Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all you lands. Sing to the LORD; bless his name; announce his salvation, day after day.

Part of being Christian is announcing God’s salvation, day after day. We do this through our thoughts by constantly trying to keep them on what is right and good. We do this with our words by disciplining our tongues so they speak the Good News and the truth in ways that bring people closer to God. We do this through our works by offering them all up to God as sacrifices. Our entire lives should proclaim the goodness of the Lord by reflecting the life of Christ in all things. We should be welcoming gates through which others can glimpse the promises of God and be attracted to the Christian faith.

How can we align our thoughts, words, and works with the Lord’s? What can we do to proclaim the Good News wherever we go? Are our lives attracting people to God or pushing them away?

O Lord, we shall announce your salvation, day after day.

Amen.

The First Friday of Lent

You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.  But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna.

Jesus reminds us that verbal attacks can harm people just as much, if not more than physical violence. The sins of the mouth can be even deadlier than those of the body because they can harm a person’s spirit, causing them to sin and harm others. This is why we must guard against feelings of envy and anger and be careful in how we respond to others. We might be tempted to say something hurtful, especially to someone who hurts us, but the only way to break the cycle of suffering is to show restraint and forgive. There are also times when we injure others with our words and actions and in these cases we should seek not only God’s Mercy, but also the forgiveness of those whom we have harmed. No matter what the circumstances, it is invaluable to make a habit of turning to God before we speak and asking Him for the right words. More often than not, this simple act will be enough to keep us from speaking words that will harm another person.

Do we struggle with the sins of the mouth? How can we do a better job of not just holding our tongue, but also using it to build up people rather than tear them down? Do we seek the inspiration of the Holy Spirit before we speak to others?

O Lord, forgive our sinful words and help us to only speak holy ones from now on.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest

I do not pray for the world but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them. And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you.

Jesus constantly prays for us before our Heavenly Father and we glorify him by accepting God’s Mercy and living out our lives as an example of His Love for His children. By leaving us to do God’s Will, Jesus gives us a chance to become like him and think, speak, and do the right and good thing no matter the cost or suffering. And like him, if we act in faith, hope, and charity, we will one day be able to come to the Father. Till that day, we are called to be in the world, but not of it. Our actions should be focused on God and His children and then we shall know the peace that comes with acting rightly and well.

Do we reflect upon the fact that we are Jesus’ brothers and sisters? How do we glorify our Brother, our Father, and our Advocate? How can we be of God and not of the world?

O Lord, pray for us that we might glorify you through our every thought, word, and work.

Amen.