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- The true identity discovered in prayer is . . .
". . . a point untouched by illusion,
a point of pure truth ...
which belongs entirely to God,
which
is inaccessible
to the fantasies of our own mind
or the brutalities of our own will.
This little point ...
of absolute
poverty
is the pure glory of God in us."
- Thomas Merton, Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander -
(Pray the grace to know yourself in God.)
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1 KGS 21:17-29; PS 51:3-6, 11, 16; MT 5:43-48
R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me always:
"Against you only have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight."
Turn away your face from my sins,
and blot out all my guilt.
Free me from blood guilt, O God, my saving God;
then my tongue shall revel
in your justice.
USCCB Lectionary
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Reflection on the Scriptures |
"But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." Matthew 5:44
This is one of the hardest commands to follow. Is this even possible? Practical? Reasonable? Difficult? I sometimes have a
hard time loving my family!
Who is my enemy? It could be a difficult co-worker, spouse, neighbor, church committee member or anyone we come in contact with. The world today is busy, over programmed, and more reliant on technology. This can take away the human touch and the caring, thoughtful touch.
Some of the ways to love your enemy include:
Greet people by their name, say hello and smile: A smile is a simple way to demonstrate love and cheerfulness. Say the store clerk's name, smile and say thank you especially if it's apparent that he/she is having a stressful day. It can make a big difference.
Get to really know the people in your neighborhood, work place, church and other organizations. The world is a busy place but it can be made smaller. For instance, do you know your neighbors names? Do you know them well enough to be able to offer help when needed?
Pray for the person who irritates you by including them by name in your daily prayer time. Try to see this person as Jesus does. Pray God will bless this person with faith and healing if necessary.
In a challenging work situation, think of a positive thing about
the difficult person before a meeting. Focus on strengths the person brings to the gathering. Consider something positive the person offers, especially if it makes the meeting more reasonable and productive. If there is an opportunity for a personal thank you, take it. Note what a difference that effort makes.
Talk to your enemy and get to know them. Put yourself in their shoes. Learn more about
them, what they like, and their challenges and find a common interest.
Assume positive intent in dealing with people: assume that they are trying their best have good intentions at heart and they are operating at their best ability. Many situations are negative because we may assume the negative.
- by Molly Billings
Creighton Online Ministries
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Selected Quotes from the Writings of St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179)
Just as a mirror, which reflects all things, is set in its own container, so too the rational soul is
placed in the fragile container of the body. In this way, the body is governed in its earthly life by the soul, and the soul contemplates heavenly things through faith.
- letter to the Monk Guibert, 1175
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