Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 24th Week in Ordinary time – Friday – Luke 8:1-3

The Gospel reading from the Mass for Friday of the 24th Week of Ordinary Time is Luke 8:1-3.

After the establishment of His base in Capernaum, Christ expands His ministry, traveling through surrounding cities and villages around Galilee and preaching His good news (the Gospel) of the Kingdom of God (or Heaven). The Kingdom of God is announced by Christ in the Incarnation and reflects God’s complete dominion over Creation and Salvation History. Those conformed to Christ, who do the Father’s will, are members of the Kingdom who gain the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life with God.

The Kingdom of God is both present now in the Church Christ established and still to come into fullness in the future when God’s will is done everywhere. Christ demonstrates the coming of the Kingdom by the Incarnation, His preaching and His many miracles. His miracles include the healing of physical bodies (infirmaries) and the spirit (the casting out of demons).

Among Christ’s followers are those who have gained access to the Kingdom of God by their faith. The leaders of His Kingdom in the Church, the Apostles (The Twelve), were called by Christ to “be with” Him; these men are witnesses who are trained to expand awareness of the Kingdom after Christ’s Ascension. Christ, confirming the opening of the Kingdom to both men and women, allows women to accompany Him on His mission work, a courageous counter-cultural act in a culture in which men and women were not allowed to associate in public. The women, demonstrating their commitment to the Kingdom, financially supported Christ and His Apostles, men who had given up their livelihoods for the Kingdom.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Son of God and Divine Prophet, Christ announces His Kingship and announces of the Kingdom of God. Divine King, Christ appoints His key Apostles and accepts the support of good women. Divine Physician, Christ heals all human ailments including those of the body and demon possession.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) Marvel that despite the scandal of a rabbi having female disciples who travel with him, Christ invites women to become disciples, upholding the dignity of women.

2) Christ the King deliberately and in-errantly chooses 12 male Apostles to lead His Church and to evangelize the world. Reflect on the men Christ called to be Apostles (CCC 2, 96, 858-860, 1575, 1577) and pray for Christ to help you and all men to be sacrificial protectors, providers and leaders who bring their families and many souls to Christ through His Catholic Church.

3) Consistent with the generous women who followed Christ, the Church relies on the tireless efforts of women religious and lay women to sustain local parishes. Reflect upon the Catechism’s teaching about the Dignity of Women (CCC 1605, 1616, 2334, 2393)   and pray for Christ to help you and all men uphold the dignity of women.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Sorrowful Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ

Virtue of the Day – Faith

Corporal Work of Mercy – To visit the sick

Spiritual Work of Mercy – To forgive all injuries