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Only God can enable us to understand our neighbour according to the 'feeling', the intuition of the 'Spirit'. Then we perceive in him or her an irreducible personal existence beyond limitations and errors, beyond even the disappointment we may have felt for a moment. The other is in the image of God, not of us.
- Olivier Clement [20th C.], The Roots of Christian Mysticism -
(To see the other as "other" . . . and not merely as a projection from our need. So let it be!)
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EZ 2:8-3:4; PS 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131; MT 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
In the
way of your decrees I rejoice,
as much as in all riches.
Yes, your decrees are my delight;
they are my counselors.
The law of your mouth is to me more precious
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
How sweet to my palate are your promises,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Your decrees are my inheritance forever;
the joy of my heart they are.
I gasp with open mouth,
in my yearning for your
commands.
USCCB Lectionary
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Reflection on the Scriptures |
How do we "turn and become like children"? First of all, I think we see how far we have strayed from innocence and vulnerability. I think Jesus' invitation is a wonderful grace to stir our desire for a freer spirit. What
about our fears? It really is "dangerous" to be more child-like. As we see so dramatically, children can be taken advantage of. Jesus is inviting us to place our lives in the reign of God. He is inviting us to rely on God and to experience the humble dependence that we find
in that place. And what can we do to make it more possible for one another to experience this type of spiritual depth? "And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me." We can receive one another,
in our poverty, simplicity, transparency. It will be easier for us all, and we will be receiving our hearts' deepest desire
- by Andy Alexander, S.J.
Creighton Online Ministries
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Selected Quotes from the Writings of St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179)
For when God gave great knowledge to the human being, the human being elevated himself in his soul
and turned away from God. God so regarded the human being that he would perfect all his works in him. But the old deceiver tricked human beings and infected them with the crime of disobedience, by the delight of an unseasonable wind, so that they sought for more than they should have.
- letter to Elisabeth of Schönau, c. 1152
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