01-OCT-'24, Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus,

Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church

Lectionary: 456

Reading 1

Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23

Job opened his mouth and cursed his day.

Job spoke out and said:

Perish the day on which I was born,

the night when they said, “The child is a boy!”

Why did I not perish at birth,

come forth from the womb and expire?

Or why was I not buried away like an untimely birth,

like babes that have never seen the light?

Wherefore did the knees receive me?

or why did I suck at the breasts?

For then I should have lain down and been tranquil;

had I slept, I should then have been at rest

With kings and counselors of the earth

who built where now there are ruins

Or with princes who had gold

and filled their houses with silver.

There the wicked cease from troubling,

there the weary are at rest.

Why is light given to the toilers,

and life to the bitter in spirit?

They wait for death and it comes not;

they search for it rather than for hidden treasures,

Rejoice in it exultingly,

and are glad when they reach the grave:

Those whose path is hidden from them,

and whom God has hemmed in!

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 88:2-3, 4-5, 6, 7-8

R. (3) Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

O LORD, my God, by day I cry out;

at night I clamor in your presence.

Let my prayer come before you;

incline your ear to my call for help.

R. Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

For my soul is surfeited with troubles

and my life draws near to the nether world.

I am numbered with those who go down into the pit;

I am a man without strength.

R. Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

My couch is among the dead,

like the slain who lie in the grave,

Whom you remember no longer

and who are cut off from your care.

R. Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

You have plunged me into the bottom of the pit,

into the dark abyss.

Upon me your wrath lies heavy,

and with all your billows you overwhelm me.

R. Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

Alleluia

Mark 10:45

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The Son of Man came to serve

and to give his life as a ransom for many.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Luke 9:51-56

When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled,

he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem,

and he sent messengers ahead of him.

On the way they entered a Samaritan village

to prepare for his reception there,

but they would not welcome him

because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem.

When the disciples James and John saw this they asked,

“Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven

to consume them?”

Jesus turned and rebuked them,

and they journeyed to another village.

Reflection 1

Catholic Daily Reflections

Courage to Conquer Fear

When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him. Luke 9:51–52

Shortly after Jesus spoke to His disciples about His pending suffering, death and resurrection, we read that Jesus “resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem.” There is much to reflect upon in that short statement.

First of all, Jerusalem was the place of the Temple where the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament took place as a prefiguration of the one and ultimate sacrifice to come. Jesus came into this world as the Lamb of God, the Sacrificial Victim Who would die for our sins. He knew His ultimate end in this world, and He knew it would require much suffering. This knowledge of His future suffering is the foundational context of this passage today.

As Jesus’ suffering and death drew close, He became more and more determined in His human will to fulfill the will of the Father by laying down His life. Of course, Jesus always fulfilled the will of the Father, but little by little the human manifestation of Jesus’s determination became more and more pronounced. The specific human virtue that slowly became manifest was courage. Spiritual courage is the supernatural ability to embrace the will of the Father when His will leads a person into a life of sacrifice. Within our fallen human nature, we tend to avoid sacrifice. We often work to avoid conflict and suffering and to embrace the easy way in life. Therefore, to come face-to-face with some future suffering brings forth a temptation to fear—and that fear requires courage to overcome it. As His suffering drew closer, the temptation to fear grew stronger and, as a result, His perfect virtue of courage became more manifest. Note that Jesus not only decided to go to Jerusalem to offer His life sacrificially, He “resolutely determined” to do so. There was no wavering, no doubting the Father’s will, no hesitancy, no fear. His perfect sacrificial love slowly became manifest for all to see.

Another reason Jesus became resolute in His determination to travel to Jerusalem was to witness His love to His disciples. They needed courage themselves.  So, as they listened to Jesus speak about what was coming in Jerusalem and as they witnessed His unwavering determination, they were also encouraged and were strengthened to overcome the temptations to fear. Of course, they only perfected that virtue later in their lives when they also followed in the footsteps of our Lord, laying down their own lives as martyrs.

