Message of 6-12-15

Published: Fri, 06/12/15

“Sin is destroyed not so much by our own efforts but by the gift of the Spirit who permeates us with a new, divine life within us that orientates all things to the Father in union with Jesus Christ. By the Holy Spirit we are transformed into genuine children of God and we grow into that divine filiation by His infusion of greater faith, hope and love.”
- George Maloney, Invaded by God

(God is a wheat-grower more so than a weed-puller. Surrender your sinful tendencies to the Spirit and let yourself be transformed this day.)

Readings of the Day

HOS 11:1, 3-4, 8C-9; IS 12:2-6; EPH 3:8-12, 14-19; JN 19:31-37

R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

God indeed is my savior;

I am confident and unafraid.

My strength and my courage is the LORD,

and he has been my savior.

With joy you will draw water

at the fountain of salvation.

Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;

among the nations make known his deeds,

proclaim how exalted is his name.

Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;

let this be known throughout all the earth.

Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,

for great in your midst

is the Holy One of Israel!

USCCB Lectionary

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Gospel Reflection

True love does not count the cost, but gives everything for the beloved. God proved his love for us by sending us his beloved Son who withheld nothing from us but gave everything he had for our sake. Paul the Apostle tells us that "Jesus loved us and gave himself up for us - a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:2). God's love is perfect and complete because God is merciful, just, and forgiving.

Do you know the love and mercy of Christ for you? Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) said that “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us to love.” In the cross of Christ we see the love of God broken and pierced for our sake. The Lord Jesus who died for our sake now reigns triumphant at the right hand of the Father. He has risen in glory and he now intercedes for us in heaven. He stands before the throne of heaven with his marks of victory - his pierced side, hands, and feet.

Who can fathom the love of God? For all eternity we will gaze upon him who was crucified and who rose - never to die again - for our sake. Only a broken and contrite heart can fathom the mercy of God revealed in Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus calls us to lay down our lives in sacrificial love for one another. Do you love as Jesus loves, with a broken heart that yearns for all to know the love and mercy of God?

“Lord Jesus, your love knows no bounds. Break my heart with the things that break your heart that I may love generously as you love.”

DailyScripture.net

Spiritual Reading

The Way of Perfection, by Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)

Continues the same subject. This is very suitable for reading after the reception of the Most Holy Sacrament.

We have now reached the conclusion that the good Jesus, being ours, asks His Father to let us have Him daily -- which appears to mean "for ever". While writing this I have been wondering why, after saying "our 'daily' bread", the Lord repeated the idea in the words "Give us this day, Lord." I will tell you my own foolish idea: if it really is foolish, well and good -- in any case, it is quite bad enough that I should interfere in such a matter at all. Still, as we are trying to understand what we are praying for, let us think carefully what this means, so that we may pray rightly, and thank Him Who is taking such care about teaching us. This bread, then, is ours daily, it seems to me, because we have Him here on earth, since He has remained with us here and we receive Him; and, if we profit by His company, we shall also have Him in Heaven, for the only reason He remains with us is to help and encourage and sustain us so that we shall do that will, which, as we have said, is to be fulfilled in us.

- Chapter 34

(Keep in mind that she is writing to sisters in a cloistered contemplative order.)

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