Twelfth Tuesday of Ordinary Time

“Look about you, and from where you are, gaze to the north and south, east and west; all the land that you see I will give to you and your descendants forever. I will make your descendants like the dust of the earth; if anyone could count the dust of the earth, your descendants too might be counted. Set forth and walk about in the land, through its length and breadth, for to you I will give it.” Abram moved his tents and went on to settle near the terebinth of Mamre, which is at Hebron. There he built an altar to the LORD.

God gives us every opportunity to thrive in this world. He gives us gifts and graces that allow us to fulfill our unique role in His Divine Plan. His blessings cannot be counted... they are more numerous than the dust of the earth. He has prepared a place for us in this world that will lead to prosperity. Perhaps not in human terms of wealth and fame, but in heavenly terms of spiritual rewards and glory. And in return for all of this, He only asks us to know, love, and serve Him and His children as He knows, loves, and serves us. It is when we imitate Him that we are most uniquely ourselves. It is when we think, speak, and do His Will that we make our hearts into living altars to His Love, Goodness, and Mercy.

Have we looked around and really appreciated all God has given us? How have we given thanks for all the gifts and graces we have? In what ways can we make ourselves into living sacrifices to God?

O Lord, make our hearts into altars to you.

Amen.