Sunday, September 30, 2018

Twenty-Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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.

The rich described here are not only those who have wealth, but also those who have time and talents to spare, too. When we withhold the gifts and goods God has given us and hoard them for ourselves or keep them locked away, we store up the chains that will bind us to Hell. Letting our time slip by us, our talents rot, and our treasures sit idle will lead to misery and destruction. If we fail to use what God has given us for His glory or the goodness of others, then we will have no chance to go to Heaven and receive the gift of everlasting life. We will instead by cast into the fires of Hell. It is only by being generous with what we have that we will build a storehouse of good which will be evidence of our choosing God above all else.

Are we generous or miserly? What are we doing with our time, talents, and treasures? How can we build up goodness in our lives instead of evil?

O Lord, help us to use our time, talents, and treasures wisely and well.

Amen.

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels

Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. The dragon and its angels fought back, but they did not prevail and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. The huge dragon, the ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, who deceived the whole world, was thrown down to earth, and its angels were thrown down with it.

Revelation reminds us we are not alone in our fight against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. We have Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael to help us. We would do well to pray for their intercession in our lives. Michael as our protector, Gabriel as a guide, and Raphael as a healer of our souls. With them on guard against the Devil, we can be confident we shall not be dragged into sin and destruction by the Evil One. With them, we can fight back against our spiritual enemies and remain in the good graces of God, our Heavenly Father. With them, we can conquer death and have eternal life with Jesus Christ. With them, we can fulfill the purpose the Holy Spirit has given each and every one of us.

How can we be on better guard against the wickedness and snares of the Devil? Do we pray for the intercession of Saint Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael? If not, then how can we make it a habit in our lives to do so?

O Lord, thank you for the gift of your archangels.

Amen.

Twenty-Fifth Friday in Ordinary Time

There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for everything under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

God’s Divine Plan for us does not always match up with our plans. However, He knows what is best for us and if we trust in Him, then no matter what happens to us, we will know it is for our good and the good of others. We were born for a purpose and will die for one, too. We will have to die to ourselves in some ways so we can live in others. We must be willing to tear down ourselves so we might be rebuilt in God’s image. We must be willing to suffer loss so we might gain in spirit. We must be willing to defend ourselves from the attacks and snares of the Devil so we might have eternal peace with God. Just like Jesus, our lives will not be without suffering and loss. We will need to be able to accept the sacrifices being asked of us and know in our hearts that if we commend our spirits to God, He will take care of them.

Do we trust there is a divinely appointed time for everything under the heavens? Are we willing to trust God will see us through our trials and tribulations to a deeper peace in Him? How can we become more patient with God’s Divine Plan?

O Lord, not our will, but your will be done.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint Vincent de Paul, Priest

Vanity of vanities! All things are vanity! What profit has man from all the labor which he toils at under the sun? One generation passes and another comes, but the world forever stays. The sun rises and the sun goes down; then it presses on to the place where it rises. Blowing now toward the south, then toward the north, the wind turns again and again, resuming its rounds. All rivers go to the sea, yet never does the sea become full.

The world will move on without us. To think otherwise is to ignore the truth that what we do with our lives is but a drop in an ocean of time and activity. Everything we have in this life will pass away, except our relationship with God. And so, our time, talents, and treasures should be focused on knowing, loving, and serving God and His children to the best of our abilities. The sun will rise and set when we are gone and the only lasting impression we will make is the one we make with God. We will either be his good and faithful servants and enjoy eternal life or we will reject Him and become outcasts, grinding and gnashing our teeth. The world might give us the illusion of success and wealth, but if these aren't spiritual in nature, then they will come to nothing in the end.

Are we spending our lives on vanities and things that will not stand the test of time? Are we willing to labor for God and His children rather than for the fleeting successes and pleasures of this world? How can we make a lasting impression on God through our thoughts, words, and works?

O Lord, strip us of our vanities and clothe us in the graces that come from serving you.

Amen.

Twenty-Fifth Wednesday in Ordinary Time

Two things I ask of you, deny them not to me before I die: Put falsehood and lying far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches; provide me only with the food I need; Lest, being full, I deny you, saying, "Who is the LORD?" Or, being in want, I steal, and profane the name of my God.

