Thursday in the Twenty-Fourth Week of Ordinary Time

“Her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love” (Lk. 7:47). Today’s gospel passage made me think of a quote that was popular when I was in the seminary: “It’s easier to ask forgiveness than permission.” Along this line, Pope Francis made two points while speaking to the young people of East Timor. He encouraged them to develop strong relationships with the elderly because old folks are a wellspring of wisdom. Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has spoken of young people as a breath of fresh air because they have the capacity and the desire to look far ahead. His second point is precious. “You have to make a mess in order to show the life that you have.” We must not be afraid to follow our dreams. Fear can paralyze us. Progress results from cleaning up the messes. Reconciliation strengthens the bonds of love in the community. I’ll let John Henry Newman have the last word.

 Some Definite Service

God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments. Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, and hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.  (John Henry Newman, Meditations and Devotions)