OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY (Memorial) White

“The Rosary takes its inspiration from the Gospel to suggest the attitude with which the faithful should recite it. In the harmonious succession of Hail Mary’s, the Rosary puts before us once more a fundamental mystery of the Gospel – the incarnation of the Word, contemplated at the decisive moment of the Annunciation of Mary. The Rosary is thus a Gospel prayer, as pastors and scholars like to define it, more today perhaps than in the past.” (Pope Paul VI, Marialis Cultus, 44)

First Reading: Bar 4:5-12. 27-29; Psalm: 69. R. v. 34; Gospel: Lk 10:17-24

HEAVEN IS THE GOAL

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

“The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!’” (Lk 10:17).

The joy of the seventy disciples was uncommon as they returned from their successful missions. Never before have they been able to cast out demons either by their own authority or by the authority of another. So, we can see how excited they were to do something they never imagined they could do before. They were so impressed and carried away by the joy of this experience that Jesus had to remind them of what is more important.

Jesus said to them; “I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” This counsel of Jesus conveys a very important message to us. We could do wonders, cast out demons, heal the sick, and perform several miracles in Jesus’ name. But these things do not guarantee our place in heaven. No matter how humongous our achievements are; if they do not lead us to heaven, then we have failed.

At times, we can easily be carried away by appearances; things that entice the eye. We live in a world where people centre their faith more on miracles than on Christ. Prosperity preachers and miracle workers are everywhere. Salvation of soul is scarcely preached on because it does not attract listeners as much as prosperity gospel does. Let the warning of Jesus re-echo in our hearts today. Salvation does not depend on healing miracles but on faith in Christ Jesus and good works to one another. This requires that we pay more attention to how the gospel affects our lives positively; for without this our names cannot be written in heaven.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, turn our hearts to you that we may desire to do your will always and have our names written in heaven. Amen.