“Poor creature though I be, I am the hand and foot of
Christ. I move my hand and my hand is wholly Christ’s hand, for deity is become inseparably one with me. I move my body and it is aglow with God. - St. Simeon the New Theologian
An amazing insight into what it means to be a member of Christ’s mystical body! Recall your identity in Christ throughout the day today. Remember that wherever you are, Christ is present in/through you.
Readings of the Day
Acts 11:19-26 Psalm 87:1b-3, 4-5,
6-7
John 10:22-30
It was the time when the feast of Dedication was being celebrated in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the Temple walking up and down in the Portico of Solomon. The Jews gathered round him and said, ‘How much longer are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.’ Jesus replied:
‘I have told you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name are my witness; but you do not believe, because you are no sheep of mine. The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I
give them eternal life; they will never be lost and no one will ever steal them from me. The Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone, and no one can steal from the Father. The Father and I are
one.’
“He rejoiced to see the evidence of God’s favor.” —Acts 11:23
We give thanks to God for you (1 Thes 1:2; Col 1:3; Phil 1:3) and rejoice in your
fruitfulness for the Lord. In love, we “beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus...to make still greater progress” (1 Thes 4:1). You are doing great things; in Jesus you can do greater things than ever before (Jn 14:12). Continue to “give...evidence” of your love and fruitfulness for Jesus (see Lk 3:8).
Prayer: Father, thank You for the cloud of witnesses with which You surround us (Heb 12:1). “How wonderfully” we “cherish the holy ones”
who love You (Ps 16:3).
Promise: “My sheep hear My voice. I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life.” —Jn 10:27-28
To a member of the order who had received from him a book, and to whom he again enlarges on his favourite
topic.
I HAVE received from Mrs. - the things which you gave her for me. I wonder that you have not given me your thoughts of the little book I sent to you, and which you must have received. Pray set heartily about the practice of it in your old age; it is better late than never.
I cannot imagine how religious persons can live satisfied without the
practice of the presence of GOD. For my part I keep myself retired with Him in the depth of centre of my soul as much as I can; and while I am so with Him I fear nothing; but the least turning from Him is insupportable.
This exercise does not much fatigue the body: it is, however, proper to deprive it sometimes, nay often, of many little pleasures which are innocent and lawful: for GOD will not permit that a soul which desires to be devoted
entirely to Him should take other pleasures than with Him; that is more than reasonable.
