Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Thirtieth Wednesday in Ordinary Time

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother. This is the first commandment with a promise, that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on earth.

God calls us to obey our parents and to honor our fathers and mothers. This is sometime difficult to do, especially since our parents are all imperfect. Just like us, they are sinners, too. They have their blind spots and their blemishes and sometimes it can be hard to love them. They aren't always the best influences, either. However, we should always strive to honor them in the sense of loving them unconditionally and doing our best to obey them when it doesn't lead us into sin. Our relationship with our parents mirrors the relationship between God and us. Sometimes we are difficult to love. Sometimes we are sinners. Sometimes we are blind and blemished. Sometime we are not the best influences on others. Still, God loves us and so we should love our parents, too, in spite of their imperfections. For if we love them, then we will be better able to obey our Heavenly Father and Mother so our lives might go well and we might live forever and ever with God in Heaven.

Do we obey and honor our earthly fathers and mothers? What about our Heavenly Father and Mother? How can we become better children of both?

O Lord, we seek to obey and honor you, our Heavenly Mother, Mary, and the parents you've given us in this life.

Amen.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Thirtieth Tuesday in Ordinary Time

He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the Church, because we are members of his Body. For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the Church. In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself, and the wife should respect her husband.

We are loved by God as His own flesh. Just as the Son is loved by Him, so are we. He loves each of us through the Holy Spirit as a husband loves his wife. He loved us so much, He sent His Beloved Son to us... to teach us and sacrifice himself for us so we might be united to Him. God has made us part of His Holy Family through Christ and the Church and we in turn should act accordingly. We should put our trust in Him and love Him without reservation. We should seek to do His Will and bring others into our spiritual family. We should be afraid of doing anything that might disappoint God or harm our relationship with Him. After all, we are His children and should glorify, honor, and praise Him with every thought, word, and work of our lives.

Have we united ourselves to God like husband and wife? Have we aligned our thoughts, words, and works with His? How can we become more perfect members of His Body?

O Lord, we love you and wish to be joined to you as one in body, mind, and spirit.

Amen.

Monday, October 29, 2018

Thirtieth Monday in Ordinary Time

Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.

We should seek to be imitators of God in all things, especially in the way we know, love, and serve others. We should be compassionate, merciful, and forgiving. We should be kind and good and seek to do what is right. We should offer ourselves as living sacrifices for the glory of God and the good of others. We must strive to live in love as Christ loved us. This requires a willingness to sacrifice ourselves for what is right and to suffer for God. It means living a life that mirrors Jesus' life from beginning to end. This isn't always easy, but it is a lighter yoke than the chains of sin and will lead us to everlasting life if we are willing to follow in Christ's footsteps.

How can we become more like Christ in our every thought, word, and work? How can we live in love? In what ways can we become more compassionate and forgiving?

O Lord, help us to become good and faithful imitators of you in all things.

Amen.

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. In the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to him: You are my son: this day I have begotten you; just as he says in another place: You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Although we might not all be called to be priests or religious or missionaries, we are all called to be Christ. In that way, we are all called to be the sons and daughters of God and to proclaim the Good News and participate in the holy sacrifice of the Mass. Our every thought, word, and work should have the Gospels behind them so we might be living reflections of Jesus Christ, our high priest and savior. So too, we should place ourselves in the right mind before, during, and after Mass by offering ourselves as sacrifices upon the altar and giving God all our good works. In this way, we live up to our calling to be a priestly people and true sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.

What honors has God given us? How can we make them holy? In what ways can we live out our calling to be a priestly people?

O Lord, thank you for making us your sons and daughters through Christ.

Amen.

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Twenty-Ninth Saturday in Ordinary Time

Rather, living the truth in love, we should grow in every way into him who is the head, Christ, from whom the whole Body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, with the proper functioning of each part, brings about the Body's growth and builds itself up in love.

