October 22, 2023
by Cynthia Schmersal
Creighton University's Division of Mission and Ministry
click here for photo and information about the writer

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 145


Isaiah 45:1, 4-6
Psalm 96:1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5b
Matthew 22:15-21
Praying Ordinary Time

St. John Paul II from the Vatican site

Ever Generous God, Giver of All that is Gift –
Just as Caesar’s coin bears his image and belongs to him,
So too do we bear Your image.
We belong to You.

Deepen in us an embodied embrace of our identity as Your beloved, the work of Your hands.
Keen our awareness to recognize that our lives are entirely of You,
              Our time,
              Our talents,
              Our treasure – All is of You.

Pry loose our grip that seeks to claim that which is of You as if it were of and for us alone.
Free us more and more each moment of each day to make an ever-greater return of love,
              To surrender the gifts so lavishly and freely given back to You, the Giver.

May we, in union with one another, with St. Ignatius and with all of the saints, ever more sincerely pray in word and in lived witness:

Take, Lord,
and receive all my liberty,
my memory,
my understanding,
and my entire will.

All I own and all I have,
You gave to me,
to you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours,
dispose of it according to your will.

Give me your love and grace,
this is enough for me.
Amen.

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to the writer of this reflection.
cynthiaschmersal@creighton.edu

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