Thursday of the
Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
(I Timothy 2:8-15; Mark 12:28-34)
The Corona virus has challenged the religious practices
of many. Forcing churches to close, it
has kept people home where many are not accustomed to reading Scripture or even
praying. Some, out of fear of crowds or
just out of habit, may never return to worship in church. They will be like the ones that St. Paul
mentions in today’s first reading.
Paul is exhorting his disciple Timothy to practice diligence
in his pastoral oversight. He knows that some may deny Christ to avoid persecution
and others just to make a little profit.
He realizes that it is even more likely that some may just quit practicing
their faith out of laziness. He does not
find excuses for these men and women. Rather
he says forthrightly that Christ will deny those who deny him and be faithful to
those who take up their cross after him.
We can maintain our faith if we make a habit of counting
our blessings and giving thanks. God is
good to us. Even those with very hard
lives, like those battling cancer, can find blessings surrounding them. We must
take time to name the graces that we have received. We can do so both individually or collectively,
whether with our family or at church. In
this way we can count on Christ affirming us when judgment comes.
