Monday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time

In Luke 17:1-6, Jesus acknowledges that even those who “abide in him” will sometimes do wrong. But we must forgive one another as he forgives, even “seven times a day.” What he urges us here above all, however, is that we should have faith: “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this tree, ‘Be uprooted and transplanted into the sea,’ and it would obey you.”  

This is based on the mystery of abandonment. In Communion, Jesus gives himself to us without reserves. And we give ourselves to him without reserves—ourselves with all we are and possess, desiring only, as good stewards of his kingship, to manage with him and for him everything that is under our control. Then, Jesus says:  

The one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it…. On that day, you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you (John 14:12-14, 20).  

When we have abandoned ourselves totally to Christ, and he to us, we speak as his stewards, managing what is his. We speak in his name. We are one. Be aware of that in Communion.  

Initiative: Be conscious of who you are receiving in Communion. Let Christ’s presence fill you

— Fr. David M. Knight

View today’s Mass readings, Lectionary #491, on the USCCB website here

Fr. David M. Knight (1931-2021) was a priest of the Diocese of Memphis in Tennessee, a prolific writer, and a highly sought after confessor, spiritual director, and retreat master. He authored more than 40 books and hundreds of articles that focus primarily on lay spirituality and life-long spiritual growth.