Falsehood and lying can start out small, but they are the types of sins that multiply, weighing us down with unnecessary anxieties and worries. Often when we lie, we become fearful of being found out and so we create bigger and bigger lies that eventually strangle our relationships with God and others. Our falsehoods bury us and make us unable to be ourselves anymore. Our pride and insecurities can also cause us to sin, too. Pride can convince us we are right and good when in reality we are wrong and evil. We can be convinced of our own righteousness and superiority, but that is the Devil leading us astray. Our confidence should not be in ourselves, but in God, who provides all graces and good things for us. Our doubts, fears, worries, and anxieties can also lead us astray. They can erode our confidence in God’s Goodness and in our worth as His children. They can make us feel abandoned and tempt us to abandon God. However, nothing should make us feel totally unworthy of God’s Love. Yes, we are sinners and unworthy for Jesus to enter under the roofs of our souls, but Christ has given us the Divine Word and if we accept it and live it out, then our souls shall be healed.

How can we resist all temptations to falsehood and lying? What can we do to cultivate humble hearts rooted in the love of God and neighbor? How can we guard against the doubts that try to creep into our lives and tempt us to abandon God?

O Lord, give us truthful and trusting hearts.

Amen.

Twenty-Fifth Tuesday in Ordinary Time

All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes, but it is the LORD who proves hearts. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

We are not perfect and because of this sometimes we mistake evil for good. We may indeed be righteous in our own eyes and yet evil in the eyes of God. We might do the right things for the wrong reasons. We might allow the distractions and anxieties of the world keep us from doing the good works God is calling us to do. We might believe our hearts are in the right place, but they are not. Thankfully, God does not demand perfection from us. Instead, He demands we strive to do what is right and just. He asks us to sacrifice our time, talents, and treasures in order to do His Will to the best of our abilities. He wants us to prove our hearts are His and only His, which requires a willingness to be humble and sacrifice ourselves for Him and His children.

Have we examined our lives and asked if we are living rightly and well? How can we align our minds and hearts with the Will of God? What can we do to make our lives into an acceptable sacrifice for the love of God and the good of others?

O Lord, prove our hearts are true to you.

Amen.

Twenty-Fifth Monday in Ordinary Time

Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim when it is in your power to do it for him. Say not to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give," when you can give at once. Plot no evil against your neighbor, against one who lives at peace with you. Quarrel not with a man without cause, with one who has done you no harm. Envy not the lawless man and choose none of his ways: To the LORD the perverse one is an abomination, but with the upright is his friendship.

We must be free with our time, talents, and treasures. Willing to give them to others at a moment’s notice and without hesitation. This isn’t always easy to do, especially if the one asking for help is a stranger, someone we dislike, or even an enemy. We also must be willing to be charitable and merciful when it’s not convenient for us. We must be willing to give our gifts to others no matter what else we’d rather be doing. At the same time, we should not plot evil against others or quarrel with them. No matter what wrongs we have suffered, we are never entitled to vengeance. God is the only Judge and it is for Him and only Him to punish wrongdoers. Last but not least, we are told to envy not the lawless man or his ways. There is a temptation to see the success and pleasures of evil people and wonder why we suffer while they enjoy themselves, but theirs is an empty victory. If we remain true, then we shall enjoy the afterlife and be God’s friends forever and ever.

Are we willing to give to others without counting the cost? Are we willing to be at peace with those whom have harmed us? Are we willing to deny ourselves the ways of the lawless man?

O Lord, we shall stand with you in uprightness.

Amen.

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passions that make war within your members? You covet but do not possess. You kill and envy but you cannot obtain; you fight and wage war. You do not possess because you do not ask. You ask but do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

We are at constant war with ourselves. The sins of pride, jealousy, wrath, lust, avarice, sloth, and gluttony do battle with us every day. They seek to tempt us into wrongdoing and lead us into destruction. When we fall into their traps, our virtue fails and we become selfish sinners performing every foul practice. Worse yet, these vices try to take our good motives and passions and twist them to their own ends. Faith, they try to turn into self-righteousness. Hope they try to turn into impudence. Love, they try to turn into obsession. They encourage us to ask for the wrong things or ask for the right things, but in the wrong way. They lead us astray by offering us falsehoods instead of truths and empty pleasures instead of fulfilling responsibilities. It is only when we listen to the Wisdom of God that we will know the peace that comes from being pure, merciful, and charitable.

