Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Brothers and sisters: I should like you to be free of anxieties. An unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. But a married man is anxious about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, and he is divided.

Each of us has their own set of anxieties in life. Some of us have anxieties in regards to our families and friends, others in regard to our jobs and finances, and all of us in the conflict between the heavenly and worldly things in our lives. Some of us are unmarried and have worries about our vocations. Others are married and have worries about spouses, children, and grandchildren. No lifestyle is free of difficulties, fears, and doubts, but if we trust in God, live our lives in accordance with His Will, then we shall have nothing to be afraid of. As long as we know, love, and serve God and His children with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strengths, then we shall overcome all obstacles and be pleasing to the Lord.

What are the anxieties we are facing in our lives? How can we place these worries at the feet of Christ and allow him to help us carry them? What can we do to ensure our lives are founded on heavenly and not worldly things?

O Lord, make us pleasing to you, always and in every way.

Amen.

Sixth Tuesday of Easter

“And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation: sin, because they do not believe in me; righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.”

The Holy Spirit has convicted the world and we are called to convict it too. We are called to turn away from the temptations of the world and the sins they lead us into. We are called to be righteous in our actions towards God and others… always thinking, saying, and doing the right and good thing. We are also called to reject Satan and all his empty promises. We are called into conflict with the world and its values and with the help of the Holy Spirit we can uphold the values of life, liberty, and love.

What sins do we fall into? How can we avoid them and replace them with righteous actions? In what ways do we convict the world and its sins, while loving our fellow sinners?

O Lord, help us to remain true to you in spite of the temptations of the world.

Amen.