Day 18 - Mar. 9

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Our suggested reading for today from the Gospel of Luke and the Imitation of Christ, again invite us to ponder our relationship with God and to look deep within our hearts for true self-knowledge:

Luke 17:1—10

...But which of you having a servant ploughing, or feeding cattle, will say to him, when he is come from the field: Immediately go, sit down to meat: And will not rather say to him: Make ready my supper, and gird thyself, and serve me, whilst I eat and drink, and afterwards thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant, for doing the things which he commanded him? I think not. So you also, when you shall have done all these things that are commanded you, say: We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which we ought to do.

Listening to the last few verses in the excerpt from Luke, we may be surprised that the Lord uses this example (even as we may have been surprised by yesterday's parable of the steward who squandered his master's wealth). Like all Scripture, the words need to be prayerfully heard many times, as God continues to open our hearts to hear more. The reply of Jesus in telling this story is to the disciples' request to Jesus to "increase our faith". Listening to this example of humble service enables us to grow in faith and humility, the more we sound the depths of it. May God help us all to become humble servants, and "slaves of love" (to use Bl. John Paul II's phrase).

From the Imitation of Christ, we read:

Imitation of Christ: Book 3, Chapter 47

My son, be not wearied out by the labors which thou hast undertaken for My sake, nor let tribulation cast thee down ever at all; but let My promise strengthen and comfort thee under every circumstance. I am well able to reward thee, above all measure and degree. Thou shalt not long toil here, nor always be oppressed with griefs. Wait a little while, and thou shalt see a speedy end of thine evils.

Mary, little handmaid of the Lord, intercede for us. Help us to open our hearts as you did to the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit teach us the Humility we need.

Please let us remember one another, as we pray, on our journey.

Suggested Prayers and Readings are [HERE](http://totalconsecration.ageofmary.com/preparation-18.html)