FAITH, THE KEY OF KNOWLEDGE - 10/13/22 (Thursday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time)

Luke 11:52

“Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101322.cfm

Blessed Thursday! The scholars of the law were knowledgeable of many things in the Old Testament. They were familiar with Mosaic law and with the writings of their prophets. They were also aware of the prophecies pertaining to the Messiah, the One whom they were awaiting for. And yet, when Jesus Christ was in front of them, instead of following Him, they rejected Him, even to the point of planning how to kill Him. They had the wisdom of the world, but they did not have the wisdom of God. Our Lord also spoke of how they took away the key of knowledge. What was the key of knowledge that the scholars of the law lacked? It's faith. Because they did not have faith in Jesus, they were unable to know the knowledge and will of God in their lives. 

Faith is the key for us to possess Jesus Christ, the Eternal Wisdom, which will enable us to have more knowledge of God. This knowledge is not about mere information or facts. Instead, it's the knowledge of what is pleasing to God or not. With this knowledge, we can act in union with God's will. Because of this, the faith that we are describing here is a living faith. It's not merely an intellectual faith, but a faith that is applied in our lives. God has revealed to us the Truth through different means such as the Scriptures, the Catholic Church, the examples of the saints and many more. Our Lord doesn't just show us mere information, but He is revealing to us His salvation. That's how much He has loved us. Worldly wisdom will only obtain for us limited knowledge, but the Eternal Wisdom will bring us to everlasting life. 

Today, we also commemorate the last day of the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima. We can deepen our faith if we persevere in our prayer life, especially in praying the rosary, as  shown to us by our Mother Mary many times. The rosary is an important devotion for our faith, and this is why we begin with the Apostles' Creed and with the words, "I believe." Through the rosary, we ask the Lord for us to be conformed to His will on earth and in heaven and for us to be with Him in heaven. The saints had greater insight on the mysteries of God through prayer, especially through the holy rosary. It is also beneficial and helpful for the parents to teach the faith and our Catholic devotions to their children. When we practice our Catholic faith, we may be persecuted and mocked by other people. Some may laugh at heaven and hell. We may receive hurtful words from them, even from the people whom we love. Let's not lose hope, and let's deepen our faith through the rosary. May we remember that even our Lord is persecuted by the people whom He loves. And yet, God has been merciful with them and with us. Let's continue to persevere in our faith journey. Even when there are many obstacles, let's remember that God has prepared, even before the creation of the world, numerous spiritual blessings and everlasting life for the people who are faithful to Him. 

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

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Amazing Testimony on Rosary:

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

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

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

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

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