Our lives should be spent growing into Christ. We are not perfect like him, but we should strive to be the best versions of ourselves. We might not be the good and faithful servants we are called to be, but we should make every effort to become so. Jesus Christ is our head and our goal. He inspires us through the Holy Spirit and leads us closer to his Heavenly Father so we might become worthy members of His Body. He unites us through love, mercy, and grace and supports us in our hope to become holy. He helps us to fulfill our purpose and build ourselves up. Without Christ in our lives, we have no purpose or function. Our bodies, minds, and hearts wither from abuse, disuse, and indifference. But with Christ, we can become what we were meant to be... the children of God and heirs to His Kingdom.

In what ways are we growing into Jesus? Are there things in our lives that are blocking our growth? How can we become more faithfully united to the Body of Christ and the Will of God?

O Lord, bring about our growth as members of the Body of Christ and build us up in love.

Amen.

Friday, October 26, 2018

Twenty-Ninth Friday in Ordinary Time

I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace; one Body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Paul urges us all to live in a manner worthy of the call of Christ. It is a calling that emphasizes our oneness in Christ. We are called to be united to our Heavenly Father through the Body and Blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The act of joining our hearts, minds, and spirits to God requires us to trust in Him, to be humble enough to submit our will to His, and to strive to preserve our unity. We are called to faith, hope, and love. We are called to be gentle and patient and bear with one another. We are called to live out our baptismal vocation and imitate Jesus Christ. We are called to be willing to be a prisoner for the Lord and put His Will before ours.

Are we willing to suffer and be imprisoned in order to follow God’s Will? How can we learn to bear with others in patience and mildness? What can we do in our lives to be more united with God and all His children?

O Lord, we wish only to answer the call you’ve given us to be united with you and your children in faith, hope, and love.

Amen.

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Twenty-Ninth Thursday in Ordinary Time

I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

If we pray to God, He will save us through His Beloved Son and strengthen us with His Holy Spirit. He will give us every blessing so we might grow in faith, hope, and love. He will help to build up and support our inner selves and give us the confidence we need to believe He is always by our side. His Love will pour out upon us so our souls might grow in fertile soil, rooted in His commandments, teachings, and inspirations. He will nourish our faith, hope, and charity, giving us every grace to bear good fruits for Him and our brothers and sisters in Christ. He will fill us with Himself so we might reflect Him more perfectly and magnify Him in all we think, say, and do. So, let us prepare ourselves for Him and welcome Him as our Heavenly Father, our Beloved Brother, and our Holy Spouse.

Do we act as if we are members of God’s Holy Family? How can we become more faithful children to our Heavenly Father? Are we willing to let God into our lives so He might dwell within us, strengthen us, and fill us with His Love?

O Lord, we kneel before you and ask that you might grant us your strength and comprehension.

Amen

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Twenty-Ninth Wednesday in Ordinary Time

To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for all what is the plan of the mystery hidden from ages past in God who created all things, so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the Church to the principalities and authorities in the heavens. This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness of speech and confidence of access through faith in him.

After his imprisonment, Paul could have been plagued by doubts and worries, but instead, he trusts in God’s Divine Plan. He firmly believes he was given the grace to preach to the Gentiles, spread the Good News to them, and bring to light for all God’s Divine Plan. As such, his faith is not shaken by his captivity. He knows sometimes doing God’s Will requires sacrifices from us. Just as Jesus sacrificed himself for us, so we must be willing to do the same for him and our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Are we willing to suffer for God’s Glory and for the good of others? How can we put the graces God has given us to better use? How can we be bolder in speech and confident in our relationship with Jesus and all of God’ children?

O Lord, we place our confidence in you and your Divine Plan.

