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How are we to fulfill our Lord's injunction, "that we ought always to pray, and not to faint"? By the heart's prayer, which consists in a constant habitual love of God, trusting, Him, submitting in all things to His will; and by giving a never failing heed to His voice, as heard within the conscience.
- Jean Nicolas (J N) Grou
(What are you hearing lately?)
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Dt 4:1, 5-9; Psalm 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20
Mt 5:17-19
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets.
I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.
Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away,
not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter
will pass from the law,
until all things have taken place.
Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments
and teaches others to do so
will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven.
But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments
will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.”
USCCB lectionary
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Reflection on the Scripture
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“The Stone Which the builders rejected has become the Keystone of the structure. It was the Lord Who did this and we find it marvelous to behold.” —Matthew 21:42; Psalm 118:22-23
If we repent in our sinfulness, slavery, and misery, the Lord will take the worst in our lives and make it the best. The Lord manifests His almighty power not just by doing great works but by making the greatest miracles out of the worst sins, injustices, and defeats. “God makes all things work together for the good of those who love” Him (Rm 8:28).
Joseph’s brothers decided to murder him. Then they changed their plans from murdering him to starving him and finally to selling him into slavery. The brothers agreed to lie to their father about Joseph’s death and thereby broke their father’s heart (Gn 37:20, 35). This was a gross evil. The Lord turned this to the good by raising up Joseph into one of the most powerful people of the world. He saved the lives of
countless thousands of people (including his own family) from starvation. Ironically, Joseph, who was almost left to starve to death, saved many countries from starving to death.
The worst evil ever perpetrated and the focal point of every sin that has ever or will ever be committed is Jesus’ Passion and death. The Lord took this absolute worst to bring about the ultimate best — the salvation of the whole world.
If you are in the worst of times, there may be reason for you to be even more hopeful. “Rejoice in hope” (Rm 12:12).
Prayer: Father, this Lent may hope well up inside me as never before.
Promise: “The king sent and released him, the ruler of the peoples set him free. He made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions.” —Ps 105:20-21
Presentation Ministries
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Growing in Inner Freedom: A Guide for Today
- by Philip St. Romain. Liguori Publ., 1986.
33. Examine the Kind of Work You Do
Whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:17).
Several Catholic bishops have made it clear that they believe a Christian should not work in any plant that assembles nuclear weapons. Whether one agrees with them or not, their point is that there are some kinds of work that hurt the human community, and that Christians should play no part in these endeavors.
Many people today work at harmful jobs because they believe they have no alternatives for making money. Drug dealers and prostitutes in ghetto areas are two extreme examples of this; a secretary for a real estate shark who exploits the poor is another example. While such harmful involvements may be understandable, they are nonetheless wrong. People who feel caught in a trap of having to compromise their Christian values to secure the basics of life should turn to the Church and
to government for emergency assistance and for help in finding other work.
If one Church does not respond, tiny another; if one agency proves useless, seek help from another. A final strategy would be to go door-to-door, asking for help and for work. These alternatives, although distasteful, are immeasurably preferable to losing one’s soul because of a dehumanizing job.
Suggested Practices
- Examine the work you do. Does it help to build up the human community, or does it lead to turmoil and fragmentation?
- Do you think Jesus would do the work you are doing? Since he is your true “boss” in this world, what do you say to him when you make your report concerning your work?
- If you are convinced that your job contributes toward hurting others, are you willing to take a risk and make a change? You will never be free unless you do so.
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