August 16, 2009: 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Saint Mother Theodore Guerin was asked, what must we do in order to be saints? She replied, "Nothing extraordinary; nothing more than what we do every day. Only do it for God's love."

Brothers and sisters: Be careful how you live, not as unwise people, but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of God is. (Ephesians 5:15-17)

This Scripture passage is from St. Paul’s letter to the Christian community at Ephesus. When reading Paul’s letters we need to remember that the Church was very young. The Christians were learning to live according to the teachings of Jesus. This particular letter to the Ephesians talks about the Church, its nature and purpose, how it should look and what it should be doing. Of course, when we speak of the Church we are speaking of ourselves. The Church is one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. Does this sound familiar? These words identify the four marks of the Church.

Action:

Now, let us look at the passage from Scripture. Sometimes people do bad or evil things. As disciples of Jesus we are called to holiness, that is, to do what is right and good. When you find yourself in a difficult situation, needing to choose between right and wrong, ask yourself “what does God want me to do?” If you do what is right you will be doing God’s will. You will be acting as a wise person. Saint Mother Theodore Guerin advises us to pray to God “for the light, the grace, the strength we need to do in all things His Will.”