Reflect, today, upon that which causes fear and anxiety in your own life. If that suffering is of your own making, then seek to rectify it. But if that suffering is a cross that our Lord is calling you to embrace with love, then do so sacrificially and with much determination. Do not be cowed by the heaviness of the cross you are given in life. The crosses we are called to embrace are always able to be transformed into grace. Allow courage to grow within you and allow the witness of our Lord to encourage you as you seek to imitate His sacrificial love.

Reflection 2

One Bread, One Body

life in the pit

“Why is light given to the toilers, and life to the bitter in spirit?” —Job 3:20

Nearly all of us can identify in some way with Job’s misery. Sometimes life is bitter (Jb 3:20) and full of drudgery (Jb 7:1). Relief eludes us (Jb 3:13), and death seems better than any hidden treasure the future could possibly hold (Jb 3:21). Then it gets worse. We “have forgotten what happiness is” (Lam 3:17; Jb 7:7).

When life is no longer worth living, then we’ve forgotten what life really is. To be more specific, we’ve forgotten Who Life is. Jesus is Life (Jn 11:25; 14:6). Because Jesus is Life, our lives are full of meaning, power, and hope, no matter how miserable our circumstances. Because we are alive, we Christians carry in our bodies the life of Jesus (2 Cor 4:10). His life is revealed in our bodies, even though we are being delivered to death (2 Cor 4:11).

Jesus enables us to become better instead of bitter. On the cross, Jesus overcame all the bitterness and misery that ever existed. He understands our pain and misery far better than we do (Heb 2:17-18). Jesus, the Deliverer (Ps 18:3), sometimes rescues us from “the pit” (Ps 40:2-3). If He doesn’t rescue us from “the bottom of the pit” (Ps 88:7), then He does something even better: He comes into the pit with us and shares His life with us (Ps 23:4; Mt 1:23, 28:20). We Christians believe that it’s far better to be in the pit with Jesus than to be comfortable without Him (see Ps 84:11). With Jesus the Life by our side, we have life “to the full” (Jn 10:10).

Prayer:  Jesus, “to me, ‘life’ means” You (Phil 1:21). Thank You for the gift of my life.

Promise:  Jesus “firmly resolved to proceed toward Jerusalem.” —Lk 9:51

Praise:  St. Therese suffered dark nights of doubt and trial only to enjoy the eternal joy of spending her “heaven doing good on earth.”

Reflection 3

The Servants of the Word

Jesus' Face Was Set toward Jerusalem

Are you surprised to see two of Jesus' disciples praying for the destruction of a Samaritan village? The Jews and Samaritans had been divided for centuries. Jewish pilgrims who passed through Samaritan territory were often treated badly and even assaulted. Jesus did the unthinkable for a Jew. He not only decided to travel through Samaritan territory at personal risk, but he also asked for hospitality in one of their villages!

Jesus faced rejection and abuse in order to reconcile us with God and one another

Jesus' offer of friendship was rebuffed. Is there any wonder that the disciples were indignant and felt justified in wanting to see retribution done to this village? Wouldn't you respond the same way? Jesus, however, rebukes his disciples for their lack of toleration. Jesus had "set his face toward Jerusalem" to die on a cross that Jew, Samaritan and Gentile might be reconciled with God and be united as one people in Christ.

Jesus seeks our highest good - friend and enemy alike

Tolerance is a much needed virtue today. But aren't we often tolerant for the wrong thing or for the wrong motive? Christian love seeks the highest good of both one's neighbor and one's enemy. When Abraham Lincoln was criticized for his courtesy and tolerance towards his enemies during the American Civil War, he responded: "Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?" How do you treat those who cross you and cause you trouble? Do you seek their good rather than their harm?

