October 16, 2021, Saturday 28th Week in Ordinary Time

October 16, 2021, Saturday 28th Week in Ordinary Time
Luke 12:8-12
Please open your Scriptures and read these verses prayerfully.

Father, are you going to say grace?

Sitting down at a luncheon/meeting with a variety of people can be a challenge. Of course, you are aware that some of the people are Catholic. Others you know are Christian. Still, there are one or two whom you are sure have no faith or, worse, have put down the Church in conversation.

Well, I am a priest, and saying a blessing before we eat is expected. But like you, if I went incognito and no one knew me, what would I do? The servers take the orders. Several conversations start up around the table. After 15 minutes, servers bring the meals.

Politely people wait until everyone is served, except a couple who continue talking and start eating. How different is the feeling when I am not wearing my collar? Or is it? Does it matter if I interrupt the conversation and “impose” (for a better word) my faith in Jesus? What about you? What would you do?

The Gospel Challenge:

Draw that scene up in a moment of prayer with the Lord. Be honest. Go around the room and imagine the responses of each one when you start praying. Call to mind people you know – Catholic, Christian, and agnostic or atheist. Next, pray over the words of Jesus, “I tell you, everyone, who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God.” Ask Jesus, ‘Why is that important to You.” Listen in your heart to His answer. It will keep coming to you, even throughout the day. When you hear the answer, have no fear to say at that meal, “Bless us O Lord, and these Thy gifts….Amen.

IGNITE THE FIRE.
God bless you, my friends.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I. C.