Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2 / Luke 11:15-26
There are many reasons why people gather together.
One of which is for a celebration, for a happy occasion, like a birthday or wedding anniversary celebration.
Those occasions would require some planning and organizing, and invitations need to be sent out.
But there is also another reason why people would naturally gather together.
It is when there is some imminent danger or crisis, and people need to find strength in each other.
In the 1st reading, the prophet Joel calls on the priests and the people to lament and to repent.
The land was devastated by a locusts plague, which was seen as a punishment from God for the sinfulness of the people.
In order to avert a greater disaster and tragedy, the people were called to be united in penance to repent for their sins.
In the gospel, Jesus proclaimed the Good News of salvation by teaching, healing and casting out devils.
Jesus calls us to be united with Him in His mission of salvation.
May we not allow sin to cause division among us.
Rather may our love for Jesus unite us and by our love, may we gather others into the love of God.