What vices are at war within us? How can we protect ourselves from them? How can we align our passions with the Will and Wisdom of God and not our own?

O Lord, help us to ask for what is right and be at peace with you and your children.

Amen.

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Twenty-Fourth Saturday in Ordinary Time

What you sow is not brought to life unless it dies. And what you sow is not the body that is to be but a bare kernel of wheat, perhaps, or of some other kind. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown corruptible; it is raised incorruptible. It is sown dishonorable; it is raised glorious. It is sown weak; it is raised powerful. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual one.

We all need to die to ourselves in order to live as Christians. We need to have a certain level of detachment from the world and all its anxieties, distractions, and temptations. We need to be able to put aside our evil inclinations, our bodily desires, and all those things that lead us away from God and keep us from putting on Christ. We are corruptible, dishonorable, and weak, but with Jesus we will be raised incorruptible, glorious, and powerful. Our bodies are sown naturally, but if we follow Christ, then we will be raised into spiritual bodies.

Are we dying to those things that keep us from living in Christ? How can we turn ourselves away from corruption, dishonor, and weakness and grow good, honorable, and strong? What can we do to nurture and nourish our spiritual bodies?

O Lord, transform our physical bodies into spiritual ones.

Amen.

Friday, September 21, 2018

Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist

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.

It requires a great deal of faith, hope, and love to remain united to God and to His children. There are so many things in the world that seek to divide us... gender, race, ideology, income, health, and lifestyles... just to name a few. Sometimes we are drawn away from each other by these various differences. We come to see our point of view as the best and are tempted to act holier than thou. However, this sort of attitude comes from the vice of pride and can lead us to destruction just as easily as the other extreme, which is to think we are the worst of people with no hope for a better life. This is why it is so important to cultivate a spirit of humility. So, we trust in God’s Plan no matter how good or bad our current lives might seem. We also must strive to be gentle and patient with one another through love so no matter how we might feel we will always be united together through the Holy Spirit. The goal of our lives is not worldly success, but rather unity in one Lord, one faith, and one baptism so one day we will be blessed to spend the rest of eternity with our one Heavenly Father.

Are we united with God as we ought to be? How can we become better united with others, especially those whom are most difficult for us to love? What can we do to bring people together in our faith?

O Lord, we wish to be united in you now and forevermore.

Amen.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gon, Priest, and Paul Chong Ha-sang, and Companions, Martyrs

For I am the least of the Apostles, not fit to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective. Indeed, I have toiled harder than all of them; not I, however, but the grace of God that is with me. Therefore, whether it be I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

None of us are complete free of sin. We’ve all been persecutors of the Church in some shape, form, or fashion. We have persecuted it through our sins, through our failure to do good, or our indifference. Thankfully, God forgives us like He forgave Paul and gives us strength and graces to grow in faith, hope, and love. These gifts should make us strive all the harder to be good and faithful servants willing to do whatever God calls us to do.

Are we toiling as hard as we should to fulfill God’s Will in our lives? How can we become holier followers of Christ? How can we put the graces and gifts God has given us to the best use in bringing about God’s Kingdom?

O Lord, we are not fit to be your followers, but by your grace we will be good and faithful servants to you and your children.

Amen.

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Twenty-Fourth Wednesday in Ordinary Time

Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts. But I shall show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own, and if I hand my body over so that I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is the greatest of spiritual gifts and the pinnacle of virtue. With faith we can move mountains, with love we can move the world. Love of God and neighbor must be at the heart of our every thought, word, and work. Without love, our faith rings hollow, our knowledge is made foolish, and our sacrifices are worthless. God so loved the world He gave us His Beloved Son to show us how to love more perfectly. He also gave us the Holy Spirit to guide our love. If we do not have love, then we are nothing. But with true and holy love, we shall become everything God desires us to be.

Are our lives guided by the example of God's Love as shown to us through the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? What can we do to cultivate the virtue of love and grow in the spiritual graces that blossom from it? How can we better know, love, and serve God and all His children?