Amen.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Twenty-Ninth Tuesday in Ordinary Time

So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

We, as Christians, have been brought together by Jesus. We have been built into a living temple so we might give glory to God and be a place of repose for Him. Jesus showed us how to unite ourselves with God by knowing, loving, and serving Him and His children. He also reminded us we all have the image of God within us and as such we all deserve to be treated with dignity, charity, and mercy. He wants us to become friends in the faith and co-workers in his vineyard. He holds us all together through the Way, the Truth, and the Life he has given us and the Church he left behind. He did all these things so we all might become a dwelling place of God in the Spirit and, hopefully, we are willing to sacrifice ourselves, making every effort to uphold the temple of God within us.

How can we be more united with Christ and his Holy Church? What sacrifices and acts of charity and mercy can we make to build up the Living Temple of Our Lord? Do we treat everyone we meet with the same dignity, mercy, and love as Jesus did in his most holy life?

O Lord, built us into a united dwelling place for you.

Amen.

Monday, October 22, 2018

Twenty-Ninth Monday in Ordinary Time

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ (by grace you have been saved), raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast.

God brought us to life through and with Christ. We gave us our lives for a purpose and wants us to fulfill His Will. As such, He gives us every grace we need to accomplish His Divine Plan. He wants to think, speak, and work through us so He might bring about the greatest good for all His beloved children. We are hampered in doing His Will when we fall into sin and indifference. However, He is always besides us, offering forgiveness and mercy so we might repent and do what is right and good. He is kind and loving and provides us all we could ever hope for in our lives. He offers us salvation as a gift and if we are humble and trusting enough, we receive it with open minds, hearts, and spirits.

For what purpose has God given us life? How are we fulfilling or denying this purpose? How can we accomplish God's Will more faithfully, hopefully, and lovingly?

O Lord, we thank you for the immeasurable graces you've given us.

Amen.

Sunday, October 21, 2018

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

Jesus is our high priest. He is the one who has given us our faith, proclaimed the Gospel, and shown us the Way, the Truth, and the Life and we are forever in debt to him. He is also the perfect example of holiness, providing us with a model of living righteous and loving lives. At first, we might be intimidated by Jesus’ way of life, but because he was one of us and knows what it means to be human, we should not be afraid to come to him in our times of need. He knows what it is like to be tempted, to suffer, and to be mocked. The only difference is he remained without sin. However, he doesn’t hold our weaknesses against us, not if we come to him in humility, seek his mercy, and allow him to bestow his grace on us. He is our high priest and as such he strives to lead us to eternal life with him, His Father, and the Holy Spirit. So, let us go confidently to the throne of the Holy Trinity and trust God will sympathize with and forgive us our trespasses.

Do we trust that God is merciful? Have we sought out Jesus through our prayers and asked for his Divine Mercy? How can we imitate Jesus and become priestly preachers and doers of God’s Will?

O Lord, we confidently approach your throne, asking for your mercy and grace.

Amen.

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Twenty-Eighth Saturday in Ordinary Time

May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might, which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come.

We all should pray that the eyes of our hearts might be enlightened by God. There are many areas in our lives where we are blind to what is right and good. Sometimes these blind spots are people, other times they are worldly things, and still more are evil inclinations. However, when our hearts are open to the hope that belongs to our calling to know, love, and serve God and His children, then we free ourselves from these blindfolds. Once enlightened, we can accept our inheritance as Christians and give glory to God for all He has done for us through the greatness of his power. What a wonderful gift God gave us through the Word Made Flesh! He united Himself to our lives through the life of His Beloved Son and raised us from dust and ashes to be heirs to the Kingdom. All we have to do is accept our roles as good and faithful children, who trust in their Heavenly Father and do His Will.

Do we pray to God for enlightenment? What can we do to become better heirs to the Kingdom of God? How can we thank God for all He has given us through His Son, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit?

O Lord, may the eyes of our hearts be enlightened.

Amen.

Friday, October 19, 2018

Memorial of Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, Priests, and Companions, Martyrs

In Christ we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God's possession, to the praise of his glory.

