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As to deliberate mortifications—I take it you do feel satisfied that you accept fully those God sends. That being so, you might perhaps do one or two little things, as acts of love, and also as discipline. I suggest by preference the mortification of the tongue—as being very tiresome and quite harmless to the health. Careful guard on all amusing criticisms of others, on all complaints however casual or
trivial.
... Evelyn Underhill (1875-1941)
(The "discipline of the tongue" is one of the most difficult to keep. Strive this and every day to speak in the service of a love rooted in God, and check any that be contrary.)
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Acts 13:26-33; Psalm 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab
Jn 14:1-6
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not,
would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back again and take you to myself,
so that where I am you also may be.
Where I am going you know the way.”
Thomas said to him,
“Master, we do not know where you are going;
how can we know the way?”
Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.”
USCCB lectionary
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Reflection on the Scripture
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“I am indeed going to prepare a place for you, and then I shall come back to take you with Me, that where I am you also may be.” —John 14:3
The great “I Am” (Ex 3:14) — the awesome Creator of the world, Who has created universes and quasars millions of light-years away — God Himself, wanted to adopt “little old you.”
It seems unbelievable, but it’s true. He paid an inestimable price for you by sending His only begotten Son to give His life. By faith, you accepted God’s adoption of you. Your Father God loved, fed, protected, healed, guided, and provided for you. He was always there. Because the Father lived in heaven, you could never see Him, but the joy of your life was to talk to Him and see His wondrous works. The Spirit cried out in
you, “Abba!” (Gal 4:6) Your deepest desire was to someday go home and see Abba. However, that was impossible, but nothing’s impossible for Jesus. He’s the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Him (Jn 14:6). Everyone who comes through Him gets to go home and see Abba. Then He “shall wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, crying out or pain, for the former world has passed away” (Rv 21:4).
Thank You, Father, for adopting me. Thank You, Jesus, for being the Way home. Thank You, Spirit, for crying out in my heart, “Abba.”
Prayer: Abba, I love You.
Promise: “God raised Him from the dead, and for many days thereafter Jesus appeared to those who had come up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These are His witnesses now before the people.” —Acts 13:30-31
Presentation Ministries
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Abandonment to Divine Providence
- by Jean-Pierre de Caussade
BOOK II,
CHAPTER IV. CONCERNING THE ASSISTANCE RENDERED BY THE FATHERLY PROVIDENCE OF GOD TO THOSE SOULS WHO HAVE ABANDONED THEMSELVES TO HIM
SECTION 9. Divine love, the principle of all good.
To those who follow this path, divine love is all-sufficing.
What prudence there is in simplicity! What ability in its innocence and candour! What mysteries and secrets in its straightforwardness! Look at the youthful Tobias; he is but a lad, yet with what confidence he proceeds, having the archangel Raphael for his guide. Nothing frightens him, nothing is wanting to him. The very monsters he encounters furnish him with food and remedies; the one that rushes forward to
devour him becomes itself his sustenance. By the order of Providence he has nothing to attend to but feasts and weddings, everything else is left to the management of the guiding spirit appointed to help him. These things are so well managed that never before have they been so successful, nor so blessed and prosperous. However, his mother weeps, and is in great distress at his supposed loss, but his father remains full of faith. The son, so bitterly mourned returns to rejoice his family and to
share their happiness.
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