Daily Reflection Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Just what is it that belongs to God? The easy answer is everything belongs to God, but that is also the hardest answer.

This past weekend Loyola had the honor of hosting its first ever Matt Talbot women’s group. What a joy to have these women in the house! They were so happy to be here for their retreat. Matt Talbot retreats are spiritual retreats for men and women who belong to AA. The very first Matt Talbot retreat took place in 1943 right here at Loyola. They called themselves Matt Talbot Group #1, and Loyola has hosted Matt Talbot Group #1 ever since. Over the years the Matt Talbot retreat movement has grown to over 190 groups and 44,000 plus members. In 1975 The Holy See conferred the title “Venerable” on its founder, Matt Talbot, so he is on the road to sainthood. I have included a link below to learn more about this amazing man who had led so many to a better way of life. Matt Talbot and these men and women are a perfect example of giving over to God what belongs to God. What is it they give to God? They give themselves fully
to God by recognizing a higher power as their strength and saving grace.

On Sunday I also attended a Communion breakfast that honored veterans. The speaker, a
Vietnam veteran, told the story of chaplain, Rev. Charles a Watters, who was with the medical corp. He stayed with the wounded men until they were picked up by the medics. He ran ahead into enemy fire to comfort and pray with more wounded. He refused to abandon anyone. Father Waters and the men were ordered back behind the lines on a day when the fighting was horrific. He knew there were still five men out there wounded and alone. Armed with nothing more than his bible, he ran out to them. While tending to the souls in his care, he died later that day. Father’s actions led to the ultimate gift of giving to God what belongs to God. He gave his own life.

Sacrificing is what the gospel of Mark is about. Mark was a Christian, possibly a disciple of Peter. His gospel was written approximately 65 to 70 AD. He was writing to non-Jewish Christians who were experiencing persecution because of their belief in Jesus. Mark was writing to encourage the people to follow Jesus and his teachings, no matter the cost. God would always be with them. Chapter 13 reminds the reader that the Pharisees and Herodians were always out to trap Jesus. Yet Jesus always fully surrendered to the Father. His followers must trust to do the same.

We may never be asked to die for our beliefs as did the early Christians or the chaplain on
the battlefield. We may never be called to help thousands as Matt Talbot did when he
surrendered to God, stopped drinking and began a movement. The women this past weekend, the chaplain and Matt Talbot all gave to God what belongs to God. They gave themselves!

Just what is it that belongs to God? The easy answer is you and I, but that is also the hardest answer.

Link for Matt Talbot Story