We were chosen to be Christians. God, through His Infinite Mercy, brought us into the faith for a reason. He brought some by birth and others by conversion. He brought us together to do His Will so we might fulfill His Work. We exist for His praise and glory and for the good of all His children. We, who have heard and accepted Christ’s word, believe and hope in him and the promises he made to us throughout his life. His promise of salvation is one we have all been given, but it is up to us to strive toward it with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths. We do this best when we are open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who is constantly leading us toward redemption through His aid and inspirations. Yes, we are chosen and if we accept our calling, then we shall one day be welcomed into Heaven and spend the rest of eternity with our Beloved God.

Are we living our lives in accordance with God’s purpose and plan? What are we doing to praise and glorify God through our thoughts, words, and works? How can we be more open to the workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives?

O Lord, we thank you for the Holy Spirit and the promise of eternal life with you.

Amen.

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Feast of Saint Luke, evangelist

At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it.

There will be some times in our lives when we feel betrayed or abandoned. We might feel alone in the world. However, Paul reminds us we are not ever really alone if we stand firm in our faith. God stands beside us through good times and bad. He lends us His Strength when we need it. He lends us His Light when we are lost and alone. He lends us His Word to encourage and enlighten us. He lends us everything we need to conquer the obstacles that the world throws in our way. He does all of this because He loves us and He wants us to fulfill His Will so all the world might hear His Good News through us.

Do we feel abandoned or betrayed? How can we learn to trust God even when the night is darkest and the world is grim? How can we become God’s Strength, Light, and Word to those who need it?

O Lord, may the proclamation of your Gospel be completed through us.

Amen.

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr

In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.

Our lives are either guided by the flesh or by the spirit. If we are guided by the flesh, then we will fall into every kind of wickedness. We will become prideful, envious, wrathful, lustful, gluttonous, greedy, and slothful. We will live worldly lives constantly chasing our evil passions and empty pleasures. In contrast, if we live according to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit, then we shall have fruitful lives. We shall have love, joy, and peace no matter what might be going on in our lives. We will grow in patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, and gentleness. We will learn to tame our passions and gain the self-control we need to become holy people. Last but not least, our flesh will be crucified by our sacrifices and we will be freed from the chains of our sins and able to live as good and faithful servants to God and all His children.

Are we living according to the flesh or according to the Holy Spirit? How can we rid ourselves of those evil inclinations that lead us into temptation and sin? How can we grow in the virtues that will lead us to life everlasting?

O Lord, crucify our flesh with its passions and desires so that we might be made holy.

Amen.

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Twenty-Eighth Tuesday in Ordinary Time

For through the Spirit, by faith, we await the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

Our faith expresses itself through our acts of love and mercy. If we are not charitable and merciful, then where is our faith? If we follow all the rules of our faith, but don't love, then our actions ring hollow. Our only hope to become humbly righteous and not self-righteously prideful is to remember we must become Christ-like in our every thought, word, and work. Jesus did not do what was good to prove he was holier than us, but because he truly wanted to know, love, and serve his Heavenly Father and all his brothers and sisters. In the same way, we are called to live our lives through the Holy Spirit Christ left behind for us, full of love and mercy.

In what ways are we expressing our faith through acts of love and mercy? How can we become more righteous without becoming prideful? What can we do to live out the spirit of faith working through love?

O Lord, grant us your Spirit so we might become more righteous, loving, and merciful.

Amen.

Monday, October 15, 2018

Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are children not of the slave woman but of the freeborn woman. For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.

Sin enslaves us to possessions, to people, to selfishness, and to evil. It yokes us to our bad habits and our evil inclinations. It weighs us down with wickedness. It eats away at our spirit, rotting it from the core. In the end, it leads us to destruction and wailing and gnashing of our teeth. Thankfully, God has given us His Beloved Son to free us from the bonds of sin. The Good News of Jesus Christ calls us to rebel against our bad habits and evil inclinations. It lifts the burden of wickedness from our shoulders. His Truth nourishes our souls and helps them grow in faith, hope, and love. The Word Made Flesh leads us upon the Way to Heaven by helping us live our lives for God and His children. So, the next time we feel burdened by our responsibilities to God, His Church, and His children, we should remember than they are much lighter than those chains that enslave us when we choose selfishness and sin over holiness and right.

