The Word Among A Catholic Devotional based on the Daily Mass Reading & Meditation for Tuesday, October 27, 2015

The Word Among A Catholic Devotional based on the Daily Mass Reading & Meditation for Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Meditation: Romans 8:18 I don’t think the sufferings we are going through now are even worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us in the future. 19 The creation waits eagerly for the sons of God to be revealed; 20 for the creation was made subject to frustration — not willingly, but because of the one who subjected it. But it was given a reliable hope 21 that it too would be set free from its bondage to decay and would enjoy the freedom accompanying the glory that God’s children will have. 22 We know that until now, the whole creation has been groaning as with the pains of childbirth; 23 and not only it, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we continue waiting eagerly to be made sons — that is, to have our whole bodies redeemed and set free. 24 It was in this hope that we were saved. But if we see what we hope for, it isn’t hope — after all, who hopes for what he already sees? 25 But if we continue hoping for something we don’t see, then we still wait eagerly for it, with perseverance.
30th Week in Ordinary Time
All creation is groaning in labor pains even until now. (Romans 8:22)
We all do it—groaning. Something goes wrong, and we sigh dejectedly. We hear bad news, and we moan in disappointment. Disappointment in itself is a natural thing, but when you feel moved to groaning, what does it tell you about the situation? And more important, what will your groaning move you to do?
When you come right down to it, groaning is a sign that deep down, we recognize that all is not as it should be. We all have an inner, hidden sense of the glory God wants us to experience. And we all know that we fall short of that glory. We understand too that we are still works in progress, that we don’t yet experience the fullness of the life we were made for. And so we groan longingly, like a woman in labor. She knows that her baby is coming, but isn’t here yet. She knows that the process is painful, but she also trusts that the result will be glorious.
Believe it or not, groaning is actually a sign of hope! We groan because we know and believe that we are meant for more. We expect that wonderful glory that we do not yet see. If we had no more hope, we wouldn’t care anymore. We’d just resign ourselves to the status quo. But deep down, we know that God hasn’t given up! He’s still moving his creation forward to the glory he has intended for us.
So when you catch yourself groaning, recognize that it’s a good thing! Your inner self is recognizing that you are not yet clothed in glory—but you hope to be. There is more of the kingdom yet to be built, and you are longing to see it come to fruition. Use that groan as a springboard for intercession and action.
So rejoice! God isn’t finished yet. He’s still at work. Remember, childbirth is a process that, once begun, doesn’t stop until a new life comes into the world. You are undergoing a similar process—the birth of a new life in the glory of heaven. That’s worth a few groans, isn’t it?
“Lord Jesus, I so want to see the glory you have in store for me! Help me see the ways you are moving us all closer to that goal.” Amen!
Psalm 126: (0) A song of ascents:

(1) When Adonai restored Tziyon’s fortunes,

we thought we were dreaming.

2 Our mouths were full of laughter,

and our tongues shouted for joy.

Among the nations it was said,

“Adonai has done great things for them!”

3 Adonai did do great things with us;

and we are overjoyed.

4 Return our people from exile, Adonai,

as streams fill vadis in the Negev.

5 Those who sow in tears

will reap with cries of joy.

6 He who goes out weeping

as he carries his sack of seed

will come home with cries of joy

as he carries his sheaves of grain.

Luke 13:18 So he went on to say, “What is the Kingdom of God like? With what will we compare it? 19 It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in his own garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds flying about nested in its branches.”

20 Again he said, “With what will I compare the Kingdom of God? 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with a bushel of flour, then waited until the whole batch of dough rose.”

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