Saints and the Liturgical Year

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Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
July 22 - St. Mary Magdalene (Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, whose Only Begotten Son
entrusted Mary Magdalene before all others
with announcing the great joy of the Resurrection,
grant, we pray,
that through her intercession and example
we may proclaim the living Christ
and come to see him reigning in your glory.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture Readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

“Christ cast seven devils out of St. Mary; she ministered to him in Galilee, was one of the few who remained with Christ during his Agony on the Cross, and with two other women visited his tomb and found it empty. Our Lord first appeared to her after his Resurrection, asking her to announce his Resurrection to the Apostles.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Mary Magdalene, see link:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/M/stmarymagdalen.asp
 
grateful_child said:
July 21, 2013 - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Show favor, O Lord, to your servants
and mercifully increase the gifts of your grace,
that, made fervent in hope, faith and charity,
they may be ever watchful in keeping your commands.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reign with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
Click to expand...
Sharing this reflection from today’s Euchalette, p.1:

The God Who Wants to be Our Guest

"Today, we are invited to reflect on one of the most thrilling realities in our earthly existence: the possibility of having God as our Guest. The challenge, for us, is to be aware of His presence and offer Him a generous and cordial hospitality.

We should never forget that the Lord wishes not only to be served through our activity, but also to be ‘entertained’ and ‘enjoyed’ in the quiet of our hearts.

He comes to us in all circumstances of our lives, but it is especially in the Eucharistic celebration that He becomes our guest when we open our hearts to listen to His Word and receive Him in Holy Communion. All our actions should be a prolongation of this wonderful privilege which fills our days with God’s most loving presence." (p.1)
 
July 23, 2013 - Tuesday, 16th Week in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Show favor, O Lord, to your servants
and mercifully increase the gifts of your grace,
that, made fervent in hope, faith and charity,
they may be ever watchful in keeping your commands.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

July 23 - St. Bridget of Sweden, Religious (Optional Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who guided Saint Bridget of Sweden
along different paths of life
and wondrously taught her the wisdom of the Cross
as she contemplated the Passion of your Son,
grant us, we pray,
that, walking worthily in our vocation,
we may seek you in all things.
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.”

“Born in Sweden, St. Bridget (1303-1373) was a mother of eight children whom she brought up in a Christian manner; one is canonized St. Catherine of Sweden. After her husband’s death, St. Bridget dedicated herself to an ascetic and contemplative life. After becoming a Franciscan tertiary, she founded a religious order and wrote many works on ascetical and mystical subjects.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Bridget of Sweden, see link:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/B/stbridgetofsweden.asp
 
July 24, 2013 - Wednesday, 16th Week in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Show favor, O Lord, to your servants
and mercifully increase the gifts of your grace,
that, made fervent in hope, faith and charity,
they may be ever watchful in keeping your commands.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

July 24 - St. Sharbel Makhluf, Priest (Optional Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who called the Priest Saint Sharbel Makhluf
to the solitary combat of the desert
and imbued him with all manner of devotion,
grant us, we pray,
that, being made imitators of the Lord’s Passion,
we may merit to be co-heirs of his Kingdom.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“St. Sharbel (1828-1898) was born in a small mountain village, became a Lebanese monk, and was ordained in 1858. Devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he spent the last twenty-three years of his life as a hermit. Despite temptations to wealth and comfort, he taught the value of poverty, self-sacrifice, and prayer by the way he lived.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Sharbel Makhluf, see links:
catholiclane.com/st-sharbel-makhluf/
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/C/stcharbelmakhlouf.asp
 
July 25 - St. James, Apostle (Feast):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Almighty ever-living God,
who consecrated the first fruits of your Apostles
by the blood of Saint James,
grant, we pray,
that your Church may be strengthened by his confession of faith
and constantly sustained by his protection.
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.”

Today’s Scripture Readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

“Often called ‘the Greater,’ St. James was a son of Zebedee and was called by Christ together with his brother St. John. St. James was one of three Apostles who witnessed Christ’s Transfiguration and Agony in the Garden. St. James was condemned to death by Agippa I and beheaded in the year 42, the first martyr among the Apostles.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on **St. James **, see link:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/J/stjamesthegreater.asp
 
July 26 - Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Memorial):

Collect:
“O Lord, God of our Fathers,
who bestowed on Saints Joachim and Anne this grace,
that of them should be born the Mother of your incarnate Son,
grant, through the prayers of both,
that we may attain the salvation
you have promised to your people.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

“The Blessed Virgin Mary was immaculately conceived in the womb of St. Anne, and, together with her husband St. Joachim, Our Lady was raised in a manner befitting the Mother of God. Devotion to Sts. Joachim and Anne is an extension of the veneration due to the Blessed Virgin Mary as the pinnacle of Creation.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on **Sts. Joachim and Anne **, see link:
www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory.asp?number=114372
 
July 27, 2013 - Saturday, 16th Week in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Show favor, O Lord, to your servants
and mercifully increase the gifts of your grace,
that, made fervent in hope, faith and charity,
they may be ever watchful in keeping your commands.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

July 27 - St. Pantaleon, Martyr:

St. Pantaleon was a physician who was known as the “fee-less physician” for practicing his profession without charging for his services. He was martyred around 305, during the reign of Diocletian. He is patron of doctors, bachelors, of torture victims, patron against tuberculosis.

