August 29, Twenty-Second Sunday Ordinary Time

God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor. — Psalm 68:(see 11)

Mass Readings: Sirach 3:17-18,20,28-29 / Hebrews 12:18-19,22-24 / Luke 14:1,7-14

Watching a ‘Catholic’ 

Personal privacy has gone the way of the 10-cent cup of coffee. Drive to the grocery store, walk into the bank, stroll the mall and you’ve been on countless video cameras. Try to slide through on a yellow traffic light where there’s a traffic camera and — ouch — a ticket with a hefty fine will be in your mail in short order.

Today’s Gospel says that “on a sabbath he [Jesus] went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.” No camera, no recording devices, but a lot of eyes and a lot of tongues ready to wag. As a follower of Christ, you’re being watched, too. What do others see when they see a “Catholic”?

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the strong Catholics in my life who continue to help me see how to live my faith.