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Wednesday, October 20, 2004

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St. Paul of the Cross


Ephesians 3:2-12
Isaiah 12:2-6
Luke 12:39-48

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love to wait

"That servant is fortunate whom his master finds busy when he returns." —Luke 12:43

Peter was given the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Mt 16:19). He saw the risen Jesus on Easter morning. He was even warned several times to be vigilant and faithful in his mission because Jesus, His Master, might take His time coming back (Lk 12:45; Mt 25:5, 19). Though Peter was given much (Lk 12:48), he couldn't wait a few weeks for Jesus. So shortly after Jesus resurrection, Peter went back to work in his commercial fishing boat (Jn 21:3).

In today's Gospel, Jesus had warned Peter that the servant "who knew his master's wishes but did not prepare to fulfill them" would get a severe beating (Lk 12:47). However, when Jesus returned to check on his servant Peter, He didn't give Peter that beating. Instead, Jesus gave Peter a miraculous catch of fish and cooked breakfast for him (Jn 21:6, 13). This time, Jesus had no teaching or parable for Peter. He simply asked Peter: "Do you love Me?" (Jn 21:15)

Waiting a few weeks, a few months, or even a few years for Jesus to come along won't be a problem if we love Him enough. If we love Jesus, we will be immersed in dispensing the word of God to His lambs in our midst (Jn 21:15; Lk 12:42). If we love Jesus, we won't misuse the gifts and privileges God has given us on our own pleasures (cf Lk 12:45ff). Vigilance and waiting come naturally to those in love (Sg 3:1-3; 5:2). "The love of Christ impels us" (2 Cor 5:14) to spread the word of God. Jesus asks each of us: "Do you love Me?"

Prayer:  Father, pour out Your love in my heart through the Holy Spirit (Rm 5:5) so that I may wait in joyful hope.

Promise:  "In Christ and through faith in Him we can speak freely to God, drawing near Him with confidence." —Eph 3:12

Praise:  St. Paul loved Christ crucified and led many others to be devoted to that love.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, March 30, 2004


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 1, 2004