Lectio Divina – October 5, 2023 | Thursday of the Twenty-six Sunday in Ordinary Time, Memorial of Saint Faustina of Kowalska

“Be strong and courageous.”

Proper of Readings for the Thursday on the Twenty-six Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection by Sis Abigael Macaraeg

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, Do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” This verse taught us that we must remain resilient in the face of any difficulties. When we feel isolated or there is no one else around, we shouldn’t give up. Additionally, no matter where we travel, he is by our side through all of our highs and lows. Even if we occasionally believe that God has abandoned us while we are in pain, he has never left us.

This verse also serves as a reminder that God always directs our decisions and our course of action. Because Jesus is with us spiritually even if we cannot see him physically, we should not give up or become disheartened.

In the Gospel, Jesus is inviting us to pray. The passage which is the object of our meditation begins with somewhat dense expressions. The first one, “After these things, it sends us back to the prayer of Jesus and to his firm decision to go to Jerusalem. The second one concerns the verb “appointed”: He appointed seventy-two others and sent them out…” (10: 1). Where it is said concretely that He sent them ahead of him, it is the same resolute Jesus who is journeying to Jerusalem. The recommendations that He addresses to them before sending them are an invitation to be aware of the reality to which they are sent abundant harvest in contrast to the few laborers. The Lord of the harvest arrives with all his force, but the joy of that arrival is hindered by the reduced number of laborers. Therefore, the categorical invitation to prayer: “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send  laborers to do his harvesting”. The initiative of sending out on mission is the competence of the Father but Jesus transmits the order: ”Start off now” and then He indicates the ways of following. He begins with the luggage: no purse, no sack nor sandals. These are elements that show the fragility of the one who is sent and his dependence on the help that they receive from the Lord and from the people of the city.

Points of Reflection:

1. When was the last time you thought that God left you?
2. Have you tried to talk to him and ask for help?
3. How does it feel to know that God provides you everything you need and does not leave you?

Final Prayer

Father, you show your almighty power in your mercy and forgiveness. Continue to fill us with your gifts of love. Help us to hurry towards the eternal life your promise and come to share in the joys of your kingdom. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

About the Contributor

Sis Abigael Macaraeg is the General Secretary of YFIA Movement in the Philippines. She is currently studying as Freshman Nursing at the National University-Manila.