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Message of the Day
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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 (How do you hear God's voice in your conscience?)
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Lectionary Readings
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MAL 3:13-20; PS 1:1-4, 6; LK 11:5-13
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
Not so the wicked, not so;
they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes.
USCCB Lectionary
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Reflection on the Gospel
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If a neighbor can be imposed upon and coerced into giving bread in the middle of the night, how much more hospitable is God, who, no matter what the circumstances, is generous and ready to give us what we need. Augustine of Hippo reminds us that "God, who does not sleep and who awakens us from sleep that we may ask, gives much more graciously." In conclusion Jesus makes a startling claim: How much more will the heavenly Father give!
The Lord is ever ready to give us not only what we need, but more than we can expect. He gives freely of his Holy Spirit that we may share in his life and joy. Do you approach your heavenly Father with confidence in his mercy and kindness? "Heavenly Father, you are merciful, gracious and kind. May I never doubt your love nor hesitate to seek you with confidence in order to obtain the gifts, graces, and daily provision I need to live as your disciple and child."
DailyScripture.net
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Spiritual Reading
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The Cloud of Unknowing, by Anonymous That without imperfect meekness coming before, it is impossible for a sinner to come to the perfect Virtue of meekness in this life.
And therefore swink and sweat in all that thou canst and mayest, for to get thee a true knowing and a feeling of thyself as thou art; and then I trow that soon after that thou shalt have a true knowing and a feeling of God as He is. Not as He is in Himself, for that may no man do but Himself; nor yet as thou shalt do in bliss both body and soul together. But as it is possible, and as He vouchsafeth to be known and felt of a meek soul living in this deadly body. - Chapter 14
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