Word to the Wise
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 - Tuesday in the 33th Week in Ordinary Time
[Rev 3:1-6, 14-22 and Luke 19:1-10]TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016. ST. ALBERT THE GREAT, O.P. [Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22 and Luke 19:1-10. Scriptures may vary at Dominican locations.] "I know your works; I know that you are neither cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, 'I am rich and affluent and have no need of anything,' and yet do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked." The Book of Revelation is featured in first scriptures this week. As most of us know, it is a startling work and filled with vivid imagery that can be very challenging to the imagination and to the heart. Today's passage is no exception. It comes from a series of addresses to various churches in Asia Minor, but could easily reach us in our rather affluent and complacent culture. It echoes a theme we have been hearing from the Gospel of Luke: beware of the way that too much material wealth can dull the fire of faith and cause self-complacency. The essential problem is recognizing our continual need of God's help and mercy and the continual needs of our brothers and sisters at home and abroad. We can become like the Pharisee in the story from Luke about the two men praying in the temple. He had no recognition of his need or the needs of of anyone else. The passage from Revelation shows that this attitude can be a societal one as well. A whole culture can become bloated and complacent. Revelation offers a wake-up call. I hope we can all hear it. AMEN
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