Message of 6-24-16

Published: Fri, 06/24/16

“The saints are the great experimental Christians, who, because of their unreserved self-dedication have made the great discoveries about God; and as we read their lives and works they will impart to us just so much of these discoveries as we are able to bear. . . Their books are the work of specialists from whom we can humbly learn more of God and our own souls.”

- Evelyn Underhill, Concerning the Inner Life -

(Which saints have inspired you? How are you called to be more saintly?)

Readings of the Day

Matthew 8: 1-4 (Jesus heals a leper)

In many accounts of Jesus’ healings, we hear him cautioning those he cured to tell no one. The leper in today’s reading is instructed to go to the priests so he may be released from his banishment from society. The injunction to tell no one else reveals Jesus’ concern for the proper interpretation of his miracles.

- Do you accept your body, its strengths, and its limitations?

- How do you think other people view your physical appearance? How much does it matter to you what they think? - Pray for the grace to be able to accept yourself as you are now.

USCCB Lectionary

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Scripture Reflection

Matthew 6: 19-23 (Heavenly treasure)

Again we return to the issue of motives. The philosopher Durant wrote that we do not desire that which we find reasonable, but we find reasons for that which we desire. Ignatius of Loyola stated that our motives are directed toward either love or selfishness. We should check our motives often.

- What do you treasure most in this world? How does your heart serve this treasure?

- Look back over the key events of the past day. What were your motives for saying and doing what you did?

- Pray for the grace to be motivated by love.

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Spiritual Reading

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

Describes how, by striving always to walk in the love and fear of God, we shall travel safely amid all these temptations.

But if you feel this love for God which I have spoken of, and the fear which I shall now describe, you may go on your way with happiness and tranquillity. In order to disturb the soul and keep it from enjoying these great blessings, the devil will suggest to it a thousand false fears and will persuade other people to do the same; for if he cannot win souls he will at least try to make them lose something, and among the losers will be those who might have gained greatly had they believed that such great favours, bestowed upon so miserable a creature, come from God, and that it is possible for them to be thus bestowed, for sometimes we seem to forget His past mercies.

- Chapter 40

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

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