Tuesday 3 October 2023

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Today is Tuesday 3 October, the feast of Saint Francis Borgia SJ, in the 26th week of Ordinary time.

Brian and Jenn Johnson sing, ‘Only Jesus’. Can you make these words your own today?

You're my constant; in the chaos

You're my compass; when the road is long

You're my portion; never failing

For me, only Jesus

Let my heart want for nothing

But You, just You

Let my heart want for nothing

But You, just You

The riches of this world

Could never satisfy

Let my heart want for only You

You're my center; should I wander

You're my future; and You redeem my past

Every moment; and then forever

For me, only Jesus

For me, only Jesus

Let my heart want for nothing

But You, just You

Let my heart want for nothing

But You, just You

The riches of this world

Could never satisfy

Let my heart want for only You

Oh Jesus

Let my heart want for only You

For me, for me; only Jesus

For me, for me; only Jesus

For me, for me; only Jesus

For me, for me, for me!

Let my heart want for nothing

But You, just You

Let my heart want for nothing

But You, just You

The riches of this world

Could never satisfy

Let my heart want for only You

Let my heart want for nothing

But You, just You

Let my heart want for nothing

But You, just You

The riches of this world

Could never satisfy

Let my heart want for only You

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 9:51-56

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set towards Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, ‘Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?’ But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village.

Today is the Feast of St Francis Borgia, a young man from a rich family who gave everything up to become a Jesuit priest. He was determined to follow Jesus and would let nothing get in his way. His zeal for the Gospel strengthened the faith of all those he met…

Whatever burdens we are carrying at the moment, the Gospel invites us to persevere in the face of adversity. Jesus sets his face towards Jerusalem even though he knew what that meant. Take a moment to imagine that face of his, set towards Jerusalem…

Jesus experiences opposition from the Samaritans because of his determination. Are there moments when others have questioned the value of your perseverance? Have you questioned it yourself?

Listen again and notice how Jesus responds simply and directly: by moving on…

As we come to the end of this time of prayer, ask Jesus about the source of his great perseverance. Have you ever noticed that same source opening up within yourself? Or in the people around you? Ask Jesus to be the source of all the perseverance you need…

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.