24th Can we become instruments of God’s love and mercy?

On this 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, let us reflect upon the profound words
of St. Paul, which remind us that our lives are not meant to be lived in isolation or
solely for our benefit. In our society, the prevalent focus is often on the self,
which leads to a sense of individualism and disconnection from one another.
However, St. Paul challenges us to take a different perspective and reach out to
assist one another. We often lose sight of our connection to each other and the
shared humanity that binds us, and our ultimate purpose as followers of Christ.
St. Paul challenges us to shift our perspective and acknowledge the Lord’s
sovereignty over our lives. We are called to recognize that our existence is not
solely for our benefit but for the glory of God and the service of others. As a
parish community, we have the unique opportunity to apply St. Paul’s words in
our daily lives. Practical ways to reach out and assist one another include acts of
kindness, compassion, and generosity. It can be as simple as listening to
someone in need, extending a helping hand to those facing hardships, or sharing
our resources with those who lack necessities. By actively serving others, we
become instruments of God’s love and mercy in the community and the world.
Building authentic relationships is also crucial in reaching out to assist one
another. We are called to foster a community of belonging, where individuals feel
valued, supported, and cared for. This can be achieved by becoming active
participants of our parish family who engage in acts of fellowship, and offer
support and encouragement to struggling people. It is important to remember
that our ability to reach out and assist one another is not solely dependent on our
strength or resources. St. Paul reminds us that it is through Christ’s death and
resurrection that we are united as His disciples. Through the power of the Holy
Spirit, we are equipped to fulfill the mission of love and service that Christ has
entrusted to us. We can draw upon His grace and guidance as we seek to be His
hands and feet in the world.
As we reflect on St. Paul’s words in today’s readings, let us examine our
lives and ask ourselves how we can break free from the self-centeredness of our
society. Let us actively seek opportunities to reach out and assist one another,
being mindful of the needs and vulnerabilities of those around us. May we be
agents of love, unity, and service within our parish community and beyond.
Through our actions, we can reflect the selflessness of Christ, who died and
came to life for our sake, that He might be Lord of both the living and the dead.
May the Holy Spirit inspire and empower us to live out the teachings of St. Paul
in our daily lives, transforming our society into a place of compassion and love.

Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor.