Memorial of Saint John Vianney, Priest

"Now, therefore, reform your ways and your deeds; listen to the voice of the LORD your God, so that the LORD will repent of the evil with which he threatens you. As for me, I am in your hands; do with me what you think good and right. But mark well: if you put me to death, it is innocent blood you bring on yourselves, on this city and its citizens. For in truth it was the LORD who sent me to you, to speak all these things for you to hear."

There are times in our lives when someone speaks the word of God to us. They might tell us to reform our ways, give us words of encouragement to continue on our path, or offer us advice that will help us grow in faith, hope, or love. It is important that we open our minds and hearts to these people, listen, and then do what God is calling us to do. There are other times when we are asked to speak the Word of God to others, to warn others against sin, to help lead them to a better life, to support them in their spiritual journeys. At these times, we are asked to be like the prophets of old and must be willing to act as such even if doing so means risking the mockery and anger of others.

Are we listening for the Word of God when others speak to us, especially those whom we know are good and faithful servants to the Lord? How might we become better prophets of the Good News to others? In what ways can we be more open to communicating with God and speaking his truth to others?

O Lord, give us ears to hear you and lips to speak you.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle

When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord.

Barnabas was a good man and so too we are all called to be good. Sometimes this means leaving behind everything we know and love and following the Will of God to a new life. Barnabas traveled much in his life and sometimes we are asked to do the same. If we want to be good like Barnabas, we should seek to see the grace in others, reaffirm their faith, rejoice with them and encourage them to remain faithful. We also must open our minds and hearts to the Holy Spirit and allow him to fill us with faith, hope, and charity. If we do this, then we shall magnify the Lord in everything we think, say, and do and lead others closer to the Lord.

Do we rejoice with others when we see the grace of God at work in their lives? Are we striving to be good and faithful servants to God and His children? What can we do to draw more people deeper into our faith in Jesus Christ?

O Lord, we want only to be a reflection of your perfect goodness.

Amen.

Twenty-Second Wednesday of Ordinary Time

We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the holy ones because of the hope reserved for you in heaven.

When we witness someone living out the faith, we should not be shy about it. We should let them know they are doing good and we are praying for them. It might not be something we think about, but just as we pray for those in need, so too should we pray for those who are doing God’s Will. Those who minister to people also need spiritual support to sustain them in their good works. Our words of encouragement can make a world of difference in the lives of those who spend themselves in knowing, loving, and serving others because it lets them know they are making a difference and are appreciated for manifesting the faith for all to see.

Do we actively support those who are doing God’s Will? What can we do to encourage them and help them to grow in holiness? How can we help others to know, love, and serve God and His children?

O Lord, thank you for those who live holy and loving lives.

Amen.

Twenty-First Wednesday of Ordinary Time

As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his children, exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into his Kingdom and glory. And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe.

We all have influence over other people in great and small ways. Paul recognized this and put his every word and work into making a good impression on those he served. He didn’t do this for selfish reasons of self-glorification, but rather for the glory of God and the good of others. He wanted to set a good example of conduct for those he served. He encouraged his spiritual children to become better people worthy of God and His Kingdom. He wanted them to grow in faith, hope, and charity and give their lives over to the Good News so that God could be made manifest in the world through them.

How do we exhort and encourage others on their own spiritual journey? What do we do to make a good impression on others so they might know we are Christians by our love? How do we spread the Word of God to the world around us?

O Lord, let us be like fathers and mothers to those who are in need of spiritual guidance.

Amen.

Tenth Monday of Ordinary Time

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all encouragement, who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God. For as Christ's sufferings overflow to us, so through Christ does our encouragement also overflow.

God is constantly compassionate towards us. He is always encouraging us in our good works and when we are undergoing afflictions. He is the perfect model for us on how to be compassionate and encouraging towards others. Just as He is charitable and merciful, so are we called to be the same though imitation of His Goodness. Jesus suffered and died for us so we could be encouraged in the midst of our trials, overcome our temptations, and live lives of love. The least we can do to repay him for all he has done for us is to follow his example and be compassionate and encouraging.

Are we compassionate toward others? How do we go about encouraging others in their lives? How can we better imitate the love and mercy of our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son?

O Lord, make us compassionate and encouraging people.

Amen.