For more on **St. Pantaleon **, see link:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/P/stpantaleon.asp
 
July 28, 2013 - Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, protector of those who hope in you,
without whom nothing has firm foundation, nothing is holy,
bestow in abundance your mercy upon us
and grant that, with you as our ruler and guide,
we may use the good things that pass
in such a way as to hold fast even now
to those that ever endure.
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.”

For today’s Scripture Readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

For the saints of the day, see link:
www.catholic.org/saints/f_day/jul.php
 
July 29 - St. Martha (Memorial):

Collect:
“Almighty ever-living God,
whose Son was pleased to be welcomed
in Saint Martha’s house as a guest,
grant, we pray,
that through her intercession,
serving Christ faithfully in our brothers and sister,
we may merit to be received by you
in the halls of heaven.
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.”

Today’s Scripture Readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

“Our Lord frequented the home of Sts. Martha, her brother Lazarus, and her sister Mary. As his friends in Bethany, they took loving care of Christ.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Martha, see link:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/M/stmartha.asp
 
grateful_child said:
July 28, 2013 - Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, protector of those who hope in you,
without whom nothing has firm foundation, nothing is holy,
bestow in abundance your mercy upon us
and grant that, with you as our ruler and guide,
we may use the good things that pass
in such a way as to hold fast even now
to those that ever endure.
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.”

For today’s Scripture Readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

For the saints of the day, see link:
www.catholic.org/saints/f_day/jul.php
Click to expand...
Sharing this reflection from today"s Euchalette, for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, (p. 4.):

"In today’s first reading, we have a moving example of prayer of intercession, while the Gospel offers a clear invitation to pray with perseverance, full of hope.

Abraham, upon learning that the Lord plans to wipe out the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of the moral perversion of their inhabitants, conducts an all-out campaign aimed at obtaining a reprieve from the punishment. All the strength of his argument hinges on God’s special consideration for just people, and on the possibility of finding a sizable number of righteous persons in the doomed cities.

But Abraham’s bargaining attitude and God’s condescension all come to nothing, simply because Abraham runs out of bargaining options, as he realizes that only his cousin Lot and his family deserve to be spared. Sodom and Gomorrah, as we know, were buried in a sea of fire and sulfur, not because God was insensitive to the intercession of Abraham, but simply because the poor man was unable to honor the conditions that he himself had set.

But what is importanfr for us to reflect upon, today, is God’s readiness to listen to our repeated requests, as well as the legitimacy of persevering in our petitions. Perseverance, in this case, is not an attempt to prevail upon God by tiring Him with our insistence until He decides to grant us what we ask …

There are also individuals who are convinced that they can bring God to grant them what they want simply by repeating certain formulas a number of times or for a number of days … They have nothing to do with Jesus’ exhortation to persevere in prayer.

‘The Lord’s Prayer’ - and any other petition patterned after it - even when repeated several times, is never an imposition on God …Rather, it is always a trust-filled request addressed by a child to its loving Father. It is uttered over and over again, as in the case of Abraham, with undying hope … but its final conclusion is always that of Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane: 'Not my will, but yours be done!’ (See Mk 14:36-39.)

Such prayer is offered under the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is rooted in a deep faith in God’s goodness and candidly admits that only God can do something about what is asked. It is presented with humility, knowing that we are not really worthy to receive what we are asking. And when the favor requested is meant to benefit others, that prayer of intercession is also an act of charity.

These are the virtues all of us should strive to acquire and on which to roout our prayer, especially the prayer of petition. With such disposition, we will be able to move mountains, not because we are particularly strong, but simply because our prayer puts us in touch with the omnipotence of God." (p. 1.)
 
July 30, 2013 - Tuesday, 17th Week in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, protector of those who hope in you,
without whom nothing has firm foundation, nothing is holy,
bestow in abundance your mercy upon us
and grant that, with you as our ruler and guide,
we may use the good things that pass
in such a way as to hold fast even now
to those that ever endure.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

July 30 - St. Peter Chrysologus, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Optional Memorial):

Collect:
“O God, who made the Bishop Saint Peter Chrysologus
an outstanding preacher of your incarnate Word,
grant, through his intercession,
that we may constantly ponder in our hearts
the mysteries of your salvation
and faithfully express them in what we do.
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.”

