Message of 8-17-15

Published: Mon, 08/17/15

A Daily Spiritual Seed
Monday: August 17, 2015
Message of the Day
For happiness one needs security, but joy can spring like a flower even from the cliffs of despair.
 - Anne Morrow Lindbergh

(To know the joy of the Lord this day . . . )
WEBINAR: "God, and the Problem of Suffering"
Presented by Philip St. Romain, M.S., D. Min.
August 27, 2015, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., CDT
Free-will Donation
http://shalomplace.com/inetmin/webinars/suffering.html

Why does God allow human beings to experience suffering and evil?
In this webinar, we will explore that age-old question, seeking light from Scripture and Church teaching on how it is that a good and powerful God can allow creatures to suffer from abuses inflicted by nature, accidents, social injustice, sickness and death. We will also reflect on what Christ teaches us about how to bear the sufferings we cannot change.
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Readings of the Day

JGS 2:11-19;    PS 106:34-40, 43AB, 44;    MT 19:16-22


R. Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.


They did not exterminate the peoples,

as the LORD had commanded them,

But mingled with the nations

and learned their works.


They served their idols,

which became a snare for them.

They sacrificed their sons 

and their daughters to demons.


They became defiled by their works,

and wanton in their crimes.

And the LORD grew angry with his people,

and abhorred his inheritance.


Many times did he rescue them,

but they embittered him with their counsels.

Yet he had regard for their affliction

when he heard their cry.

USCCB lectionary
Reflection on the Scripture

"If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments." —Matthew 19:17


All people, including atheists, do what God wants much of the time, but that doesn't mean all people obey God. Even the most rebellious children often do what their parents want, but that doesn't mean they're obeying their parents. Doing the right thing because it benefits us is different than doing the right thing in obedience to the Lord.


The Israelites at the time of the Judges did what God wanted, but didn't have hearts for obedience. They proved this by their relapse into wicked conduct after each of the judges died (see Jgs 2:19). Similarly, the man in today's Gospel reading told Jesus that he had kept the commandments (Mt 19:20). However, he did not have a heart for obedience. This explains why he refused to obey Jesus' command to go, sell his possessions, and give to the poor (Mt 19:21-22).


Are you obeying God or just finding your self-will intersecting with God's will on some occasions? Is your "obedience" circumstantial, that is, depending on who's there and what's the command? Do you have a heart for obedience, a heart for God?


Prayer: Father, may I obey You because I love You (see Jn 15:10).


Promise: "You will then have treasure in heaven. Afterward, come back and follow Me." —Mt 19:21

mycatholic.com

Amazon Gift Cards: Good for any occasion.
Spiritual Reading
Theological Gems from Emile Merch's Theology of the Mystical Body
- selected by Jim and Tyra Arraj

Book I: Theological and Philosophical Introduction

Chapter 4: Unity: The Human Consciousness of Christ and the Consciousness of Christians

90. It is in Christ that God, as He exists in His own inner life, becomes accessible.
Please support this outreach with a tax-deductible donation.
http://www.heartlandspirituality.org/support.html

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