We have been made for communion, a 'union with' God and fellow human beings. Another way of putting it is to describe God as love and we, through God's abiding, loving presence dwelling within us and inside of each event of each day, are to receive His loving energies and thus live in communion with all persons we meet. We begin to move toward loving communion by means of 'communication.'
- George Maloney, S.J., Invaded by God

(Remember that the "loving energies" of God are available to you all through the day. Be open . . . )

ROM 2:1-11;    PS 62:2-3, 6-7, 9;    LK 11:42-46

R. Lord, you give back to everyone according to his works.

Only in God is my soul at rest;
from him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed at all.

Only in God be at rest, my soul,
for from him comes my hope.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed. 

Trust in him at all times, O my people!
Pour out your hearts before him;
God is our refuge!





What was the point of Jesus' lesson? The essence of God's commandments is love - love of the supreme good - God himself and love of our neighbor who is made in the image and likeness of God. God is love (1 John 4:8) and everything he does flows from his love for us. God's love is unconditional and is wholly directed towards the good of others. True love both embraces and lifts the burdens of others. Paul the Apostle reminds us that "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given us" (Romans 5:5). Do you help your neighbors carry their burdens? God gives each of us sufficient grace for each day to love as he loves and to lift the burdens of others that they, too, may experience the grace and love of Jesus Christ.

"Lord Jesus, inflame my heart with your love that I may always pursue what matters most - love of you, my God, and love of my fellow neighbor whom you have made in your own image and likeness. Free my heart from selfish evil desires that I may only have room for kindness, mercy, and goodness toward every person I know and meet."





The Way of Perfection, by Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)

Describes the importance of not turning back when one has set out upon the way of prayer. Repeats how necessary it is to be resolute.

I say "wholly", but we must not be considered as taking it back if we should fail to give it Him for a day, or for a few days, because of legitimate occupations or through some indisposition. Provided the intention remains firm, my God is not in the least meticulous; [90] He does not look at trivial details; and, if you are trying to please Him in any way, He will assuredly accept that as your gift. The other way is suitable for ungenerous souls, so mean that they are not large-hearted enough to give but find it as much as they can do to lend. Still, let them make some effort, for this Lord of ours will reckon everything we do to our credit and accept everything we want to give Him. In drawing up our reckoning, He is not in the least exacting, but generous; however large the amount we may owe Him, it is a small thing for Him to forgive us. And, as to paying us, He is so careful about this that you need have no fear He will leave us without our reward if only we raise our eyes to Heaven and remember Him.

- Chapter 23

(Keep in mind that she is writing to sisters in a cloistered contemplative order.)