Word: True disciples of Christ hunger & thirst for His righteousness.
Order: “Listen to my voice!”(Jn 18:37)
Reflection:
The Church sets aside the month of November in memory of those officially recognized as saints, as well as all those whom He has called back to Himself. For our part, we find ourselves filled with memories of loved ones who have left us. We pray for them and perhaps even look to them for strength and direction in our own lives. We also call to mind, not only those who have gone before us, but all the people of God, including those still on earthly journey like us, because we all belong to the family of God and are called by our Lord to be saints.
The Word for this month as discerned by the Executive Council of Servant Leaders is: True disciples of Christ hunger & thirst for His righteousness. Indeed, our soul’s deepest hunger and thirst are only fully satisfied when we find nourishment and strength in God’s word…”But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well,” (Mt 6:33). His righteousness is the complete and the sum of all good that leaves nothing further to be desired.
The theme for the 1st Sunday, the Solemnity of All Saints is, We hunger and thirst for His righteousness when we live out the Beatitudes.The Beatitudes offer the blueprint for true happiness and inner joy. It is a reflection of the way Jesus lived His life on earth – poor in spirit, meek and humble of heart, a peacemaker, and one who was persecuted for the sake of justice. His life is a proclamation that God is the answer to humanity’s deepest longing. In the words of St. Teresa of Avila, “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. All things pass – God never changes. Patience achieves all it strives for. Whoever has God lacks nothing -God alone suffices.”
The second Sunday’s theme is, We hunger and thirst for His righteousness when we offer God all that we are. The Gospel exhorts us not to yield to our self-centeredness, but instead seek the good of others through humble service and love.Jesus teaches us that real giving must come from the heart. A gift grudgingly given, or given simply as an outward gesture, has no value. But a gift given out of love, with a spirit of generosity and sacrifice, is invaluable. The service we render in God’s vineyard may seem menial, and the love offering that we put in the collection basket may seem trivial, but no matter how insignificant, if we place these gifts at the Lord’s disposal, God can do with them what is beyond our reckoning.
In the Gospel of the third Sunday, Jesus tells us to be watchful for the signs of time that we may not be caught unprepared when the Son of Man returns to judge us. These ‘signs’ should encourage all who trust God’s word, to bear the fruits of His kingdom – the abundance of new life in the Holy Spirit and the joy of God’s kingdom. Just as our Lord expected to find fruits from the fig tree, He expects us to bear and to share the fruit of the Spirit – “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal 5:22-23) – with those around us. This is given emphasis in the theme of the third week, We hunger and thirst for His righteousness when we are vigilant in serving God.
The theme for the 4th Sunday, the Solemnity of Christ the King is, We hunger and thirst for His righteousness when we testify to the truth. The Truth is Jesus is King and Ruler over all. He has all authority and power to reign over heaven and earth. He came to conquer every heart and soul and establish God’s kingdom here on earth – “a kingdom ruled not by force or fear but by the power of God’s righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit,” (Rm 14:17). Our lives should be submitted to His lordship as we seek to do only His will and to serve His Kingdom above all else today and for all eternity. Which kingdom will you serve today and for all eternity? The world, which is passing, or God’s kingdom, which will endure for all time? If we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and King, we become citizens of this everlasting kingdom which is governed by God’s righteousness, peace, and love. Is your life submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ?
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