Prayers

My courageous Lord, You faced Your suffering with much courage, strength, surrender and hope. You saw the value of Your free embrace of Your suffering and chose it with all the power of your soul. Give me the grace I need, dear Lord, to also resolutely determine to journey toward the cross I am called to embrace in life, so that my free embrace of my cross will unite me more fully with You. Jesus, I trust in You.

Saint Thérèse, as a child you fell in love with God while living within the school of love that was your family. Your love grew so intense that God took you to Himself at a young age, to be with Him forever. Please pray for me, that I will discover the same intensity of love that you did, so that I will also share in the glory in which you now share. Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You.

Lord Jesus, you are gracious, merciful, and kind. Set me free from my prejudice and intolerance towards those I find disagreeable, and widen my heart to love and to do good even to those who wish me harm or evil.

Daily Reflections on Divine Mercy

Reflection 274: Renewing Your Vows

It is a common practice for those who are married to renew their vows from time to time, especially on significant anniversaries.  The renewal of vows and promises also takes place by priests and religious.  This practice is a good and holy one in that we must constantly renew our total dedication to God in our vocation.  But the renewal of vows and promises to God should go beyond our particular vocations and enter every universal vocation to holiness.  Through Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion you have been given over to God for His service.  You are His and He is yours and this mutual exchange of your hearts must be renewed daily.  In fact, the reception of Holy Communion has this renewal as one of its goals.  Not only do you receive our Lord into your soul in this precious gift, you also renew your total self-giving to God through its reception.  As you daily renew your total commitment to our Lord, allow Him to consume every part of your life as if a blazing fire were consuming a log.  Allow your renewal to consume your sin, weakness, sufferings and even joys.  Let everything in your life be for the glory of God and the manifestation of His Divine Mercy (See Diary #1369).

Ponder today how often you renew your total commitment to our Lord and His holy Will.  Reflect upon the image of a blazing fire consuming a log.  See this as an image of what happens when you renew your love of God and your commitment to Him through your vocation to holiness.  Hold nothing back, surrendering all each and every day.  Let God consume you completely, transforming you into His Mercy.

Lord, I renew, today, the vows of my Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharist.  I renew the total dedication of my life to You and surrender all for Your service.  Receive me, Lord, and do with me as You will. I am Yours, Lord, given without reserve.  Jesus, I trust in You.

October 1: Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor—Memorial

1873–1897

Patron Saint of foreign missions and missionaries, AIDS patients, air crews, florists, flower growers, and sick people

Invoked against illness, tuberculosis, and loss of parents

Canonised by Pope Pius XI on May 17, 1925

Saint Thérèse reflection on her First Holy Communion

How sweet was the first embrace of Jesus! It was indeed an embrace of love. I felt that I was loved, and I said: “I love Thee, and I give myself to Thee for ever.” Jesus asked nothing of me, and claimed no sacrifice; for a long time He and little Thérèse had known and understood one another. That day our meeting was more than simple recognition, it was perfect union. We were no longer two. Thérèse had disappeared like a drop of water lost in the immensity of the ocean; Jesus alone remained—He was the Master, the King! …And then my joy became so intense, so deep, that it could not be restrained; tears of happiness welled up and overflowed…all the joy of Heaven had come down into one heart, and that this heart, exiled, weak, and mortal as it was, could not contain it without tears.

30-SEP-'24, Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Memorial of Saint Jerome, Priest and Doctor of the Church

Lectionary: 455

Reading 1

Job 1:6-22

One day, when the angels of God came to present themselves before the LORD,

Satan also came among them.

And the LORD said to Satan, "Whence do you come?"

Then Satan answered the LORD and said,

"From roaming the earth and patrolling it."

And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you noticed my servant Job,

and that there is no one on earth like him,

blameless and upright, fearing God and avoiding evil?"

But Satan answered the LORD and said,

"Is it for nothing that Job is God-fearing?

Have you not surrounded him and his family

and all that he has with your protection?

You have blessed the work of his hands,

and his livestock are spread over the land.

But now put forth your hand and touch anything that he has,

and surely he will blaspheme you to your face."

