MONDAY OF THE TWENTY-EIGHTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OCTOBER 11, 2021

MASS READINGS

A reading of the holy Gospel according to Lk 11:29-32

While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”

REFLECTION

"the sign of Jonah"

Warning signs are posted everywhere. Don't take the tag off a pillow or cushion under penalty of law. Road signs warn you to slow down or watch for accidents or hazards, slippery when wet, stop ahead, merging traffic, no passing zone, school zone, etc.

Warning signs of stress include crying, abrupt bursts of anger, difficulty eating, depression, feeling guilty but not knowing why, sleeplessness, or sleeping too much.

Warning signs of the Catholic backslider is one who sins but does not go to confession, attends Mass haphazardly and therefore misses the spiritual food God has provided. These signs can be so subtle that it is a complete surprise when there is a crisis of spiritual starvation. Before long, with neglect, our spiritual life collapses.

The loss of love for God, the loss of fear of God and the loss of faith in God are the three major reasons for losing our eternity with God.

Do we love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love? (Eph 6:24)

Or do we go through the motions of devotion to God, yet our hearts are cold? An increase in a secular life, filled with a lot of things to do, may result in falling out of love with God.

Loss of joy of being with a person we love diminishes our relationship with them. King David anguished when he realized how far he had fallen after Bathsheba. Avoiding kindred spirits might be a sign that our zeal for God is falling. The sacraments, an active prayer life and scripture study are great helps in staying focused on God.

A growing attachment to sin takes away that natural and normal fear of the Lord. And the further away we get, the less faith we have in the Lord who is pure goodness.

The ultimate danger is that we will take our salvation for granted.

This is why PAPA is so timely. There is a need to go back to God, to have hearts stirred up with love for God and the frequent reception of the sacraments, with the highlight of daily reception of the Holy Eucharist, Jesus Christ. We Pray for Priests so that we may receive the sacraments. There are many prayers found on our website papamio.org. Zoom bible study (FACEZBS) allows us to fall in love with God, to understand His Word and to have faith in the goodness of the Lord.

PAPA also has four Top Secret Booklets to help us remain in joyful love with God, to fear Him and to have faith in Him.

Top Secret 1: Handbook of Joy, the Seven Secrets of the Holy Spirit

Top Secret II: What is the purpose of your life on earth? The Secret to Eternal Life

Top Secret III: The Name

Top Secret IV: The Secret to Eternal Love.

Please notify PAPA if you need further information.

God Bless You