23
September
Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 25th Week in Ordinary time – Monday – Luke 8:16-18
The Gospel reading from the Mass for Monday of the 25th Week of Ordinary Time is Luke 8:16-18.
After explaining the Parable of the Sower, Christ pauses to reveal part of His strategy of evangelization to encourage the disciples and build their confidence. He begins with the example of a lighted lamp. The revelation of the Gospel (the light) maybe hidden in the near term to confound those who are evil (covered with a vessel or hidden under a bed) but God’s intention is for His truth to be known (seen) by all (put the lamp on a stand).
Christ is preparing the disciples for their role as leaders in evangelization of the world. He takes them aside and patiently teaches them the deeper meaning of His parables. Christ directs the disciples to make His parables known broadly, uncovering the secret meaning so that His truth can be known by all.
With the blessing of receiving the fullness of truth from Christ comes great responsibility. Christ urges the disciples to heed His words, warning them that their exalted status could be taken away if they fail to productively use the gifts they have been given. This warning holds true for all men even today.
Awed by Jesus Christ – Son of God, Christ is the greatest strategist, planning out Salvation History and revealing it in deliberate stages. Divine King, prepares His disciples for their mission to bring the Gospel to all men. Christ Divine Teacher, Christ offers teachings which can be mysterious to the evil but made manifest to those who love Him. Divine Judge, Christ warns of clear consequences for those who do and do not heed His words.
Being a Heroic Catholic Man
1) Men are impressed by great strategists, leaders who conceive and successfully implement breakthrough strategies. Reflect on God’s strategy that spans all of human history and the magnificent Incarnation of Christ as part the unfolding plan of Salvation History.
2) Despite Christ’s clear command to evangelize, many Catholic men are lackadaisical in living up to their responsibilities to share the gift of the Gospel. Reflect upon the call for you to Evangelize (CCC 429, 848-851, 905, 2044, 2225, 2472) and pray for Him to guide you to spread the Word.
3) Christ warns men of punishment for men who fail to respond to His call to evangelize, saying that “even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.” Reflect on Punishment (CCC 1828, 1964, 2090) and Hell (CCC 1033-1037) and pray for Christ to fill you with a holy fear and love for Him so that you might seek growing holiness.
Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers
Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Joyful Mysteries
Daily Devotion – The Souls in Purgatory
Virtue of the Day – Prudence
Corporal Work of Mercy – To give drink to the thirsty
Spiritual Work of Mercy – To instruct the ignorant
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