“As Bishop of Ravenna, Italy, St. Peter (ca. 380-450) was famous for charity, his writings, and preaching; his moniker is thus ‘Chrysologus’ (‘golden-worded’).” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on **St. Peter Chrysologus **, see link:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/P/stpeterchrysologus.asp
 
July 31 - St. Ignatius of Loyola, Priest (Memorial):

Collect:
“O God, who raised up Saint Ignatius of Loyola in your Church
to further the greater glory of your name,
grant that by his help we may imitate him
in fighting the good fight on earth
and merit to receive with him a crown in heaven.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

“Born in Loyola, Spain, St. Ignatius (1491-1556) was a soldier and wounded in battle. While recuperating, he was impressed by a book about the lives of the saints and devoted his life to Christ. After studying in Barcelona, Alcala, and Salamanca, he finished his theological studies in Paris. There he gathered his first followers and with them he founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), which is dedicated to the greater glory of God and to the service of the Church, in total obedience to the Pope.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Ignatius of Loyola, see link:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/I/stignatiusofloyola.asp
 
August 1 - St. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Memorial):

Collect:
“O God, who constantly raise up in your Church new examples of virtue,
grant that we may follow so closely in the footsteps
of the Bishop Saint Alphonsus in his zeal for souls
as to attain the same rewards that are his in heaven.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

“Born in Naples, Italy, St. Alphonsus (1696-1787) was a lawyer who became a priest. He founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Reddemer (Redemptorist). He was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church for his writings on moral theology. Promoting devotion to the Eucharist and Our Lady, he worked with zeal for the poor and sick.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Alphonsus Liguori, see link:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/A/stalphonsusliguori.asp
 
August 2, 2013 - Friday, 17th Week in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, protector of those who hope in you,
without whom nothing has firm foundation, nothing is holy,
bestow in abundance your mercy upon us
and grant that, with you as our ruler and guide,
we may use the good things that pass
in such a way as to hold fast even now
to those that ever endure.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

Saint Eusebius of Vercelli, Bishop (Optional Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Lead us, Lord God, to imitate the constancy of Saint Eusebius
in affirming the divinity of your Son,
so that, by preserving the faith he taught as your Bishop,
we may merit a share in the very life of your Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“St. Eusebius (d. 371) fought against the Arian heresy, and the Arians tortured and exiled him. He was the first Western bishop to unite the clerical and monastic life.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

August 2 - St Peter Julian Eymard, Priest (Optional Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, who adorned Saint Peter Julian Eymard
with a wonderful love for the sacred mysteries
of the Body and Blood of your Son,
graciously grant
that we, too, may be worthy to receive
the delights he drew from this divine banquet.
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.”

“Born in La Mure, France, St. Peter (1811-1868) became a priest in 1835 and joined the Marists in 1840. He fostered Eucharistic Adoration and founded a religious order of priest-adorers of the Holy Eucharist, the Priests of the Blessed Sacrament.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. Eusebius of Vercelli and St. Peter Julian Eymard, see links:
www.blessedsacrament.com/mission/eymardbio.html
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/E/steusebiusvercelli.asp
 
August 3, 2013 - Saturday, 17th Week in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“O God, protector of those who hope in you,
without whom nothing has firm foundation, nothing is holy,
bestow in abundance your mercy upon us
and grant that, with you as our ruler and guide,
we may use the good things that pass
in such a way as to hold fast even now
to those that ever endure.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

For the Saint of the day, see link:
www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-08-03
 
August 4, 2013 - 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time:

Today is also St. John Baptiste Marie Vianney Sunday.
“Special collection in all Sunday Masses and the evening before is to be made for the on-going formation of the clergy.” (Ordo.)

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Draw near to your servants, O Lord,
and answer their prayers with unceasing kindness,
that, for those who glory in you as their Creator and guide,
you may restore what you have created
and keep safe what you have restored.
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.”

Today’s Scripture Readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

August 4 - St. John Vianney, Priest (Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Almighty and merciful God,
who made the Priest Saint John Vianney
wonderful in his pastoral zeal,
grant, we pray,
that through his intercession and example
we may in charity win brothers and sisters for Christ
and attain with them eternal glory.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp.com/zO3GQu

“Born near Lyons, France, St. John (1786-1859) was ordained in 1815 and assigned to the parish of Ars in 1818, where he spent the rest of his life. He was known for his care of souls, spirit of prayer and mortification, and tireless dedication to the Sacrament of Penance. He spent most of his life in the confessional, drawing energy from his intimate and constant friendship with Our Lord in the Eucharist. Pope Pius XI proclaimed him patron of parist priests.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on St. John Vianney, see link:
www.ewtn.com/library/MARY/stjeanvianney.HTM
 
August 5, 2013 - Monday, 18th Week in Ordinary Time:

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Draw near to your servants, O Lord,
and answer their prayers with unceasing kindness,
that, for those who glory in you as their Creator and guide,
you may restore what you have created
and keep safe what you have restored.
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.”