Have we let our sins enslave us? How can we rid ourselves of the vices, bad habits, and imperfections that keep us from being free from evil? How can we thank God for the saving graces He has given to us through His Beloved Son?

O Lord, free us from sin and lead us to freedom in you.

Amen.

Sunday, October 14, 2018

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Indeed the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.

At the end of our lives, we will all be asked to render an account to God. There is nothing we can keep hidden from Him. Nothing He won’t see. We will see ourselves as God sees us... the good, the bad, and everything between. He will show us what we did right and what we did wrong. He will cut through all our illusions and reveal our true selves, virtues and vices, faith and doubt, hope and despair, love and hate. Thankfully, the sacrament of reconciliation can wash away our iniquities and cleanse us of our sins and if we make regular use of this source of grace we shall have nothing to fear from the Lord. We might not be perfect as our Father is perfect, but He will know we were humble and contrite and tried our best to be good and faithful servants and His Divine Mercy will be poured out upon us.

Are we leading our lives in such a way as to build up virtues and graces or are we tearing down our spirits with vices and selfishness? Do we make regular use of the healing sacrament of reconciliation? How can we cultivate spirits that are humble and contrite?

O Lord, give us the graces we need to render a good account for ourselves before you.

Amen.

Saturday, October 13, 2018

Twenty-Seventh Saturday in Ordinary Time

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to the promise.

As Paul said, through our baptism we were clothed with Christ. We are meant to make his virtues our virtues. His goodness, our goodness. His mercy, our mercy. His compassion, our compassion. We are to see with his eyes, hear with his ears, love with his heart, work with his hands, and walk wherever his feet will take us. We are to treat others as he treated them. Not according to their outward appearances, their social status, or their gender, but according to their human dignity. We are to know, love, and serve everyone as he knows, loves, and serves us.

How can we better cloth ourselves in Christ? What can we do to help others feel as if they belong to Christ, too? How can we make ourselves more Christ-like in the way we treat others?

O Lord, clothe us in your love, mercy, and virtues.

Amen.

Friday, October 12, 2018

Twenty-Seventh Friday in Ordinary Time

Christ ransomed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written, Cursed be everyone who hangs on a tree, that the blessing of Abraham might be extended to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Jesus freed us from sin and death and the Mosaic Law. However, this freedom comes with its own responsibilities. His Way, Truth, and Life requires great sacrifices from us. Yes, we have been liberated from the wickedness and snares of the Devil, but our liberty also requires us to make a choice. We can live our lives by faith, hope, and love. Or we can live our lives in pride, envy, and selfishness. We can either become slaves to Christ or slaves of Satan. There is no middle ground... if we are indifferent or lukewarm, then we shall fall into Hell just as easily as those who chose evil outright. We had best keep these things in mind whenever we are tempted to sin or indifference so we might remind ourselves that if we want to receive the promise of Christ, then we must life out our faith without reservation.

Do we thank God for freeing us from slavery to sin and death? How can we know, love, and serve Him and His children more faithfully? What can we do to fight off the temptation to sin or be indifferent?

O Lord, ransom us from evil and make us into good and faithful servants.

Amen.

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Twenty-Seventh Thursday in Ordinary Time

I want to learn only this from you: did you receive the Spirit from works of the law, or from faith in what you heard? Are you so stupid? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh? Did you experience so many things in vain?-- if indeed it was in vain. Does, then, the one who supplies the Spirit to you and works mighty deeds among you do so from works of the law or from faith in what you heard?

