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Sunday, October 27, 1996

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30th Sunday Ordinary Time


Exodus 22:20-26
Psalm 18
1 Thessalonians 1:5-10
Matthew 22:34-40

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"When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they assembled in a body; and one of them, a lawyer, in an attempt to trip Him up, asked Him..." —Matthew 22:34- 35

Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment. He answered not only by giving the greatest commandment but also the first one, the second one, and the basis of the whole law and of the prophets (Mt 22:38-40). When we ask Jesus a question, we often get much more than we bargained for. That's why we may be afraid to ask Him questions (Mk 9:32).

Jesus may be "too much" for us (see Mk 6:3). He will give us more than we can ever ask for or imagine (Eph 3:20). That means we're not in control of everything. The Lord will be Lord of our questions. In fact, He wants to be Lord of everything, including our lives. At the name of Jesus, every knee must bend (Phil 2:10).

Nonetheless, I challenge you to ask Jesus a question. Be prepared to not be prepared and not be in control. Be prepared to be loved and surprised, to repent and obey.

Jesus alone is the Answer. Therefore, when we ask Jesus a question, we can expect something special. Go ahead; dare to ask Jesus a question.

Prayer:  Jesus, I will trust You enough to ask and receive (Mt 7:7).

Promise:  "The word of the Lord has echoed forth from you resoundingly." —1 Thes 1:8

Praise:  Alleluia! In Jesus, we will be raised from the dead! Alleluia forever!

Reference:  (Advent is approaching. Prepare the way of the Lord by ordering our leaflet, An Isaiah Advent.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, April 2, 1996


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 3, 1996