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Message of the Day
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". . . it is a good thing for those who live habitually in a state of recollection to
learn to think of Our Lord as within the very center of their soul, it is more attractive and beneficial than consideration of Him as merely by our side."
- Teresa of Avila -
(How do you envision Christ present to you? Pray the grace to remain close to Him this day.)
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Lectionary Readings
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1 COR 15:1-11; PS 118:1B-2, 16-17, 28; LK 7:36-50
R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
Give thanks to the
LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever.
Let the house of Israel say,
"His mercy endures forever."
"The
right hand of the LORD is exalted;
the right hand of the LORD has struck with power."
I shall not die, but live,
and declare the works of the LORD.
You are my God, and I give thanks to you;
O my God, I extol you.
USCCB Lectionary
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Reflection on the Gospel
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Why did Jesus put the parable of the two debtors before his learned host, a rabbi and teacher of the people? This parable is similar to the parable of the unforgiving official (see Matthew 18:23-35) in which the man who was forgiven much showed himself merciless and unforgiving. Jesus makes clear that great love springs from a heart forgiven and cleansed. Peter the Apostle tells us that "love covers a multitude of sins" (1 Peter 4:8). It was love that motivated
the Father in heaven to send his only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus, to offer up his life on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. The woman's lavish expression of love was an offering of gratitude for the great forgiveness, kindness, and mercy Jesus had shown to her.
The stark contrast of attitudes between Simon and the woman of ill-repute demonstrates how we can either accept or
reject God's mercy and forgiveness. Simon, who regarded himself as an upright Pharisee, felt no need for love or mercy. His self-sufficiency kept him from acknowledging his need for God's grace - his gracious gift of favor, help, and mercy. Are you grateful for God's mercy and grace?
"Lord Jesus, your grace is sufficient for me. Fill my heart with love and gratitude for the mercy you have
shown to me and give me joy and freedom to love and serve others with kindness and respect."
DailyScripture.Net
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Spiritual Reading
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The Cloud of Unknowing, by Anonymous Of three means in
the which a contemplative Prentice should be occupied, in reading, thinking, and praying.
And so following, when a man seeth in a bodily or ghostly mirror, or wots by other men's teaching, whereabouts the foul spot is on his visage, either bodily or ghostly; then at first, and not before, he runneth to the well to wash him. If this spot be any special sin, then is this well Holy Church, and this water confession, with the circumstances.
If it be but a blind root and a stirring of sin, then is this well merciful God, and this water prayer, with the circumstances. And thus mayest thou see that no thinking may goodly be gotten in beginners and profiters, without reading or hearing coming before: nor praying without thinking.
- Chapter
35
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