Message of the Day
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There exists a hidden treasure, a treasure remaining unexploited and in no ways appreciated at its true worth, which is nevertheless that which is the greatest in heaven and earth: the Holy Spirit. The world of souls itself does not know him as it should. He is the Light of intellects and the Fire that enkindles hearts. If there is indifference, coldness, weakness and so many other evils which afflict the spiritual
world and even my Church, it is because recourse is not had to the Holy Spirit.
- Concepcion Cabrera de Armida [19th-20th C.], "Spiritual Diary" -
(How do you experience the Holy Spirit? Pray the grace to be guided by the Spirit this day.)
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Readings of the Day
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JER 28:1-17; PS 119:29, 43, 79, 80, 95,
102; MT 14:22-36
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
Remove from me the way of falsehood,
and favor me with your law.
Take not the word of truth from my mouth,
for in your ordinances is my hope.
Let those turn to me who fear you
and acknowledge your
decrees.
Let my heart be perfect in your statutes,
that I be not put to shame.
Sinners wait to destroy me,
but I pay heed to your decrees.
R. Lord, teach me your statutes.
From your ordinances I turn not away,
for you have instructed me.
USCCB lectionary
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Reflection on the Gospel
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Lord, save me!
Jesus invites Peter to step out of the boat and
come toward him. Though enthusiastic at first, Peter becomes frightened. When Peter begins to falter, Jesus stretches out his hand, catches him and lightly reprimands Peter for his lack of faith. At least Peter is willing to step out of the boat and walk toward Jesus. He has the good sense to cry out to him in his time of need. Peter has the desire to follow and be like Jesus, but he has the understanding that he isn't Jesus; he cannot do what Jesus does without Jesus' support. Even if we have
great faith, it's foolhardy and dangerous to think we can go it alone.
For the grace to call on the Lord, we pray.
Patricia Russell
Daily Bread
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Spiritual Reading
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Freedom from Codependency, by Philip St. Romain
Chapter 6: What is Christian Love?
- part 1 of 12
Sometimes, we learn more about something by contrasting it with another reality. In this mini-series, I will be contrasting
Christian love (agape) with the kind of giving characterized in codependent relationships. We're probably all a little codependent--looking to others for a sense of approval and worth--and it's likely that our understanding of God and love has been affected by this conditioning.
Let us begin, then, by noting that Christianity has much to say about love. In
fact, the essence of our religion is love. As 1 John 4:16 puts it, "We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him." Jesus teaches that love of God, neighbor, and self fulfills the law and the prophets. (See Matthew 7:12.) In an ideal world, the Church would be a community in which recovering codependents could learn about healthy love.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. One of the saddest things I have seen through the years is the disappointment many recovering codependents find in the Church. Some have gone so far as to tell me that the Church actually teaches codependency. In Co-Dependence: Misunderstood-Mistreated, Anne Wilson Schaef writes, "The dishonesty in the church is perhaps the most devastating institutionalization of dishonesty in our society, because
it takes place within the realm of the spirit -- the very essence of our being. The church teaches so many forms of dishonesty that I find it difficult to know where to start." She then goes on to give examples of narrow-minded teachings concerning God and relationships.
While I agree with Schaef and others that many distortions about love are propounded from Christian pulpits and classrooms, I maintain that the
true Christian teachings about love lead to healthy relationships. This series will explore the differences between sick love, or codependency, and healthy Christian love.Paperback, Kindle and other eBook options
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