33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

On Friday afternoon I visited a remarkable man whose loving wife had recently died. The man spoke of his wonderful wife with a simple, yet strong and profound love for her. I found it interesting that the First Reading of today is about the perfect wife. The man did not need to read those verses from Chapter 13 of the Proverbs, he had only to be with his wife and remember the past years as they – husband and wife – lived and worked side by side. It is clear that the husband has confidence in his dear departed wife. Three phases are apparent in their marriage 1.”Her husband’s heart has confidence in her” 2″She holds out her hand to the poor, she opens her arms to the needy” 3″the woman who is wise is the one to praise”

There is a true echo of the husband’s dependency in the beloved wife, because they depend on each other as a unit while remaining independent.

In all of life and death, there are moments/events that cause us to look forwards and backwards and find the Lord Jesus present. The 2nd Alleluia praises the generosity of Jesus acknowledging us with “Make your home in me as I make mine in you says the Lord. Whoever remains in me bears fruit in plenty. The fruit is being aware of those in need and acting with love.

In the Gospel, we hear Christ imploring us to be faithful in spreading the Gospel of our Trinity God.

This week I will read the First Reading several times. I will also dig a small hole in the ground and leave it open until I have decided on a charity to give to.

With love and prayers

Fr Michael

 

Please remember in your prayers Judy Atkins who died recently. We offer our condolences to husband Arthur and to the family. May Judy rest in Peace. Amen