Feb. 26 - Day 7- "emptying oneself of the 'spirit of the world'..."

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As perhaps some of you do also, I read (and listen) to the Mass Readings for the day before starting anything else on the computer. This morning’s Reading was like God’s manna in the desert for me:

My son, when you come to serve the LORD,
stand in justice and fear,
prepare yourself for trials.
Be sincere of heart and steadfast,
incline your ear and receive the word of understanding,
undisturbed in time of adversity.
Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not;
thus will you be wise in all your ways.
Accept whatever befalls you,
when sorrowful, be steadfast,
and in crushing misfortune be patient;
For in fire gold and silver are tested,
and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation.
Trust God and God will help you;
trust in him, and he will direct your way;
keep his fear and grow old therein.

You who fear the LORD, wait for his mercy,
turn not away lest you fall.
You who fear the LORD, trust him,
and your reward will not be lost.
You who fear the LORD, hope for good things,
for lasting joy and mercy.
You who fear the LORD, love him,
and your hearts will be enlightened.
Study the generations long past and understand;
has anyone hoped in the LORD and been disappointed?
Has anyone persevered in his commandments and been forsaken?
has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed?
Compassionate and merciful is the LORD;
he forgives sins, he saves in time of trouble
and he is a protector to all who seek him in truth. – SIR 2:1-11

When we look into our own hearts we may be tempted to see all our own sins of the past and neglect the Very God of Mercy who dwells within us with His Gifts of Faith, Hope and Divine Charity. The Alleluia verse also helps to strengthen us on our journey:

May I never boast except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.
– Gal 6:14

Let us thank God for calling us all to holiness, and giving us all we need to come into union with Him. Come Holy Spirit, fill us as You filled Mary. Jesus, we trust in You. Mary, Mother and Model for the Church, pray for us. St. Joseph, St. Louis de Montfort, and all you holy Saints and Angels, pray for us.