There is a vast difference between faith and works. We can have faith, but without works to back it up, we are like a clashing cymbal. We can have works, but without faith, we gain no spiritual growth. We need both in order to live as true Christians. Now, this may seem at odds with what Paul tells the Galatians, but we need to keep in mind Paul is talking about the works of the Mosaic law, not the works of Christian service. The Pharisees followed the obligations of the law, but lacked in understanding that the law was not the end of their relationship with God, but the means to it. Just because we fulfill our obligations to go to Mass, abstain from meat during Lent, help others, etc. doesn’t mean we have grown in faith. We can do seemingly good things without good intent. We might just be going through the motions, but without any emotional or spiritual investment. Faith needs to be at the heart of our works so we might grow in hope and love. This is how we must live as Christians if we want to embody the Holy Spirit and gain a place in the Heavenly Kingdom.

Is our faith the driving force behind our acts of hope and love? How can we grow spiritually through our works, great and small? How can we guard against becoming children of the flesh as opposed to children of the Holy Spirit?

O Lord, send us the faith we desire so we might work good deeds for you and all your children.

Amen.

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Twenty-Seventh Wednesday in Ordinary Time

And when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he clearly was wrong. For, until some people came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to draw back and separated himself, because he was afraid of the circumcised. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not on the right road in line with the truth of the Gospel, I said to Cephas in front of all, "If you, though a Jew, are living like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?"

When we see someone else doing something wrong, we have an obligation to correct them. This isn't always easy. Sometimes they are loved ones and we don't want to start a fight and cause strife in our homes and families. Sometimes they are strangers and we fear their reaction to our rebuke. However, wrong is wrong and right is right and we should not be afraid to speak the truth and correct others as long as we do it out of love and not a feeling of superiority... after all we are sinners, too. This is what Paul did when he rebuked Cephas and it is what we must be willing to do when we see others are not on right road.

Are there people in our lives whom we need to talk to in regards to wrongdoing? How can we bring up the subject without antagonizing them or nagging them? Are we willing to suffer in order to spread the Good News, even to those whom might not want to hear it?

O Lord, grant us the grace to speak your truth even when it might cost us dearly to do so.

Amen.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Twenty-Seventh Tuesday in Ordinary Time

You heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it, and progressed in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my race, since I was even more a zealot for my ancestral traditions. But when he, who from my mother's womb had set me apart and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him to the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were Apostles before me; rather, I went into Arabia and then returned to Damascus.

We all have ways of life we need to be converted from. Some of us must be converted from pride, others from envy. Some from wrath, others from sloth. Some from lust, others from avarice. Some from gluttony, others from a combination of these sins. No matter what sins we've committed in our past, we have a chance at redemption. God's Mercy is greater than our sins and if we confess our failings, do penance, and strive to do good and avoid evil, then we shall be more deeply converted. Our hearts will be transformed from stone to flesh and we shall grow in grace, spreading God's Word through our thoughts, words, and works.

What ways do we need to be converted from? What sins do we need to purge ourselves of? How can we become more faithful followers and messengers of God's Divine Will?

O Lord, convert us from our former ways of sin so we might grow in holiness.

Amen.

Monday, October 8, 2018

Twenty-Seventh Monday in Ordinary Time

Am I now currying favor with human beings or God? Or am I seeking to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ. Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the Gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human being, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

Being a slave of Christ won’t win us any popularity contests in the world. As followers of Christ, we are walking signs of contradiction to all the worldly stands for. It should come as no surprise that because of this we cannot please everyone. Spreading the Good News and proclaiming the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Jesus will cause trials for us. However, we should not concern ourselves with currying favor with other people. God is the only one we need to please and we do that best when we are willing to sacrifice all we have to accomplish His Good Will.

Are we currying favor with others or with God? Are we willing to suffer the dislike and persecution of others in order to follow God’s Will? How can we live as more faithful slaves to Jesus Christ?

O Lord, we desire to please you above all else.

Amen.

