Something Greater

Readings for Monday October 12, 2009

First Reading: Romans 1:1-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98
Gospel: Luke 11:29-32


At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.” (Lk 11:31-32)

All of us have our heroes and legends that always inspire and excite us. For some it is a famous president or leader. Others enjoy stories of athletes and other accomplished individuals. For some it is brave people who battle immense obstacles such as physical or mental disabilities; or stories of people persevering through various illnesses. There are many stories out there of heroic individuals; some stories are well known, while others may only be known to a few. We also have many heroic and legendary stories in the scriptures that we turn to as well. Like, Moses parting the sea, David slewing Goliath, the great wisdom of Solomon, Jonah and the whale, Elijah being carried up by the chariot of fire, or the conversion of Paul. All of these stories from scripture help to teach us something about our faith and to help inspire us to be the men and women that God created us to be.

Although there are many fantastic stories of great men and women throughout history, and even in our world today; we must remember that there is something greater here. We must remember that God makes men and women what they are, and all gifts and abilities come straight from Him. All of the saints, the angels, and the great men that we read about in the scriptures will all tell you the same thing: there is something greater than each of them here, and that is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus is here with us today, calling us to be great for His sake, to let Him in so that we can be the men and women that we were created to be; so that one day our stories might inspire and lead those around us straight to Christ.

Today let us remember and reflect on the words that Saint Paul tells us in the first reading today: "Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy." (Rom. 1:5-7)

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, help us to recognize you in our lives, and to realize that all that we have and all that we are comes from you. Lord, you are our God, may we live to serve and honor you in all that we do. Lord, we pray for all of our priests and religious. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.