Peace be with you and your ohana!
As we begin this 16th week of Ordinary Time, we find ourselves living in an extraordinary time!
A time of challenge and adaptation, a time of new understanding and wisdom.
This week we celebrate six saints whose lives showed that they had an understanding and a wisdom of God.
Monday, it is St. Apollinaris, a Bishop who was martyred for his faith.
Tuesday, St. Lawrence of Brindisi, a priest and Doctor of the Church
Wednesday, it is St. Mary Magdalene, the first witness of the Resurrection.
Thursday, St. Bridget, a religious.
Friday, it is St. Sharbel Makhluf, a priest who was a monk in Lebanon.
and Saturday, St. James, who was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus.
Our readings for next weekend address understanding and wisdom, the understanding and wisdom of knowing God. Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of heaven as a treasure, a merchant, a net thrown into the sea in the Gospel. And, Solomon receives wisdom from God to lead the people.
Wisdom and understanding are sometimes hard to get. Sometimes, they come through great hardship. And, we can identify with that! Especially, during these times of health and economic crises.
But, in the Letter to the Romans in the Second Reading, we hear that “all things work for good for those who love God.”
May the Lord bless you with wisdom and understanding and the knowledge you need to fathom the Kingdom of heaven during these challenging times!
Scripture:
“Ask something of me and I will give it to you. Give your servant an understanding heart. And, for understanding so that I may know what is right. I give you a heart so wise and understanding.” (1 Kings 3)
“Let your kindness comfort me. (Psalm 119)
“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field which a person finds and hides again. The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. The kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea which collects fish of every kind.” (Matthew 13)
Blessings, pono and pule!
Fr. Brian Guerrini, ss.cc.
Priest
Molokai