Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Although my mom was Jewish for much of my life I was raised Catholic. My parents did the best they could. We went to Church every week and attended CCD faithfully all the way through twelfth grade. Some of this time my heart was really on fire for my faith. I was an altar server all through high school and I considered priesthood during this time. But for a while after high school I withdrew from my faith in part because I surrounded myself with people who did not take the faith seriously. In the summer between second and third years of college I spent a great deal of time with a group of missionaries who taught me the profound importance of having a relationship with Christ. Although they were not Catholic and did not believe Catholics were Christians, they helped me reclaim my Catholic faith.
Sometimes we wander away and the Lord calls us back. In the first reading after the high priest discovers the book of the law, he gives it to a scribe who in turn reads it to the king. As the king hears God’s law he discovers that the life he and the people of Israel are living is thoroughly disobedient. Recognizing the need for change the king called on all the people of Jerusalem to completely re-enter into their covenant with the Lord. The call to reclaim their faith came from the rediscovery of the law in God’s Word. Our call to reclaim our faith sometimes comes in subtle ways like through a word or phrase at church or from a group of faithful disciples. Not every call for revival comes from holy avenues. Every now and then we encounter a wolf in “sheep’s clothing” that teaches us ways that lead us away from Lord.
How have wolves tried to lead you away from God? Consider how is the Lord trying to nudge you to find good soil in which to be rooted? In today’s gospel, Jesus warns the disciple to beware of false prophets that will cause rot in their lives. Consider the ways the Lord is calling you to rediscover the depth of your faith. Discern one way you can incline your heart towards the decrees of the Lord, so that your participation in the covenant will bear good fruit.
Lord, You know our hearts and you made them to be one with Yours. Place in our lives examples of faithful disciples who will help us be ever more deeply aware of Your presence, so that our lives reflect our desire to be one with You. Amen.
- Deacon Michael Montgomery