Message of 9-21-10
Published: Fri, 09/17/10
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
We must be willing to accept the bitter truth that, in the end, we
may have to become a burden to those who love us. But it is
necessary that we face this also. The full acceptance of our
abjection and uselessness is the virtue that can make us and others
rich in the grace of God. It takes heroic charity and humility to
let others sustain us when we are absolutely incapable of
sustaining ourselves.
We cannot suffer well unless we see Christ everywhere--both in
suffering and in the charity of those who come to the aid of our
affliction.
- Thomas Merton, "No Man is an Island"
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LECTIONARY READINGS FOR THE DAY
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Eph 4:1-7, 11-13; Ps 19:2-3, 4-5; Mt 9:9-13
R. (5) Their message goes out through all the earth.
The heavens declare the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day pours out the word to day,
and night to night imparts knowledge.
Not a word nor a discourse
whose voice is not heard;
Through all the earth their voice resounds,
and to the ends of the world, their message.
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REFLECTION ON THE GOSPEL
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
When the Pharisees challenged Jesus' unorthodox behavior in eating
with public sinners, Jesus' defense was quite simple. A doctor
doesn't need to visit healthy people; instead he goes to those who
are sick. Jesus likewise sought out those in the greatest need. A
true physician seeks healing of the whole person - body, mind, and
spirit. Jesus came as the divine physician and good shepherd to
care for his people and to restore them to wholeness of life. The
orthodox were so preoccupied with their own practice of religion
that they neglected to help the very people who needed spiritual
care. Their religion was selfish because they didn't want to have
anything to do with people not like themselves. Jesus stated his
mission in unequivocal terms: I came not to call the righteous,
but to call sinners. Ironically the orthodox were as needy as those
they despised. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
(Romans 3:23).
On more than one occasion Jesus quoted the saying from the prophet
Hosea: For I desire mercy and not sacrifice (Hosea 6:6). Do you
thank the Lord for the great mercy he has shown to you? And do you
show mercy to your neighbor as well?
"Lord Jesus, our Savior, let us now come to you: Our hearts are
cold; Lord, warm them with your selfless love. Our hearts are
sinful; cleanse them with your precious blood. Our hearts are weak;
strengthen them with your joyous Spirit. Our hearts are empty; fill
them with your divine presence. Lord Jesus, our hearts are yours;
possess them always and only for yourself." (Prayer of Augustine,
354-430)
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SPIRITUAL READING
- Notes on Christian Prayer
2708. Meditation engages thought, imagination, emotion, and
desire. This mobilization of faculties is necessary in order to
deepen our convictions of faith, prompt the conversion of our
heart, and strengthen our will to follow Christ. Christian prayer
tries above all to meditate on the mysteries of Christ, as in
lectio divina or the rosary. This form of prayerful reflection is
of great value, but Christian prayer should go further: to the
knowledge of the love of the Lord Jesus, to union with him.
("The Catechism of the Catholic Church," IV, 3, 1)
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