O Lord, show us the more excellent way of love and give us the graces we need to follow it forever.

Amen.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Twenty-Fourth Tuesday in Ordinary Time

Now you are Christ's Body, and individually parts of it. Some people God has designated in the Church to be, first, Apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then, mighty deeds; then gifts of healing, assistance, administration, and varieties of tongues. Are all Apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work mighty deeds? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts.

We are each given unique graces, gifts, and talents by God. We are given these things in order to fulfill His Will, give Him glory, and help those in need. Some of us are called to speak prophetically, announcing the Good News to others and proclaiming the Word. Others are asked by God to undertake mighty deeds to reveal His power to the world and help others. We are also called to healing, assistance, administration, communication, and various other vocations. Not everyone has the same gifts, but we all have the same purpose... to know, love, and serve God and His children with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths. So, let us take what gifts we’ve been given and do with them as God wills so we might build up the Body of Christ.

What graces, gifts, and talents has God given us? How can we put them to good use? What can we do to build up the Body of Christ through our thoughts, words, and works?

O Lord, give us the wisdom and will to use the gifts you’ve given us to strengthen the Church and all of God’s children.

Amen.

Monday, September 17, 2018

Twenty-Fourth Monday in Ordinary Time

For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, "This is my Body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my Blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.

There is always the temptation to exclude people or to join with one faction or another. However, this is not what Jesus did in his life. He was welcoming and open to others, sinners, saints, and even his enemies. He handed down the Eucharist to us so we might be united as one in His Body, the Church. He sought to bring us together, male and female, rich and poor, through the sharing of His Body and Blood. Yes, there are people we don't like or don't connect with, but this doesn't mean we can look down on them or exclude them from our faith lives. This isn't what Jesus would have done and so it isn't what we should do, either. Instead, we should be understanding, charitable, and merciful, not judging others, but rather loving them as best we can.

Are there people we are excluding from our lives unfairly? How can we reconcile ourselves with them and welcome them into our lives? In what ways can we bring those around us together?

O Lord, help us to be united in you.

Amen.

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well, " but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Being a Christian is more than just thinking good thoughts and proclaiming the good news. Our faith is more than just our beliefs, it is also our actions. Our good deeds say much more about what we truly believe than any thought we can have or word we can say. Without good works, we have a hollow faith. When faced with an opportunity to be charitable or merciful to another person, we cannot pass up the chance to help. If we do pass it up, then we fail to live up to the name of Christian. However, if we do everything we can to help those in need, then we shall be alive in our faith and be found worthy of spending eternal life with God in Heaven.

Do we express our faith in works as well as thoughts and words? How can we become more charitable and merciful to others? Are our eyes open to the opportunities to do good deeds for those in need?

O Lord, give us the grace to live out our faith through our good works.

Amen.

Saturday, September 15, 2018

Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

My beloved ones, avoid idolatry. I am speaking as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I am saying. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the Blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the Body of Christ? Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one Body, for we all partake of the one loaf.

The Devil will try to lead us astray in many ways. He will seek to distract us from what is good through temptation, fears, doubts, and worldly things. He will try to turn our minds and hearts toward false idols. He will seek to do everything He can to deny us a share in everlasting life and communion with God. He will especially try to keep us away from the mass and the Blessed Sacrament, which armors us against his wickedness. This is why it’s so important to keep holy the Sabbath Day. It is in the mass that our spirits are fed on the Word and the Eucharist and given the strength and graces we need to resist temptation and be united to the Body and Blood of Christ.

Have we let the Devil lead us astray in some way? How can we guard against false idols? What can we do to prepare ourselves to worthily receive the Body and Blood of Christ and all that it signifies?

O Lord, we, though many, are one Body in and through you.

Amen.

Friday, September 14, 2018

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

We are constantly told we have to fill our lives with success, goods, and all manner of worldly things. However, this is not what Jesus did in his life and it is not what we should do either. Just like Christ, we should empty ourselves of all those things that might get in the way of our relationship with God. We must be willing to give up our will for the Will of our Heavenly Father. This means becoming a slave to God, a slave by choice and one that sacrifices everything for the glory of their master and the good of others. This requires a great deal of humility and a willingness to die to ourselves in ways we might find difficult. This is what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and we are best served by choosing to know, love, and serve God and his children without reservation.

