Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
A spirit of reverence to the Lord who is ever present to us should dispose us to be more and more hopeful in His continued presence and grace, which in turn leads us to seek to cooperate with His love. After Christ has cured the sick and possessed in Simon’s town, everyone desires that He should not leave their town, and they even try to physically prevent such a departure. Yet, Christ tells them, “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.” (Luke 4:43) Christ is trying to have their hearts grow to welcome the hope that He has in store for the world. The people of Simon’s town should realize that the amazing goodness that has been at work in their town that day is not meant to be confined to one place or one day. The Lord wants them to see what He had already announced to them through the prophets: a salvation meant to reach the farthest peoples of the earth. (Isaiah “all peoples” , ?Micah from rising of sun to setting?) The hope with which Christ wishes to fill their hearts is what spurs Him to bring the love He has shown them to others in the future as well. It is hope which St. Paul sees in the Colossians which has led them to show greater charity towards their neighbors. The love the Colossians have is lived out “because of the hope reserved for you in heaven.” (Col 1:5) May the Lord whom we reverently adore, fill us with hope that we may follow Him to serve others in the foreseen future which He already fills with His grace.