September 18
Friday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Give a Mass Offering
Prayer for Spiritual Communion
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
“Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full.”
Readings & Reflection
Is there resurrection from the dead? Today we hear that question discussed in 1 Corinthians. This has arisen, as well as the issue in Luke’s Gospel today, because of the testimony of women on behalf of Jesus. We must remember that the testimony of women in the time of Jesus was not highly regarded. Jesus chose women not thought of as valued parts of the society in which they lived, to reveal himself through many miracles as well as his death and resurrection.
This signified to those who heard the testimony of the women that Jesus was coming not just for men, but also for all of creation. The fact that many of these women were sinners, as were many of the men, spoke to the idea that none is lost. We rejoice in the fact that Christ did come for all people, not just the faithful, not just the sinless, but also for those who thought they were sinless.
So can we believe the women who claim his body was not in the tomb? These faith-filled women are examples for us today. How are we, as Jesus’ followers, offering our own testimony? Are we pointing others to Jesus for healing? How credible is our testimony? Our testimony will be credible to those who receive the gift of faith openly!
Peace,
Fr. John Kurgan
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