How can we empty ourselves so we might be filled with the Holy Spirit? What can we do to become good and faithful slaves to our heavenly Father? In what ways can we imitate Jesus Christ’s humility in our own lives?

O Lord, we choose to be your humble slave.

Amen.

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Memorial of St. John Chrysostom, bishop & doctor of the Church

Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom all things are and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things are and through whom we exist. But not all have this knowledge.

Our lives should be founded upon our relationship with God. It is because of Him that we exist and it is in Him and through Him that we find our fulfillment. This is why it is so important to understand our connections to God and to strive to live in accordance with God’s Will. He is our Heavenly Father and we are His children. As such we should constantly seek God’s protection, do all we can to follow His commandments, and fear disappointing Him in any way. We should also recognize God as our Spiritual Brother, who teaches us how to know, love, and serve Him and our siblings in Christ. Last but not least, we must allow the Holy Spirit to inspire and guide us as an Advocate who wants only the best for us. By doing these things, we become more perfectly united to the Holy Trinity and are prepared more fully for a life everlasting with Him.

How can we become better children to Our Heavenly Father? In what ways can we better follow the Way, the Truth, and the Life of our Heavenly Brother, Jesus Christ? Are we willing to let the Holy Spirit enkindle us with the fires of true love and mercy?

O Lord, it is for you that we all exist and we shall only rest peacefully when we have made ourselves right with you.

Amen.

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Twenty-Third Wednesday in Ordinary Time

I tell you, brothers, the time is running out. From now on, let those having wives act as not having them, those weeping as not weeping, those rejoicing as not rejoicing, those buying as not owning, those using the world as not using it fully. For the world in its present form is passing away.

As Christians, we need a certain level of detachment from the world around us. This separation comes not out of a feeling of indifference, but rather the realization that the world is passing away and any attachments we have to it will one day be dissolved. The only lasting attachments we can ever make are those with our Lord and God and this is what we should focus on in this world. Paul isn’t telling us not to get married, or weep, or rejoice, or buy goods, or use things. Rather, he is warning us against becoming too attached to people, places, and things. They come and go, while our relationship with God will determine our existence forevermore.

Are we appropriately detached from the people, places, and things in our lives? What can we do to forge a lasting relationship with God? How can we make Him and only Him, the source, center, and summit of our lives?

O Lord, help us to detach ourselves from worldly things and fasten our hearts to you.

Amen.

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Twenty-Third Tuesday in Ordinary Time

Now indeed then it is, in any case, a failure on your part that you have lawsuits against one another. Why not rather put up with injustice? Why not rather let yourselves be cheated? Instead, you inflict injustice and cheat, and this to brothers. Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the Kingdom of God?

The world constantly tells us to get even and make our enemies pay for what they’ve done to us. We are encouraged to take an adversarial relationship with those who have done us wrong in some shape, form, or fashion. However, Paul reminds us this is not the Way of Jesus. Christ did not come to proclaim a Gospel of Getting Even. No. He came to proclaim the Gospel of Love and Mercy. He showed us how to walk this path of compassion by turning his other cheek to those who persecuted him. He suffered mockery, beatings, and even death on a cross and never once did he raise his hand to strike down his enemies. Instead, he forgave them while he bled on the cross. If we want to have a part in his Kingdom, then this is exactly what we must do, too. Be kind and loving to all, even our enemies, and forgive those who do not know what they are doing.

Have we fallen into the worldly trap of trying to get even with someone else? How can we rather seek to forgive those who have harmed us? What can we do to become more Christ-like in our compassion?

O Lord, give us the grace to repay evils with goods and cheating with generosity of spirit.

Amen.

Monday, September 10, 2018

Twenty-Third Monday in Ordinary Time

Your boasting is not appropriate. Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all the dough? Clear out the old yeast, so that you may become a fresh batch of dough, inasmuch as you are unleavened. For our Paschal Lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the feast, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Pride can corrupt us from the inside out. It can spoil our good works and lead us deeper and deeper into sin. It can convince us we are better than others when in fact we are sinners just as much as anyone. This is why it’s so important to examine our consciences, make a good confession, and cleanse ourselves of our sins. The only way to be pure and holy is to rid ourselves of all our bad habits and imperfections and make ourselves more and more Christ-like. Then and only then, will we be ready to share in the Eucharistic feast in truth and sincerity.

