Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Today’s memorial recollects the life of St. Jerome, priest and doctor of the Church. He is best known as a scripture scholar who wrote numerous commentaries and authored a Latin translation of the Bible known as the Vulgate. Jerome’s tenacious approach to scholarship also made him particularly adept at dealing with heretics. This could be why the church used today’s gospel for Jerome’s feast as it reflects Jesus’ strong tone with his those followers who are not completely understanding Jesus’ purpose.
While knowing our purpose is not always clear at first, time and life experiences can lead us to situations in which God can really use us. In today’s first reading from Nehemiah, we find a dedicated man of God, who humbly recognizes God’s plan for him and gives him the courage to live God’s call. In answering the king’s inquiries about his sorrow, Nehemiah boldly tells the king that his sorrow comes from the fact that the city of his ancestors lays in ruin. Nehemiah tells the king of his desire to rebuild the city. Strangely, the King grants Nehemiah requests for safe passage and gives him the supplies to rebuild Jerusalem.
What are the requests we have of God? What is God’s purpose for us? Today’s gospel gives us some direction on living God’s purpose. We are called to be missionary disciples who share the love and mercy of the Lord. That may sound simple and indeed it can be. However Jesus reminds us what that really means. This true discipleship demands a commitment that goes beyond family ties. This true discipleship means not being distracted by the things of the world. It means the purpose of our lives is to be always living with a heart and soul set on building the kingdom.
Reflect on one issue that takes your focus off of faithful discipleship. It might be something that is causing you to take an eye off of Jesus. In prayer, ask the Lord to help you change your focus so that you might more fully live with Christ as your purpose.
“Almighty God, you sent St. Jerome to us to be a model of someone who lived with the purpose of building Your kingdom. Be with us this day and fashion our eyes to look toward the ways You are calling us to proclaim your Kingdom in this world and the next. Amen!”
- Michael Montgomery