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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute. Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more: https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/
St. Luke Institute
Wednesday of the 4th
Week of Easter
May 14, 2014
BIBLE & GAMES OF
CHANCE +++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
Lotteries, slots, casinos, and games of chance
attract their share of public debate
Ø
They are usually ballot issues come election
season
Ø
Seldom, if ever, is scripture cited to support
poker tournaments or even church bingo nights
Ø
Yet, the idea of chance comes up in scripture
with some regularity
Ø
Recall, a figurative throw of the dice was how
sailors decide to throw Jonah overboard, for instance
Ø
Jonah probably didn’t consider that good luck,
though it did work out well for the people of Nineveh
THE “CHOICE” IS
REALLY AN “INVITATION” +++++++++
Ø
Today’s passage from Acts reveals the Apostles
relying on a 50/50 chance in replacing Judas
Ø
They pull Matthias’ lottery number, as it were,
and he replaces Judas, whose luck had surely run out
Ø
For Matthias and, indeed, for Justus, who wasn’t
chosen but was surely a good candidate, the luck of the draw is a metaphor for
God’s invitation of grace
Ø
This gracious invitation is generously available
to all of us, without the purchase of tickets of any sort
Ø
So today’s Gospel is really a description of the
overflowing good fortune available to everyone who observes Jesus’ commandment
of love
Ø
Observance of this quality of our love will
afford us complete joy from J’s friendship
YES, AN “INVITATION” ++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
For obvious reasons, the Ancients thought the
feast of St. Matthias to be the luckiest day of the year
Ø
As such, it was a good day to win at games of
chance
Ø
The difference with games of chance is that
someone always loses those kinds of games
Ø
We, on the other hand, have been “appointed to go and bear fruit”
Ø
This gives us a 100% chance to be chosen as
Matthias’ successors, as disciples of Jesus
CONCLUSION
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
This is indeed our lucky day!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