Has pride wormed its way into our hearts? If so, then how can we rid ourselves of it? What do we need to do to cleanse ourselves of malice and wickedness and become sincerer and more truthful in our spiritual lives?

O Lord, clear our hearts of all that is evil and refresh our spirits.

Amen.

Sunday, September 9, 2018

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

My brothers and sisters, show no partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. For if a man with gold rings and fine clothes comes into your assembly, and a poor person in shabby clothes also comes in, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say, "Sit here, please, " while you say to the poor one, "Stand there, " or "Sit at my feet, " have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil designs?

The world will try to impress us in many ways. It will try to convince us we can treat people differently depending on their status. It will tell us we should show preference for one type of person over another. However, this is not what Jesus did in his life. He treated everyone the same, sinners and holy people, good and evil, rich and poor, male and female. He judged them not by their outward appearances, but by their inner spirit. He even went so far as to tell his disciples they needed to humble themselves and become servants if they wanted to follow in his footsteps. Jesus loved everyone he met completely and totally and we are all called to the same love, even of our enemies.

Have we let the world convince us some people are more or less worthy of our love? How can we become more Christ-like in how we treat others? What can we do to avoid becoming judgmental?

O Lord, you are the one and only judge.

Amen.

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.

The vocation of our lives as Christians is to be conformed to the image of Christ. This is why we take his name to describe us as a community of believers. It is from God that all good things come and it is through imitation of His Beloved Son that we do good and avoid evil. When we think, speak, and act like Jesus, we proclaim ourselves the brothers and sisters of Christ and accept all the responsibilities this relationship entails. We promise God to be holy, good, charitable, merciful, and virtuous to the best of our abilities. If we do this, then we will fulfill our purpose on this earth, be justified by Christ, and glorified at the Resurrection on the Last Day.

Are we conformed to the image of Christ? If not, then in what ways can we become more Christ-like in thought, word, and deed? How can we help others to become better Christians, too?

O Lord, conform us to yourself.

Amen.

Friday, September 7, 2018

Twenty-Second Friday in Ordinary Time

The one who judges me is the Lord. Therefore, do not make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God.

We are all called to be servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God and it is by these two vocations that we will be judged. God will judge whether we have been good and faithful servants in these regards. He will shine the light of truth on all our thoughts, words, and works and we will see what is hidden within us. We shall know every motive, good or bad, and see every virtue and vice. We will truly know ourselves and whether we have lived Christ-like lives or if we have lived foolishly and falsely. We shall know if we have been charitable or selfish, hopefully or despairing, faithful or indifferent Hopefully, God will find something praise-worthy within all of us. But if we doubt He will find good works in our hearts, then we should amend our lives so we might do something worthy of being called Christians.

Are we being good and faithful servants of Christ? Have we been loyal and trust-worthy stewards of the mysteries of God? How can we align our motives and actions more perfectly with God's Will?

O Lord, you are my Judge, be merciful.

Amen.

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Twenty-Second Thursday in Ordinary Time

So let no one boast about human beings, for everything belongs to you, Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or the present or the future: all belong to you, and you to Christ, and Christ to God.

We all belong to God through Jesus Christ. If we have anything to boast about, it is not our successes, but God’s success through us. Everything good that comes from our thoughts, words, and works finds its source, center, and summit in our Heavenly Father. It is He who inspires, guides, and strengthens us, giving to each person the time, talents, and treasures they need to fulfill His Divine Will. Anything virtuous we accomplish is made possible by our faith in God, hope in His promises, and love of Him.

Do we boast of ourselves or of all God has done for us? How can we more faithfully belong to God through Jesus Christ? What can we do to accomplish the Will of God in our own lives?

O Lord, we belong to you.

Amen.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Twenty-Second Wednesday in Ordinary Time

What is Apollos, after all, and what is Paul? Ministers through whom you became believers, just as the Lord assigned each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth. Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive wages in proportion to his labor. For we are God's co-workers; you are God's field, God's building.

