The gardens are overflowing…the fields are ready for harvest. The Word of God in this season is entering the final phase of Ordinary Time. There is one main focus: Christian, what is the quality of the fruit you’ve produced? How has the loving gift of paschal new life been at work in you…?
The readings for October offer us several check-points: We are not to separate what God has joined together. This refers not only to marriage, but to our tendency to settle for division when love points to unifying differences.
Then we are challenged to check our priorities: Our relationship with God is the central jewel in the ring of our life. Has anything been trying to displace it?
Third, we are given a flashback to the suffering Servant. This invites us to check out how we roll with the constant irritations of an ordinary day, learning to brush them off with a graced “Oh, well…” while we keep our eyes on the One who has paid our whole debt.
The fourth Sunday is a fast forward to victory, and a yearning for the light to brand our consciousness with the realization that we are home free.
Finally, in the fifth week, we are reminded of the Great Commandment, which is all we need at the harvest time testing of our life.
It’s a quick exam of fruitfulness. May your basket be filled to overflowing…!
Holy One,
You are my fullness.
Take as your own the blossom of my loving,
And give the fruit to those who make claim on me.