And the LORD said to Satan,

"Behold, all that he has is in your power;

only do not lay a hand upon his person."

So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

And so one day, while his sons and his daughters

were eating and drinking wine

in the house of their eldest brother,

a messenger came to Job and said,

"The oxen were ploughing and the asses grazing beside them,

and the Sabeans carried them off in a raid.

They put the herdsmen to the sword,

and I alone have escaped to tell you."

While he was yet speaking, another came and said,

"Lightning has fallen from heaven

and struck the sheep and their shepherds and consumed them;

and I alone have escaped to tell you."

While he was yet speaking, another messenger came and said,

"The Chaldeans formed three columns,

seized the camels, carried them off,

and put those tending them to the sword,

and I alone have escaped to tell you."

While he was yet speaking, another came and said,

"Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine

in the house of their eldest brother,

when suddenly a great wind came across the desert

and smote the four corners of the house.

It fell upon the young people and they are dead;

and I alone have escaped to tell you."

Then Job began to tear his cloak and cut off his hair.

He cast himself prostrate upon the ground, and said,

"Naked I came forth from my mother's womb,

and naked shall I go back again.

The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;

blessed be the name of the LORD!"

In all this Job did not sin,

nor did he say anything disrespectful of God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 17:1bcd, 2-3, 6-7

R. (6) Incline your ear to me and hear my word.

Hear, O LORD, a just suit;

attend to my outcry;

hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit.

R. Incline your ear to me and hear my word.

From you let my judgment come;

your eyes behold what is right.

Though you test my heart, searching it in the night,

though you try me with fire, you shall find no malice in me.

R. Incline your ear to me and hear my word.

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;

incline your ear to me; hear my word.

Show your wondrous mercies,

O savior of those who flee

from their foes to refuge at your right hand.

R. Incline your ear to me and hear my word.

Alleluia

Mark 10:45

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The Son of Man came to serve

and to give his life as a ransom for many.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Luke 9:46-50

An argument arose among the disciples

about which of them was the greatest.

Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child

and placed it by his side and said to them,

"Whoever receives this child in my name receives me,

and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.

For the one who is least among all of you

is the one who is the greatest."

Then John said in reply,

"Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name

and we tried to prevent him

because he does not follow in our company."

Jesus said to him,

"Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Reflection 1

Catholic Daily Reflections 

Attentive to the Details of Grace

An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.” Luke 9:48

This conversation between Jesus and His disciples took place shortly after three events. First, it took place after the disciples returned from the first mission on which Jesus had sent them. Second, it was after Peter made his profession of faith stating that Jesus was “The Messiah of God.” Third, it occurred after the Transfiguration in which Jesus took Peter, James and John up the mountain to reveal His glory. After these three events, it appears that a certain rivalry began to manifest itself among the disciples. Perhaps there was jealousy of Peter’s profession of faith, or perhaps the disciples who were not taken up the mountain of the Transfiguration were a bit envious. But whatever the cause, Jesus addresses what is the beginning of a desire for vainglory among the disciples.

In commenting on this passage, Saint Cyril of Alexandria notes that in the spiritual battle, the devil’s first tactic is to stir up fleshly desires within our souls to keep us bound by the desire for those pleasures. However, when a person is able to escape these more base and fleshly desires, then the devil stirs up a spiritual sin; namely, a selfishness and vainglory. It is this desire for vainglory, the desire to be perceived as the greatest, with which the disciples were struggling.

Our Lord addresses the disciples after He “realized the intention of their hearts.” This is a very important line. Essentially, Jesus noticed that the desire for vainglory was just beginning. By analogy, when a weed begins to grow, it is easily pulled up by the roots. But if it is left to grow for a while, then the roots are more difficult to pull up, and doing so often affects the other plants and ground around the weed. So it is with sin. By gently bringing a child into their midst and stating that “the one who is least among you is the one who is the greatest,” Jesus was helping them to remove this “weed” of the sin of vainglory before it took deep root in their lives. As Jesus continues His conversation with the disciples, He continues to act with gentleness, addressing their slight error in their reasoning.

