will say, I have no pleasure in them; before the sun is darkened, and the light, and the moon, and the stars, while the clouds return after the rain; when the guardians of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders are idle because they are few, and they who look through the windows grow blind; when the doors to the street are shut, and the sound of the mill is low; when one waits for the chirp of a bird, but all the daughters of song are suppressed; and one fears heights, and perils in the street; when the almond tree blooms, and the locust grows sluggish and the caper berry is without effect, because man goes to his lasting home, and mourners go about the streets; before the silver cord is snapped and the golden bowl is broken, and the pitcher is shattered at the spring, and the broken pulley falls into the well, and the dust returns to the earth as it once was, and the life breath returns to God who gave it. Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, all things are vanity!
Gospel • Luke 9:43b-45
While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.”
But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.