SEASONAL GOODNESS

Romans 9:1-5; Ps 147 Praise the LORD, Jerusalem; Luke 14:1-6


Today's gospel Jesus poses this question, "Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath?"  Then he posed a another question just in case we couldn't comprehend the first.  He dumbs it down for us, "Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would you not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?"


Name a day in which goodness is not acceptable?  Goodness is always in season.  In fact, it is more so on the sabbath, the day in which we reconnect to the goodness of God.


We are never with an excuse not to be good toward others or ourselves.  Goodness itself has its origin in the reality of being suitable.  One is good in so far he is suitable.  His actions or words are suitable for someone who is made in the image and likeness of God.

Our actions and our words suit us because of who we are.  All actions and words should flow out of this reality.


Today we have our school children coming to mass dressed up as saints.  Saints are unlike celebrities.  Celebrities are those who have been noticed for their talent or ability.  They have mean basketball skills or football skills.  They have ability to draw us in by their acting talents or musical or artistic ability. Normally, celebrities are high profile personalities who have hewn a skill set.

Saints are recognized not primarily by their skill set or natural talent.  They are not primarily recognized by what they do but really who they are.  Who they are is the foundation for all of their action.  There is a supernatural element alive and at work in and through their love and life.

We hear Jesus say in the gospel, "be perfect as you heavenly Father is perfect."

Just what we need to hear.  There is only one perfect thing in life and He is Jesus.  We are not perfect.  We are a work in progress.  But we make strides simply uniting ourselves to the one who is perfect.  We can be friends with Jesus.  This is the beginning and end of perfection.  God shares himself with us in this renewed friendship offered through Jesus in the Holy Spirit.  Here in lies Saintliness.