This is important to understand, because our Lord always desires to address our sin the very moment it begins. If we are open to His subtle promptings of grace, gently redirecting our actions the moment we begin to go astray, then our attentiveness to His loving rebuke will help keep us from becoming more deeply rooted in our error, whatever it may be. Establishing a practice of constant self-reflection greatly helps with this. Establishing this habit means we do not see our Lord as a harsh and critical Judge; rather, we see Him in His gentleness and care. This image of Jesus gently bringing a child before the disciples so as to teach them about true greatness should help us to realize that we should never fear these gentle promptings of grace.

Reflect, today, upon our Lord appearing before you, gently addressing the small sins with which you are struggling. Of course, all serious sins must be firmly dealt with first. But once all serious sin is rooted out of your life, be attentive to the gentle and merciful promptings of grace by which Jesus wants to root out every small sin at its beginning and even every spiritual imperfection. Attentiveness to these graces is the surest way to grow in holiness and to allow our Lord to lead you into His glorious will, making you truly great within His Kingdom.

Reflection 2

One Bread, One Body 

THE ONE-TWO PUNCH

“The Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, all that he has is in your power.’ ” —Job 1:12

Satan is the father of lies (Jn 8:44). He is especially devious in tempting us. For example, he tried to get Job to say something “disrespectful of God” (Jb 1:22) and to curse God (Jb 2:9). Job, however, did not fall for Satan’s series of temptations. First, Satan had the Sabeans steal Job’s oxen and asses (Jb 1:14-15). In our economy, this would have been a theft of several thousand dollars worth of property. Next, lightning struck and destroyed more of Job’s property, killing some of his employees (Jb 1:16). If Job hadn’t forgiven the Sabeans and placed the first catastrophe in God’s hands, he might have blamed God for the second catastrophe. This would have turned his heart from God and planted a seed which would have grown into a sin of disrespect and cursing against God.

After this one-two punch failed, Satan tried it again on Job, but with greater intensity. The Chaldeans robbed Job of camels which were probably worth much more than Job’s oxen and asses (Jb 1:17). These Chaldeans also murdered several of Job’s employees (Jb 1:17). If Job had hated these Chaldeans for their crimes, he probably would have sinned and been knocked out when he heard the devastating news that all ten of his children had been killed in an accident (Jb 1:18-19). Doesn’t bad news often come in pairs or bunches? Don’t we often get the worst news when we already feel bad? That’s why we must turn to God, forgive, and shake off the first punch before the second one hits.

Prayer: Father, give me wisdom and love so that I will not be outwitted by the evil one (see 2 Cor 2:11).

Promise: “Whoever welcomes this little child on My account welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes Him Who sent Me; for the least one among you is the greatest.” —Lk 9:48

Praise: St. Jerome loved sinners so much he promoted Scripture, piety, relics, and clerical celibacy. He also refuted heresies. He fiercely spent his energies for love of God and the Church.

Reflection 3

The Servants of the Word 

Jesus Perceived the Thought of Their Hearts

Are you surprised to see the disciples of Jesus arguing about who is the greatest among them? Don't we do the same thing? The appetite for glory and greatness seems to be inbred in us. Who doesn't cherish the ambition to be "somebody" whom others admire rather than a "nobody"? Even the psalms speak about the glory God has destined for us. "You have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor" (Psalm 8:5). Jesus made a dramatic gesture by placing a child next to himself to show his disciples who really is the greatest in the kingdom of God.

What can a little child possibly teach us about greatness? Children in the ancient world had no rights, position, or privileges of their own. They were socially at the "bottom of the rung" and at the service of their parents, much like the household staff and domestic servants. What is the significance of Jesus' gesture? Jesus elevated a little child in the presence of his disciples by placing the child in a privileged position of honor at his right side. It is customary, even today, to seat the guest of honor at the right side of the host. Who is the greatest in God's kingdom? The one who is humble and lowly of heart - who instead of asserting their rights willingly empty themselves of pride and self-seeking glory by taking the lowly position of a servant or child.

