Day 5 - Mon., Aug.17

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Hopefully, by God’s Grace, we are learning much already on our 33 day journey. This first period of “emptying themselves of the spirit of the world, which is opposed to the spirit of Jesus”, cannot really be accomplished in just 12 days. What can happen, by God’s grace, however, is a growth in our spiritual life. Every day is an opportunity to grow spiritually, to “see” by faith more clearly, what the spirit of the world is and to renounce it. This first period of 12 days can be the beginning of our holier life.

It has been a good start for me, for I do see a bit more clearly, some things I knew about worldliness but I believe God is giving me more determination to work with Him in letting go of the worldliness I see within me. This morning’s Gospel from Matthew about the rich young man, and the commentary by St. Gregory the Great helped:

Monday of the Twentieth week in Ordinary Time

Commentary of the day
Saint Gregory the Great (c.540-604), Pope, Doctor of the Church - Homilies on the Gospel
“You will have treasure in heaven”

No one should say to himself, even when he regards others who have left a great deal behind: “I want to imitate those who despise this world, but I have nothing to leave behind.” You leave a great deal behind, my friends, if you renounce your desires. Our external possessions, no matter how small, are enough for the Lord: he weighs the heart and not the substance, and does not measure the amount we sacrifice to him but the effort with which we bring it…. The kingdom of God has no assessment value put on it, but it is worth everything you have… To Peter and Andrew it was worth the nets and boat they gave up; to the widow it was worth two small coins (Lk 21,2); to another person it was worth a cup of cold water (Mt 10,42). The kingdom of God, as I said, is worth everything you have. Think about it, my friends, what has less value when you purchase it, what is more precious when you possess it?

But perhaps a cup of cold water offered to someone who needs it is not enough; even then the Word of God gives us assurance…: “Peace on earth to men of good will!” (Lk 2,14). In the sight of God no hand is ever empty of a gift if the deep places of the heart are filled with good will… Although I have no gifts to offer outwardly, yet I find within myself something to place on the altar of your praise…: you are better pleased with an offering of our heart (cf. Ps 55[56],13).

I’ve underlined phrases that particularly touched my heart. Perhaps the Lord is leading you to other passages in Scripture or from True Devotion or from something He helped you to “see” more clearly by faith. Please let us continue to pray to the Holy Spirit especially to enlighten our minds and strengthen our wills. I remembered you all especially in receiving Jesus in Holy Communion yesterday. I will continue to remember all also in my Rosary. In praying the “Our Father” how blessed we are in remembering each other when we ask: “…give us this day our daily Bread”, "forgive us, “deliver us from evil” and in the “Hail Mary”: “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen”