Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 29th Week in Ordinary time – Friday – Luke 12:54-59

The Gospel reading from the Mass for Friday of the 29th Week of Ordinary Time is Luke 12:54-59.

After rebuking men about hypocrisy and worldliness and warning about the need for resolute watchfulness in the continuing spiritual battle, Christ urges men to be prepared for Judgment by coming to grips with their own sins and to reconcile with God while there is still time.

Christ, as a Person of the Trinity, created men, giving them the mandate and ability to oversee Creation (Gen 1-2 ). Christ acknowledges the systematic thinking skills He has given men and confirms men’s ability to look at signs and to deduce outcomes (i.e. clouds predict rain, wind from the south predicts heat). Christ rebukes men (hypocrites) for not using their analytical skills to recognize the spiritual realities that are readily apparent (e.g., Christ’s own presence and works; goodness and evil in the world, etc.).

Christ exhorts men to come to terms with their own sin and to reconcile with Him while there is still time. Christ directs each man to examine his own conscience, judge what is right and admit his guilt.  Using an analogy of the familiar human legal system, Christ warns each man that he has an accuser (a men’s own record of sinfulness) who will drag the man before a judge (Christ); the judge will sentence the guilty to prison (Hell or Purgatory) where the guilty man will must stay until he pays the last copper (has been purified of sin). Despite the ominous warning of their coming judgment, Christ gives men hope that there is still time to reconcile with Him.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Son of God, Christ has created men with a conscience and the ability to recognize good and evil. Divine Mercy, Christ warns men of their apathy and of the coming Judgment.  Divine Teacher, Christ teaches men through earthly realities (weather, legal system) to help them understand, repent and strive for holiness.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1)  Be grateful that rather than sugar-coat or avoid sin, Christ the Truth boldly and clearly warns men to repent of their sins to prepare for their coming Judgement before it is too late.

2) Christ urges men to prudently use their God-given systematic thinking skills to discern truth and take right action. Reflect on the Prudence (CCC 1806,1835) and Discernment (CCC 1787, 1954, 2706, 2826, 2847) and pray for Christ to help you prudently discern and fulfill His will in your life.

3) To prepare for a man’s eternal Judgment, Christ urges men to examine their conscience, to recognize their sins and to make reparation with others to settle conflicts. Refresh your understanding of your Moral Conscience (CCC 1776-1802) and pray for Christ to help you thoroughly examine your conscience, repent, go to Confession and be forgiven.

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