Day 17 (Week 1 - Seeking true knowledge of self)

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today’s Gospel Reading for Mass is especially important as we continue our journey! The Cleansing of the Temple by Jesus can show us our need for Him to cleanse the temple of our own hearts. As we continue seeking a true knowledge of ourselves during this first week, perhaps we have noticed there is too much of a “market place” within our hearts where there ought to be a place of worship, where there needs to be a place where the Trinity is “at home”.

In Pope Emeritus’ book, Jesus of Nazareth, I remember reading when Jesus was found in the temple by Mary and Joseph after being lost for three days, He told them: “Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s House?” (another translation renders the words: “Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?”). The Gospel of Luke tells us Mary and Joseph did not understand the words of Jesus to them, but Mary kept His words and pondered them. Pope Benedict adds this beautiful insight: by His words, Jesus was inviting Mary and Joseph into the relationship He had with His Father.

Our journey of 33 Days toward Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary is also inviting us into that intimate relationship. Jesus invites all to holiness – to share more deeply the intimate life and union with God we were given in Baptism. To seek a true knowledge of self is to seek the humility of a son or daughter of God.

Jesus, Meek and Humble of Heart, cleanse our hearts. Mary intercede for us. Come, Holy Spirit!

See HERE

 

[hazcompat]

Concluding Prayer

O God,
author of every mercy and of all goodness,
who in fasting, prayer and almsgiving
have shown us a remedy for sin,
look graciously on this confession of our lowliness,
that we, who are bowed down by our conscience,
may always be lifted up by your mercy.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.

DISMISSAL

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life.
– Amen.

 

[MariaChristi]

Concluding Prayer

O God,
author of every mercy and of all goodness,
who in fasting, prayer and almsgiving
have shown us a remedy for sin,
look graciously on this confession of our lowliness,
that we, who are bowed down by our conscience,
may always be lifted up by your mercy.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.

DISMISSAL

May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life.
– Amen.

Thanks hazcompat,

Our translation renders the prayer just a bit different:
“Father,
You have taught us to overcome our sins
by prayer, fasting and works of mercy.
When we are discouraged by our weakness,
give us confidence in Your Love.”

Both translations are beautiful and encouraging to me. I particularly like the phrase I underlined in your translation since it puts the emphasis on God’s Power to “lift us” reminding us of Mary’s words:
“He has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness” (Luke 1:48)
“He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly” (Luke 1:52)

How we need to pray with faith, convinced of our lowliness and believing in His Mercy! Come, Holy Spirit, fill us with the Humility we find in Jesus and Mary!