Home
The Community at Prayer
Reflection by Father Paul M. Baca
October 9, 2011,
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Again the first reading makes me feel very grateful that I have had so many opportunities of reading and studying the bible so that every time I go to any passage, many thoughts and concepts flood my mind. The day was when I would read for example, the first verse of our reading from the prophet Isaiah and ask myself, What mountain is this? As a matter of fact, now I have a deep appreciation that all the scriptures are God's word and they are directed to all people of every age throughout the world.
The first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah today is one that I love to read and reflect on as I am made aware of how unbridled greed has corrupted and continues to corrupt, our society. It seems to me that concern for the well being of the marginalized is minimal and at times nonexistent. So I ask myself, What does God have to say about that? Listen to the words of the first reading and imagine God speaking to each one of us. "On this mountain the Lord of Hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich foods and choice wine; juicy rich food and pure choice wines." The contrast between God's plan for us and the realities we encounter on a daily basis is so totally sharp. You notice that according to this reading, Almighty God does not want the minimal amount of nourishment, but rather that everyone have access to much more than the minimal. After all, we read, "The Lord of Hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines; juicy rich food and pure choice wines." But, as we know, God's plan is to work through each and every one of us to make this kind of loving concern possible.
Life is God's gift and Almighty God meant for life not just to be a matter of keeping body and soul together, but rather an exciting and fulfilling adventure. Such a life should never be though to be a privilege for a few; but rather, the goal for all humanity. Yet the reality is that so many people all over the world and even in our country live a life of want and dire poverty. We are blessed to live in this wonderful country of ours where we the people can choose by election leaders that will serve all the people and enhance the lives of others. Unfortunately this does not always happen, but because it does not always happen, we should not acquiesce to the status quo. This is what makes the scriptures interesting because they are not society speaking, but a good and loving God speaking to society.
Throughout the more than 60 years that I have been a priest, I have always been favorably influenced by people I have served, some extremely poor and others much better off who knew the meaning of the word 'enough,' and never wanted more at the expense of someone else. The second reading highlights this Christian way of life, "I know how to live in humble circumstances; I know how also to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things, I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need."
With these thoughts in mind we would do well to read the following psalm from time to time:
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose.
Beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul. He guides me in right paths, for his namesake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley, I fear no evil, for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage.
You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life. And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.