Sunday, October 7, 2018

Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

For it was fitting that he, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the leader to their salvation perfect through suffering. He who consecrates and those who are being consecrated all have one origin. Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them 'brothers.'

God sent us His Beloved Son so we might become brothers and sisters in Christ. God did not have to lower Himself and become flesh and blood. He did not need to be born of the Virgin Mary. He could have come to earth in any form and yet he choose to come as one of us. He choose to lower himself for a little while and become a helpless baby born of a young mother. He choose to grow up under obedience to his earthly parents. He remained hidden for thirty years of his life. As one of us, he must have suffered in a thousand little ways before He took up the mantle of Messiah. Bumps and bruises, lost loved ones, and other unrecorded troubles. And after he began proclaiming the Good News, he suffered even more... disappointments, rejections, mockery, and persecution. All culminating in his Passion and Death so he might rise again and bring with him the promise of the Resurrection. We would do well to remember this as we go through our lives. When we feel that God has abandoned us, we should look to the cross and remember Jesus bore great burdens for us and will never ask of us to carry more than we can bear.

Do we act like brothers and sisters in Christ? Have we mediated on what it means that God sent His Beloved Son into the world to live and die as one of us? How can we live more faithfully as the adopted children of God?

O Lord, we are not ashamed to call you our brother and our Savior.

Amen.

Saturday, October 6, 2018

Twenty-Sixth Saturday in Ordinary Time

Job answered the LORD and said: I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be hindered. I have dealt with great things that I do not understand; things too wonderful for me, which I cannot know. I had heard of you by word of mouth, but now my eye has seen you. Therefore I disown what I have said, and repent in dust and ashes.

Thankfully for us, God is merciful. Even if we sin and turn our backs on Him in thought, word, or deed, He will forgive us if we realize our errors, confess our sins, and do penance. We should take comfort in this thought and be thankful God is with us and not against us. He wants us to succeed in our spiritual lives and to become good and faithful servants. He wants us to be found worthy of eternal life and rewarded at the heavenly feast. We might only know Him now by word of mouth and blind faith, but one day we will receive the Beatific Vision of the Holy Trinity. Our eyes will rest on His Glorious Being and our hearts will be filled with a selfless love that reflects the outpouring of love God has given us.

Do we trust God can do all things? Do we repent of our failings in thought, word, and work? How can we prepare our minds, hearts, and bodies so we might one day be found worthy to partake in the Heavenly banquet?

O Lord, we disown our selfish feelings and desires and repent of any evils we have done.

Amen.

Friday, October 5, 2018

Twenty-Sixth Friday in Ordinary Time

Then Job answered the LORD and said: Behold, I am of little account; what can I answer you? I put my hand over my mouth. Though I have spoken once, I will not do so again; though twice, I will do so no more.

There is always the temptation to complain about our lot in life. When things aren’t going as we planned, we try to find someone or something to blame. We might even be tempted to blame God for our sufferings. However, the sin of pride is the root of complaining, “Why me?” This self-centeredness tries to convince us we know better than God. If only we had the power, we’d make everything right. This is what Adam and Eve thought when they reached for the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. They wanted to be the judges of right and wrong, but their pride led them into sin and exile from the Garden of Eden. Instead of complaining or thinking we know best, we should make ourselves humble before God. We, like Job, should recognize our littleness and put a hand over our mouths so we can stifle our complaints before they are spoken. Then, perhaps we shall hear the truth God is speaking to us through the Gospels and the traditions of the Church.

Do we think we know better than God what is good for us? How can we become humbler in spirit and accepting of the sacrifices being asked of us? How can we avoid complaining and instead give God glory, honor, and praise?

O Lord, strip us of our petty complaints and clothe us in humility.

Amen.

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi

Oh, would that my words were written down! Would that they were inscribed in a record: That with an iron chisel and with lead they were cut in the rock forever! But as for me, I know that my Vindicator lives, and that he will at last stand forth upon the dust; Whom I myself shall see: my own eyes, not another's, shall behold him, And from my flesh I shall see God; my inmost being is consumed with longing.

