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Pray, even if you feel nothing, see nothing. For when you are dry, empty, sick or weak, at such a time is your prayer most pleasing to God, even though you may find little joy in it. This is true of all believing prayer.
- Julian of Norwich
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Rom 11:1-2a, 11-12, 25-29; Psalm 94:12-13a, 14-15, 17-18
Lk 14:1, 7-11
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine
at the home of one of the leading Pharisees,
and the people there were observing him carefully.
He told a parable to those who had been invited,
noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.
“When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet,
do not recline at table in the place of honor.
A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him,
and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say,
‘Give your place to this man,’
and then you would proceed with embarrassment
to take the lowest place.
Rather, when you are invited,
go and take the lowest place
so that when the host comes to you he may say,
‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’
Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
USCCB lectionary
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Reflection on the Scripture
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“I could even wish to be separated from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen the Israelites.” —Romans 9:3-4
What causes you “great grief and constant pain”? (Rm 9:2) Paul’s grief and pain were due to the fact that not all the Jewish people had accepted Jesus as their Messiah, Lord, and God.
Why would you make yourself a slave — even “the slave of all”? Some people make themselves slaves to alcohol, nicotine, other drugs, money, pornography, their businesses, fears, or anxieties. Paul decided to be “the slave of all so as to win over as many as possible” to Jesus (1 Cor 9:19). All that he did was “for the sake of the gospel” (1 Cor 9:23).
What are you compelled to do? What is the driving force in your life? Paul was “under compulsion” to preach the Gospel (1 Cor 9:16).
A few days ago, we celebrated World Mission Sunday. What difference has it made in your thoughts, motives, actions, and life?
Prayer: Father, give me the faith and love to zealously share my faith in You.
Promise: Jesus “took the man, healed him, and sent him on his way.” —Lk 14:4
Presentation Ministries
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Growing in Inner Freedom: A Guide for Today
- by Philip St. Romain. Liguori Publ., 1986.
13. Do God’s Will, Not Yours
“Father, if it is your will, take this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
Recently, I had a very difficult decision to make regarding my working career. I put everything down on paper—pros and cons, finances, time away from home, etc.—and then submitted it to God. There was no doubt in my mind about the option I preferred, but I felt no peace about this matter when I prayed.
At first I thought that God might be calling me to be open to still other vocational options. I tried to be open but my heart was so set on my favorite choice that it was impossible to be sincere. Consequently, I was afraid—afraid that God would not bless my choice, and that I would end up doing something I didn’t want. This inner struggle continued for several months.
Finally, I came to peace when, on a retreat, I was able to pray sincerely, “Lord, if you are willing, this is what I would like to do. But I consider your love and your grace the far greater gifts, and I am willing to do this work or even the opposite if it will mean growing in your love and your grace.” This prayer freed me from an unhealthy attachment to my plans and helped me to root my decision in God’s will for me.
It usually doesn’t matter to God what we do (and that seemed to be the case in my own discernment), so long as we are using our talents in the service of love. He generally lets us find our way through our own growth in self-knowledge and our experiences of service. Like the father of the prodigal, he leaves us free to take the inheritance he has blessed us with to use as we see fit (see Luke 15:11-32). He wants us to submit our way to his will, however; then we will be
free.
Suggested Practices
- Remember: Attachment to your way generates fear that you will not get your way.
- Make your plans, but be willing to change your mind.
- Be ready to even do the opposite if it will deepen your love for God.
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