|
“An elder replied, ‘I tell you, many have ruined their bodies with no discernment and gone away without finding anything. We may have evil-smelling breath because of our fasting, we may know the Scriptures by heart, we may recite all the psalms. . . and still lack what God is looking for—love and humility.”
- Anonymous Sayings of the Desert Fathers
-
(Whatever helps us become more loving and humble is good for us; whatever hinders us is not. What does this mean in your life?)
|
|
|
Acts 5:34-42; Ps. 27:1, 4, 13-14; Jn 6:1-15
R. One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is my life's refuge;
of whom should I be afraid?
One thing I ask of the LORD
this I seek:
To dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
That I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORD
and contemplate his temple.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
USCCB Lectionary
|
|
|
John 6: 1-15 (Miracle of the loaves)
This account of the feeding of the multitude is common to all four gospels and represents one of the most enduring and significant traditions. Most
theologians see in this miracle a connection with the belief in Jesus as the Bread of Life who satisfies all our hungers.
- Jesus blessed the little that was offered in a spirit of sharing. Do you believe that your gifts of time, talent, and money offered in love are blessed by God? How do you experience this blessing?
- What can you offer to share with others today in a spirit of love? Ask God to bless your offering.
Paperback, Kindle
|
|
|
|
|
The Way of Perfection, by Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) Treats of the great need which we have to beseech the Eternal Father to grant us what we ask in these words: “Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo.” Explains certain temptations. This chapter is noteworthy. The same thing happens with regard to humility. We think that we have no desire for honour and that we care nothing about anything; but as soon as our honour comes to be slighted in some detail our feelings and actions at once show that we are not humble at all. If an opportunity occurs for us to gain more honour, we do not reject it; even those
who are poor, and to whom I have just referred, are anxious to have as much profit as possible -- God grant we may not go so far as actually to seek it! We always have phrases on our lips about wanting nothing, and caring nothing about anything, and we honestly think them to be true, and get so used to repeating them that we come to believe them more and more firmly. But when, as I say, we keep on the watch, we realize that this is a temptation, as regards both the virtue I have spoken of and
all the rest; for when we really have one of these solid virtues, it brings all the rest in its train: that is a very well-known fact. - Chapter
36 (Keep in mind that she is writing to sisters in a cloistered contemplative
order.)
Paperback, Kindle
|
|
|
|
|
|