If we are faithful to God, even in times of trouble and suffering, then He will be our Vindicator. He will give us every grace we need to overcome our trials and be victorious in our spiritual lives. Even though we might lose all our worldly goods and companions, if we remain true to Him, then we shall see Him in Heaven for the rest of eternity. Our very being should be consumed with longing for this union with Him. Our every thought, word, and work should have God as their source, center, and summit in God. They should all be leading us closer and closer to eternal life with Him.

Are our lives consumed with longing to be with God forever and ever? How can we be more faithful to God in times of trial as well as times of plenty? In what ways can we live our lives so our every thought, word, and work will lead us closer to eternal life?

O Lord, make our hearts into tablets inscribed with your Living Word.

Amen.

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Twenty-Sixth Wednesday in Ordinary Time

Should he come near me, I see him not; should he pass by, I am not aware of him; Should he seize me forcibly, who can say him nay? Who can say to him, "What are you doing?" How much less shall I give him any answer, or choose out arguments against him! Even though I were right, I could not answer him, but should rather beg for what was due me. If I appealed to him and he answered my call, I could not believe that he would hearken to my words.

Sometimes we are blinded to the presence of God in our lives. This blindness can come in many forms. We might be distracted by worldly things, we might be sunk in the darkness of sin, or lost in indifference. We can be tempted to think nothing we do or say will make a difference because God has abandoned us. We may even feel angry at Him for letting us suffer. However, just because we can’t see God or hear Him doesn't mean He's not there. Just because we feel abandoned and alone doesn't mean we are. Just because we are suffering doesn't mean God wants us to suffer. This is why we must trust in Him even in our times of trials. If we appeal to Him, He will answer us. Maybe not in the way we wish, but He will give us what is best for the well-being of our souls.

Are we being blinded to God's Presence in our lives? If so, then what can we do to see Him more clearly? How can we learn to trust He has our best interests at heart, even in the midst of our sufferings?

O Lord, make us more aware of your presence and grace in our lives.

Amen.

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Memorial of the Guardian Angels

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?"

There can be times in our lives when we feel like Job. Nothing is going right. Our lives are ruined in one way or another. We are stripped of something, or everything, we held dear. We can feel abandoned and let down by God, but this is not the case. God will always be with us, especially in our darkest hours. He has given us many graces to see us through these times of trial, not least of which are our guardian angels. We would do well to remember them when we are suffering or in need. They are there to guard us, guide us, and lead us closer to God. All we have to do is trust they are there and pray for their intercession.

Are there any areas in our lives where we feel abandoned? Have we turned those areas over to God and asked for his help? How can we make praying to our guardian angels a habit in our busy lives?

O Lord, send us your angels to light and guard, to rule and guide.

Amen.

Monday, October 1, 2018

Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church

"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.

We all will suffer losses in our lives. Some of our losses will be in terms of wealth. Others in terms of health. Still more will be of our loved ones. We can react to these sufferings in many ways. We can become bitter and complain about how unfair life is, we can become lost in despair and sorrow, or we can accept our losses and trust God’s Grace will see us back to prosperity. We will be tempted to be angry toward God or to believe He has abandoned us, but all we need to remember is He is always with us. He sent His Beloved Son to suffer and die for us so we might never be alone in our darkest hours. Even if it is difficult for us to see the light at the end of the tunnel, we must remember it is there. All we have to do is put one step in front of the other and continue to follow the path Jesus Christ prepared for us.

Are we bitter or despairing of any losses we have suffered? How can we learn to trust God even in the midst of our dark nights? How can we cultivate the spirit of detachment needed to be able to let go of our goods, our health, and our loved ones so we do not fall into sin when we lose them?

O Lord, blessed be your name in our good times and in our bad.

Amen.