HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS - 9/16/22 (Memorial of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian)

Luke 8:1-3

Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources.

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091622.cfm

Blessed Memorial of Saint Cornelius and Saint Cyprian! Jesus was journeying to many towns proclaiming the Good News. What's the Good News? The Good News is the mercy of God that gives us salvation. If we will accept the gospel and follow the teachings of Christ and the Church, we will be able to enter the Kingdom of God. This is truly good news that should make us rejoice. But, why is it that some of us seem to not be that motivated in our Catholic faith?  Perhaps, some people may think that they are hopeless because of the negative words they hear from others, or possibly even the words they say to themselves. Let's ponder on the people who joined Jesus in His journey. 

The twelve disciples were with the Lord. St. Mary Magdalene, a woman who was devoted to Christ, was also with Him together with other female disciples. Those whom Jesus cured from sicknesses and those who were previously possessed were helping Him. When we look at the group of our Lord in His ministry, they seem to be the ones that their culture defines as "hopeless." After all, many of the disciples of Christ were uneducated, and some were just fishermen. They were despised for their lack of education by the people who were guilty of intellectual pride. The women were also discriminated against as if they were lesser than men while Jesus looked at them with equal dignity. The Pharisees always stayed away from people who were sick and possessed thinking that they were unholy while the Pharisees were the "righteous" people. But, the Good News of Christ was not just seen in the truth of His doctrines. Those are necessary for us, but we can really see the Good News because of His mercy. He is the hope of all the hopeless, and that's the Good News we have to hold onto. 

Like them, there are times that we are mocked and belittled by others. It's truly painful when some just see our imperfections and keep pointing all of them to us. It really saddens us when we see that we are not loved. Sometimes, we end up believing the lies of others by thinking that we are sinners who have no hope of doing better. When we fall to sins such as lust, materialism, pride and others, it's as if we are just willing to justify them, not because they think it's what is best for us, but because we just don't see any hope. Jesus is reminding us thay He is our hope. We can change if we are willing to accept the gospel and if we are willing to offer ourselves to Him. The sacraments, which are God's vessels of His graces, are always present. Like the people in the gospel reading, may we choose to follow Jesus and cooperate with Him in building up His Kingdom here on earth. The promise of eternal life and the resurrection will satisfy our desires of loving God and being loved by God for eternity. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Life of St. Cornelius and St. Cyprian

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-cornelius-pope-martyr-and-st-cyprian-bishop-martyr-596

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Amazing Testimony on Rosary:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=FFyRwJBExMk

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/