Today’s Scripture readings and reflections:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

August 5 - The Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major (Optional Memorial):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Pardon the faults of your servants, we pray, O Lord,
that we, who cannot please you by our own deeds,
may be saved through the intercession
of the Mother of your Son and our Lord.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“The Blessed Virgin Mary is the Mother of God; this was solemnly defined by the Fathers of the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus in 431. To commemorate this, Pope St. Sixtus III dedicated this basilica in Rome to the Mother of God. It is probably the oldest church in the West dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, see link:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/D/dedicationofthebasilicaofstmarymajor.asp
 
August 6 - The Transfiguration of the Lord (Feast):

Collect (Opening Prayer):
O God, who in the glorious Transfiguration
of your Only Begotten Son
confirmed the mysteries of faith by the witness of the Fathers
and wonderfully prefigured our full adoption to sonship,
grant, we pray, to your servants,
that, listening to the voice of your beloved Son,
we may merit to become co-heirs with him.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever."

Today’s Scripture readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php

“Celebration of the Transfiguration became widespread in the West in the eleventh century. It manifested the glory Christ possesses as God, foretold his Ascension into Heaven, and anticipated the glory of Heaven, where the faithful will know God.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTF.)

For more on the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, see link:
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/T/transfigurationofthelord.asp
 
grateful_child said:
August 4, 2013 - 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time:

Today is also St. John Baptiste Marie Vianney Sunday.
“Special collection in all Sunday Masses and the evening before is to be made for the on-going formation of the clergy.” (Ordo.)

Collect (Opening Prayer):
“Draw near to your servants, O Lord,
and answer their prayers with unceasing kindness,
that, for those who glory in you as their Creator and guide,
you may restore what you have created
and keep safe what you have restored.
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.”

Today’s Scripture Readings and reflection:
ymlp232.net/archive_gbmbuqgjgu.php
Click to expand...
“Today we also celebrate St. John Mary Vianney Sunday or Parish Priest’s Sunday. Let us pray for our parish priests and show them our appreciation for their dedication to care for God’s flock.” (from today’s Euchalette.)

The following is a reflection, also, from today’s Euchalette on today’s Scripture Readings (p.4):

THE DECEPTIVENESS OF MATERIAL RICHES

"All that God creates has value for He imprints in all creatures the mark of His wisdom and power. But not all creatures have the same value. Just as there are different degrees of perfection and beauty, so there are also different degrees among values. Material values are inferior to intellectual, social and spiritual values. Temporal values are less important than eternal values.

Unfortunately, many fail to perceive such a difference, either because of their lack of formation, or because they are blinded by their lower instincts and passions. Thus, their moral priorities are off-the-mark. Some reach horrifying degrees of perversion. They take as their highest values the pleasure of the senses, money, power, prestige, popularity … All their energies and their whole existence are directed towards the attainment of what they wrongly consider the most important things in life…They fail to “be intent on things above, rather than on things of earth” (Col 3:2).

God’s judgment on such perversion is unequivocal and extremely severe: “You fool!” (Lk 12:20). This is His infallible judgment on a way of life which is a form of idolatry, and which is incompatible with the Christian view of life." (p.4.)
(Read on for continuation of thought.)
 
(Continutation of reflection on today’s Scripture Readings) -

"Such materialistic attitude has disastrous consequences not only for the persons who embrace them, but also for millions of other human beings. Greed and selfishness blind those who have made material possessions and satisfaction their highest aspirations. They are thereby unable to see the crying needs of those who lack even the most indispensable means of subsistence … God will demand a very strict account of such attitude and consequent situation. (See Mt 25:31-46.)

As disciples of Jesus who have died to sin and have been raised up with him, we should not only ‘set our hearts on what pertains to higher realms where Christ is seated at God’s right hand’ (Col 3:1), but also use our material resources to practise the commandment of Christian love. Only with such an orientation in our life shall we ‘grow rich in the sight of God’ (Lk 12:21). Then will our lives be successful even when we remain poor and unknown. Without despising earthly realities, we will have given them their proper place in the scale of values. We will see them as instruments to attain the highest value: love of neighbor in action, which leads to life with God in Christ Jesus, for ever." (Euchalette, 8/4/2013, p. 4.)
 
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