Word to the Wise
Tuesday, November 15, 2022 - Tuesday in the 33th Week in Ordinary Time
[Rev 3:1-6, 14-22 and Luke 19:1-10]To the angel of the Church in Laodicea, write this: "'The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the source of God's creation says this: "I know your works; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.'" [Revelation]
NOVEMBER 15 ST. ALBERT THE GREAT, O,P.
"Mediocre" is not a word that most of us would care to admit to! It bears with it the challenge to do much better. The first scripture for this day [Tuesday in the 33rd week, Cycle II] comes from the Book of Revelation and is part of a series of challenges to various early Christian communities in the Mediterranean area. There are two challenges in today's portion. The first, to the church in Sardis, warns them they are not living up to their commitment. The second, quoted above, is to the church in Laodicea, and it has the challenge to rise above "mediocrity" - to be much better than "lukewam" Christians.
How would we rate ourselves as Christians and Catholics? It is very possible to go to church every Sunday and receive the sacraments of reconciliation and Eucharist but ignore those around us who would fit into the categories in Matthew 25:31-45 - the hungry, thirsty, naked, ill and alien. Is it "good enough" to be simply "sacramental Catholics" and forget about loving our neighbor, or at least avoiding any overt harm to our neighbor? If we were arrested for being a Christian, would there be sufficient evidence to convict us? The challenge to be better than "mediocre" Catholic Christians is more than sacramental! The encounter with Christ is broader than liturgical. "Ordinary life" does not have to be "mediocre" life. Asking ourselves honest questions on a regular basis can prevent the "lukewarmness" that the Book of Revelation warns about. There's always room for improvement. AMEN