Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church

The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land. I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD–for he proclaims peace to his people. Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land.

The glory of the Lord dwells everywhere around us. We see it in creation. We see it in the mirror when we look into our own eyes. We see it in our family and our friends. We see it in our neighbors and strangers. We see it in those who do good and avoid evil. We hear it in the Gospels. We hear it in those who proclaim the Good News. We hear it in the songs we sing to God. We hear it in words of kindness and compassion. We feel God’s glory at Church. We feel it when we exchange the sign of peace. We feel it in the Body and Blood of Jesus. We feel it in the good deeds we do and those done for us. Near indeed is God’s salvation because it is all around us.

Are our eyes open to the glory of the Lord? Are our ears open to what God proclaims? How can we manifest God’s glory through our own thoughts, words, and works?

O Lord, dwell within the land of our hearts.

Amen.

Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church

All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.

The world around us should see the saving power of God reflected in us. Our thoughts, words, and works should mirror those of Christ so when others see us they should know we are Christians by our love. There should be no doubt about our faith, hope, and love when a person sees us in action. Our deeds, although not always wondrous or great, should sing to the Lord, giving Him praise for all He has done for us. Our lives should win victory for him in great and small things by revealing God’s Goodness through our acts of charity and mercy. Just as Jesus proclaimed the Good News through his holy life, so we should do the same.

Do our lives reflect the saving power of God? Do they proclaim the Good News and sign of God’s Glory? How can our acts of charity and mercy win victory for God in the hearts of others?

O Lord, we see your saving power and pray to become instruments of it for all.

Amen.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In him 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 all exist for the praise of God’s Glory and to fulfill God’s Will in all things. We are called to become manifestations of His Goodness, Love, and Mercy to everyone we meet. We are asked to be His hands, doing His Work. We are asked to be His feet, walking His Way. We are asked to be His ears, listening to others so we might be of service to them. We are asked to be His tongues, proclaiming the Good News, consoling others, and giving good and holy advice. If we do all of this faithfully, then we shall be sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit and become more perfectly God’s possession... a true slave of Christ.

What do we do each day to give God the glory and praise He deserves? How can we become good and faithful manifestations of God’s Will? How can we align our lives more perfectly with God’s Divine Plan?

O Lord, seal us with the promise of your Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Avoid giving offense, whether to the Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in every way, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

The imitation of Christ is the core of what it means to be a Christian. We are all called to do everything for the glory of God and for the good of all souls. We have a vocation to love God and our neighbors. We are asked to give no one any offense and to seek to please everyone in every way as long as it is right and good. We are called to seek the benefit of the many over our own benefit. We are tasked with leading others to salvation by being reflections of God’s Love, Mercy, and Grace. As imitators of Christ, we are meant to be exemplars of holiness to everyone whom we meet no matter who they might be. This isn’t always easy, but we do not live up to the name of Christians if we do not try to be a blessing to all.

How can we be better imitators of Christ? What can we do to live more holy, graceful, and loving lives? Do we seek the benefit of others even when it means sacrificing our own interests?

O Lord, help us to be a more perfect imitators of you in all things.

Amen.

Fourteenth Thursday of Ordinary Time

Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.

Jesus reminds his disciples that they have been given their gifts of casting out demons, healing the sick, and raising the dead without cost and so they should share these gifts without cost. Similarly, we are given gifts, which God wishes us to share without cost. When we commit acts of love or mercy for others, we can sometimes fall into the trap of expecting them to return our good works when we ask them. Jesus tells us in today’s gospel that we should not give to others in hope of receiving a return, but rather we should give because it is the right thing to do. It is what Jesus did for all of us on the cross. There is nothing we could ever do that could repay him for his sacrifice on the cross, but one thing we can do is act like him and desire nothing in return for our good works except the glory of God.

What gifts has God given us? How do we use them to help others and to glorify God? Do we give them without counting the cost or expecting anything in return?

O Lord, help us to give without counting the cost.

Amen.