Virtual Retreat 8/22/06
2006 Aug 22 Tue: Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary M
Ez 28: 1-10/ Dt 32: 26-27ab. 27cd-28. 30. 35cd-36ab/ Mt 19: 23-30
From todays readings: The word of the LORD came to me: Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre: Thus says the Lord GOD: Because you are haughty of heart.... Surely, the LORD shall do justice for His people; on His servants He shall have pity.... But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.....
Topsy-Turvy Christianity
Most people have a natural inclination to strive to get ahead, to get on top. Such ambitions are not necessarily sinful in themselves, and can push people to excellence in many fields. But, it is of course wrong ever to use others as climbing blocks in getting to the top spot.
Jesus outlines a rather strange fast-track in His kingdom. The accumulation of riches is of no use there - rather, as was suggested to the rich young man, giving alms to the poor is the way to attain eternal riches. So much seems topsy-turvy in His kingdom, for as the Lord Himself asserts, many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.
Mary, the most simple, innocent woman without any worldly ambitions, is the one crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth. All this is a reminder to us to critically consider our own ambitions and efforts to get ahead - will they pay off in the long run, eternally? Or just in the short run, temporarily?
Fr. Rory Pitstick
Our Lady of the Valley Parish
2511 N. Elmway
Okanogan WA 98840 USA
(509) 422-5049
"Illum oportet crescere, me autem minui." John 3:30
Do you Yahoo!?
Next-gen email? Have it all with the all-new Yahoo! Mail Beta.
posted by FrPitstick | 8/19/2006
<< Home