Thursday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Year of Saint Joseph

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

Saints: Pope Saint Cornelius (-253); Saint Cyprian of Carthage, Bishop, Martyr, and Doctor (210-258); Saint Ninian (c.360-432)

Readings of the Day

RB: Ch 3:1-6 Summoning the Brothers for Counsel

Mass: 1 Tim 4:12-16; Resp Ps 111; Lk 7:36-50

How great are the works of the Lord!

HEART OF JESUS, OUR PEACE AND OUR RECONCILIATION,

HAVE MERCY ON US.

Today we are blessed with three texts that relate to young people. Whatever our definition of "young" or "youth" is, may we all be young at heart with the joy of the Lord. Let's listen to Jesus too, for when he spoke to the "sinful" woman in today's Gospel, she so humble and reverent, Jesus speaks to us: Your faith has saved you; go in peace (Lk 7:50). Dear Jesus, I believe, help my unbelief.

Now with the texts: 

First, from today's reading from the Holy Rule of Saint Benedict, Chapter 3, about the times when anything important is to be done in the monastery, and the abbot or abbess calls the whole community for counsel. Everyone is summoned, young and old alike, for "the Lord often reveals what is better to the younger" (RB 3:3).

Then Saint Paul, in his first epistle to Timothy, begins today's passage with these words: "Beloved: Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity" (1 Tim 4:12).

And Pope Francis ended his Address to young people gathered in Lokomotiva Stadium, Kosice, Slovakia, September 14, in this way:

When we embrace Jesus, joy is reborn. And the joy of Jesus helps us find peace, even in the midst of sorrow. More than anything, dear young people, I want this joy for you. I want you to bring it to your friends. Not sermons, but joy. Bring joy! Not words, but smiles and fraternal closeness.

POPE SAINT CORNELIUS,

SAINT CYPRIAN OF CARTHAGE,

SAINT NINIAN,

SAINT JOSEPH,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: Here we are at Basilica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Bless the work of our hands! Courtesy of my dear friend of nearly 40 years who was there with her husband.

© Gertrude Feick 2021