Celebration: St Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church(340-420). Born in Dalmacia (Yugoslavia). He studied in Rome where he was baptised. He chose monastic life, went to Syria and was ordained priest. He went back to Rome as secretary of Pope Damasus, who commissioned him to revise the Latin text of the Bible. He went to Bethlehem to work on this project. His work is now known as the Vulgate which the Church has adopted as the official version. He also wrote many other works, mostly commentaries on the books of the Bible.
Table of the Word
First Reading: Job 3:1–3, 11–17, 20–23
Gospel: Luke 9:51–56
Theme: “Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of Christ” (St. Jerome)
And the Lord Whispers:
“When the days drew near for Him to be taken up, He set His face to go to Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51)
Reflection
Beloved in Christ, good morning with God's choicest blessings upon you all amd your household. This morning we gather around the Tablebof the Word to reflect on what God has for us - a guide to lead us along this ephemeral path but with firm hope in him.
In the first reading taken from the Book of Job 3:1–3, 11–17, 20–23, we see Job echoing the cry of every suffering heart: “Why is life given to a man who finds it so bitter?” (Job 3:20). His words are raw, unfiltered, yet honest, proof that God allows us to pour out our deepest struggles before Him. This is a reechoing tears we hear every now and then within and outside our environs, and with a fatherly pet and love assuring us of turning things around for our good.
In the light of this, Evangelist Luke in today's Gospel pericope presents before us how Jesus resolutely turns toward Jerusalem, the place of His suffering and glory (cf. Luke 9:51–56). His determination shows that true discipleship is not about avoiding hardship, but embracing God’s will with courage.
Today, as we honour St. Jerome, we are reminded of the spiritual anchor that sustains us through both suffering and mission, the Word of God. Jerome, often fiery in temperament, channeled his passion into a lifelong devotion to Scripture. For him, the Bible was not simply a text, but the living voice of God, able to transform and strengthen the soul. No wonder that famous quote of his which is the theme of our today's reflection: “Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of Christ” (St. Jerome)
Like Job, we may cry out in confusion, but like Jesus, we are called to walk firmly toward our “Jerusalem.” Immersing ourselves in Scripture, as Jerome did,the very Word that gives us the clarity, patience, and strength to face life’s trials with unwavering faith.
And the Psalmist says: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
The Church on the other hand strongly encourages every Christian to frequent reading of Scripture, for “prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that a dialogue takes place between God and man.” (CCC 133)
Dearest in the Lord, in suffering, let us turn first to God in prayer and be honest like Job. Face our “Jerusalem” with Christ-like courage, not resentment; finally dedicate time daily to Scripture; and let God’s Word shape our perspectives as in the case of St. Jerome.
As the Lord gently whispers: "When trials weigh heavily, Scripture should become your compass. Rooted in the Word, then you will gain the courage to walk with me toward our Jerusalem".
+ Peace be with you.
© ARCHIVE 30092025
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