Jesus, himself, is our model. He came not to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28). Paul the Apostles states that Jesus "emptied himself and took the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7). Jesus lowered himself (he whose place is at the right hand of God the Father) and took on our lowly nature that he might raise us up and clothe us in his divine nature. "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). If we want to be filled with God's life and power, then we need to empty ourselves of everything which stands in the way - pride, envy, self-seeking glory, vanity, and possessiveness. God wants empty vessels so he can fill them with his own glory, power, and love (2 Corinthians 4:7). Are you ready to humble yourself and to serve as Jesus did?

Prayers

My most merciful and gentle Jesus, I thank You for the many ways in which You come to me, revealing Your love and grace. Please help me to see clearly the ways that I must change, so that even the beginnings of the smallest sin in my life may be rooted out. I love You, my Lord. Help me to love You with all my heart. Jesus, I trust in You.

Lord Jesus, your grace knows no bounds. You give freely to the humble of heart and you grant us freedom to love and serve others selflessly. May my love for you express itself in an eagerness to do good for others.

Daily Reflections on Divine Mercy

Reflection 273: No Earthly Ties, Only Love of God

The pinnacle of our relationship with God includes being stripped of every other earthly tie so that nothing holds us back from running toward God with great passion and purpose. We must be freed of every attachment in this life so that our one attachment is God and His holy Will. This does not mean we ought to neglect our love for others. This is especially true with family love. Love for those in your family must take on a special focus and become total and irrevocable. However, there is a difference between loving your family with a perfect love and being attached to them in an earthly way. In fact, holy detachment is necessary if you are to love with the Heart of Christ. Loving Jesus as your one desire in life will direct you to Him through others. You will love Christ in your family and in all aspects of your earthly vocation. But your love for all will be a love for Christ when you love Him with this perfect love. When this happens, every other attachment will be transformed into your love of God (See Diary #1365).

What do you love in this world? What is it that you are attached to? Think about your greatest earthly loves. Hopefully these loves include family members and others whom God has put in your life. Now examine those loves and ponder whether they are centered in Christ. By loving them are you actually loving God? Or do these earthly loves remain ends in themselves? Reflect upon the goal of making love of God the one and only focus of your life and try to discover how you love God in and through every other person and every aspect of your life.

My Lord, I love You and desire to love You above all else and in all else. May You become the one and only goal of my love. As I love You in all Your creatures may I be drawn closer to You and lavish Your perfect mercy upon their lives. Jesus, I trust in You.

29-SEP-'24, 26th Sun in OT

 

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 137

Reading 1

Numbers 11:25-29

The LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to Moses.

Taking some of the spirit that was on Moses,

the LORD bestowed it on the seventy elders;

and as the spirit came to rest on them, they prophesied.

Now two men, one named Eldad and the other Medad,

were not in the gathering but had been left in the camp.

They too had been on the list, but had not gone out to the tent;

yet the spirit came to rest on them also,

and they prophesied in the camp.

So, when a young man quickly told Moses,

"Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp, "

Joshua, son of Nun, who from his youth had been Moses' aide, said,

"Moses, my lord, stop them."

But Moses answered him,

"Are you jealous for my sake?

Would that all the people of the LORD were prophets!

Would that the LORD might bestow his spirit on them all!"

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14

R. (9a) The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

The law of the LORD is perfect,

refreshing the soul;

the decree of the LORD is trustworthy,

giving wisdom to the simple.

R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

The fear of the LORD is pure,

enduring forever;

the ordinances of the LORD are true,

all of them just.

R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

Though your servant is careful of them,

very diligent in keeping them,

yet who can detect failings?

Cleanse me from my unknown faults!

R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

From wanton sin especially, restrain your servant;

let it not rule over me.