Our faith was planted and watered by others, but in the end, it is God who causes it to grow. Our beliefs can’t be founded on others. We do not belong spiritually to a particular person no matter how much they have helped us in our faith. Our mothers, fathers, friends, priests, and others might have played an important role in our spiritual journey, but we do not belong to them. Instead, their examples should show us we belong to God. In this way, if they fail us in some way it doesn’t affect our relationship with God.

In what ways has our faith grown over the years? How can we make our hearts and minds more fertile ground for spiritual growth? How can we help to grow the faith of others?

O Lord, we are your field help us to grow in faith and yield abundant fruit.

Amen.

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Twenty-Second Tuesday in Ordinary Time

We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand the things freely given us by God. And we speak about them not with words taught by human wisdom, but with words taught by the Spirit, describing spiritual realities in spiritual terms.

If we are worldly in our thoughts, words, and works, we will never understand our faith. We will be deaf to the Word of God, blind to the sacraments, and unable to feel the Holy Spirit within us. However, if we open our minds and hearts to the Holy Spirit, then a whole new world will unfold before us. We shall be able to see the world around us in spiritual terms. We will be able to see how to increase our faith, hope, and love. We shall come to understand how to lead holy and humble lives. We shall be better able to walk the Way, hear the Truth, and live the Life of Christ. Moreover, we shall be able to help others to do the same by providing them an example of what it means to be good and faithful Christians.

Are there worldly things that are keeping us from seeing the world as Jesus does? How can we make the Holy Spirit more welcome in our hearts? What can we do to be more open to God's inspirations?

O Lord, grant us your Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Monday, September 3, 2018

Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church

I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling, and my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of spirit and power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.

If we want to lead a Christ-like life, then our hearts and minds must be focused on knowing Jesus Christ and contemplating his crucifixion. It is important to follow the example of Jesus from the moment of his birth through the moment of his death and ascension into Heaven. His life teaches us the Way, the Truth, and the Life. His death shows us how to be merciful to others, even our enemies, and to make our lives into living sacrifices for the glory of God and the good of others. His Ascension into Heaven reminds us the goal of our lives isn’t to be successful in the world, but rather to strive for holiness so we might one day share in the Resurrection and the heavenly feast.

In what ways are we living in imitation of Jesus’ most holy life? Do we take time out of each day to contemplate the crucifixion and the sacrifices Christ made for us all? How can we prepare ourselves so we might be found worthy to spend eternity with God?

O Lord, our faith depends not on earthly wisdom, but on your power.

Amen.

Sunday, September 2, 2018

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls. Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

There is a vast difference between being hearers of the Word of God and being doers of it. If we want to grow in faith, hope, and love, then we cannot stand idly by and do nothing. Our faith is an active one that requires constant and complete investment from the beginning of our lives to the very end. Our calling as Christians is to keep ourselves pure and undefiled, to do good and avoid evil, and to imitate Jesus in every way. We are asked by God to know, love, and serve Him and all His children with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths. To do so means caring for others in their affliction, helping them in their times of need, and giving glory to God for everything He has given us.

Are we hearers or doers of the Word of God? How can we become more faithful to our Heavenly Father and our brothers and sisters in Christ? In what ways are we caring for those who are suffering or in need?

O Lord, makes us doers of your Word.

Amen.

Saturday, September 1, 2018

Twenty-First Saturday in Ordinary Time

Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, so that no human being might boast before God.

We don’t have to be wise, powerful, or born into wealth to be good Christians. The only wisdom we need is to follow the teachings of Christ as best we can and trust in God’s Goodness. The only power we need is to make the choice to depend on God with complete trust in His Strength. The only wealth we need is the treasure house of graces that God offers us as followers of Christ. We are meant to be signs of contradiction to the world, showing our strength through our weakness. We are called to be lowly and humble, boasting of nothing except the greatness of our Lord and God.

Is our wisdom founded on the commandments, teachings, and inspirations God has given us? Is our strength totally dependent upon our humble trust in God? Is our nobility reliant upon our kinship with Jesus Christ and our imitation of his way of life?

O Lord, let our only boast be of you.

Amen.