Then shall I be blameless and innocent

of serious sin.

R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

Reading 2

James 5:1-6

Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries.

Your wealth has rotted away, your clothes have become moth-eaten,

your gold and silver have corroded,

and that corrosion will be a testimony against you;

it will devour your flesh like a fire.

You have stored up treasure for the last days.

Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers

who harvested your fields are crying aloud;

and the cries of the harvesters

have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.

You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure;

you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter.

You have condemned;

you have murdered the righteous one;

he offers you no resistance.

Alleluia

Cf. John 17:17b, 17a

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Your word, O Lord, is truth;

consecrate us in the truth.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

At that time, John said to Jesus,

"Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name,

and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us."

Jesus replied, "Do not prevent him.

There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name

who can at the same time speak ill of me.

For whoever is not against us is for us.

Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink

because you belong to Christ,

amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.

"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,

it would be better for him if a great millstone

were put around his neck

and he were thrown into the sea.

If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.

It is better for you to enter into life maimed

than with two hands to go into Gehenna,

into the unquenchable fire.

And if your foot causes you to sin, cut if off.

It is better for you to enter into life crippled

than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna.

And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.

Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye

than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna,

where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'”

Reflection 1

Catholic Daily Reflections 

Eliminating Occasions of Sin

“If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out…” Mark 9:43–47

Sometimes we need to wake up to the horror of sin. Sin and sin alone is capable of sending you to hell. Hell is real, and going there for eternity is a real possibility. Therefore, we must do whatever it takes to avoid that frightful possibility. This teaching from Jesus might not, at first, be thought of as one of His most inspiring teachings, but it should be. It’s not inspiring in the sense that it is quite graphic. But it is very inspiring in the sense that it has the potential to motivate us to action.

Are you motivated to do all that you can to avoid sin? Would you even go so far as to cut off your hand or foot, and to pluck out your eye so as to avoid sin? First of all, this should not be seen as a literal command in which Jesus is telling us to mutilate ourselves. But He is the one Who chose such graphic language. Therefore, we should not shy away from pondering these images in a prayerful way so as to more clearly see those things that lead us into sin. When we see them, we must take the radical step of completely eliminating them from our lives.

Many of the Church Fathers say that the hand, foot and eye in this teaching refer to our friends. Just as a hand, foot and eye are good in and of themselves, so also are friends. We are made for friendship with God and with others. However, not every friendship helps us grow closer to God. Therefore, when an earthly friend becomes a source of sin, we must eliminate that friendship.

Friendship is different from charity. We owe charity to all people, even those who are the most sinful. But acting with charity toward others is different from being friends with them. To be a friend implies mutual giving and receiving. And though we must always give of ourselves to others, we ought not always receive from them when what they have to offer is an invitation to sin. This is how we “cut it off” and “pluck it out.” When another person tries to relate to us in such a way that they lead us into sin, we must take that temptation very seriously and reject it with much vigor.

The hand, foot and eye in this teaching also represent every situation in life that tempts us to sin. For example, consider material possessions. If buying a very expensive car, house, or electronic gadget tempts you to become more materialistic, then you must avoid buying it. People are drawn to nice things. But does possessing nice things help your soul to become holy? One could argue that they can have nice things, while at the same time remain spiritually detached from them. But this is difficult to live. The more luxurious our material possessions, the more tempted we will be to rely upon them for our happiness. Therefore, choosing to live simply is almost always better for your soul than choosing to live in luxury. This teaching also applies to anything else that could become a source of temptation.

Reflect, today, upon those things or persons in your life that have become an occasion of sin for you. Do not fool yourself into believing that you can handle the temptation. If you have some source of ongoing temptation in your life, you need to eliminate it. Ponder this very graphic teaching from Jesus and try to apply it to your life. Identify those things that lead you into sin and eliminate them with much determination.

Reflection 2

One Bread, One Body 

THE DISCARD PILE?

“Stop them.” —Numbers 11:28

In today’s Mass readings, several people wanted to discard others who were different from them. Joshua wanted to discard Eldad and Medad (Nm 11:27-28). St. John the Apostle wanted to discard those who were ministering in Jesus’ name but weren’t of the company of the apostles (Mk 9:38). The secular culture would have us discard Jesus, a life based on faith, restrictions on pleasure-seeking, and even the words “sin” and “holiness.”

However, Jesus had different ideas about what was to be discarded; He wanted to discard anything which caused people to lead others into sin (Mk 9:42-47). The author of the book of James wanted people to discard unjust use of money (Jas 5:2ff) and a lifestyle of pleasure which discarded concern for the poor (Jas 5:4-6). Pope Francis has frequently spoken against “a culture of waste,” which discards people, in particular the marginalized.

When we renew our Baptismal promises each year at the Easter liturgies, we renounce, that is discard, Satan, all his works, and all his empty promises. What would Jesus have you discard today? Are there any attitudes, sins, attachments, and addictions He wants you to discard? Let us discard the correct things and retain all that is of God.

Prayer:  Father, may I be a good steward who keeps exactly what You wish (Mt 13:52) and discards nothing You want me to retain (Lk 13:9).

Promise:  “The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.” —Ps 19:10

Praise:  Praise You, risen Jesus! “Absolute fullness resides in” You (Col 1:19). Alleluia!

Reflection 3

Shared from God's Word

The world today goes by the dictum “if you are not for us, you are against us.”  But in the First Reading which is taken from the book of Numbers, as well as in the Gospel Reading from Mark, Moses and Jesus assert the opposite: ‘those who are not against us, even if they are not with us, are for us.’  Jesus emphatically tells us that everyone who is not with us need not necessarily be opposed to us.  As long as someone does good work, one who is anointed by the Spirit of God and obeys His will, is definitely with us.  But who is really against us?  One of those groups is highlighted in the Second Reading today.  It is the ‘rich’, says James, who oppress the weak and the poor. These are the people who do not obey the law or will of God, so they are against us. 

Prayers

My radical Lord, You call all of Your children to a life of holiness and perfection. Please help me to take Your teachings seriously so as to eliminate all occasions of sin from my life. May I have the eyes to see these temptations and the courage to reject them with all my might. Jesus, I trust in You.

Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may radiate the joy of the Gospel to others. May your light and truth shine through me that others may find new life and joy in you, and freedom from sin and oppression.

Daily Reflections on Divine Mercy

Reflection 272: The External Manifestation of the Heart

No one can see your heart except you and God. God is aware of every detail of your interior life to a perfect degree; you see the details of your interior life to an imperfect degree. Nonetheless, it is important to become increasingly aware of the reality of your inner life. See your soul as a hidden and secret world in which the Mercy of God resides. Allow the inner chambers of your heart to become consumed with the love of God. This holy and pure love of God must direct all things within you. And although others will not see that which takes place within you, they will see the good fruits that come forth from your life and these good fruits will become an exterior witness to the Mercy of God alive within you. Though the inner life is hidden, it must become manifest so that the secret workings of God will produce Mercy in a visible and radiant way (See Diary #1363).

Are you aware of the powerful work of God within your soul? Are you attentive to His merciful hand, leading you and guiding you within this secret sanctuary of your interior life? Fix your interior gaze upon the pure love of God and allow this hidden place to bring forth an abundance of good fruit. As the good fruit of your life is produced, allow it to be made manifest for the world to see and to be inspired and changed by the Mercy of God coming forth from you. Ponder today this direct connection between your interior and exterior and allow your heart to shine forth.

Lord, I love You with a burning love. Please continually purify my heart so that Your grace may become active and alive within my soul. As You work Your miracles of grace in my life, bring forth the good fruit of Mercy in my exterior actions so that Your works will become a public testimony to the pure love that is alive in my heart. Jesus, I trust in You.