Potter's hands

July 31, 2014 11:10 am

“Whenever the object of clay which he was making turned out badly in his hand, he tried again, making of the clay another object of whatever sort he pleased.” ( Jer 18:4)

Good news for us: whenever we “turn out badly,” God the Father can rescue us. We pray to understand our role in God’s plan, we pray for His blessing to fulfill our mission, and we listen to His words to never “turn out badly.”

“Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son.” (Gospel Acclamation)

The Kingdom of heaven is like…

July 30, 2014 10:19 am

“Jesus said to his disciples: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field…, is like a merchant searching for fine pearls…'” (Mt 13: 44-46)

Sometimes I am more focused on these images (“a treasure buried”, “a fine pearl”) than on IS. The Kingdom of heaven IS. Even if are so busy doing all our daily duties, our life and vocation is bigger than just to survive here on earth. We know where our destination is, to Whom we belong.

“I call you my friends, says The Lord, for I have made known to you all that the Father has told me” (Gospel Acclamation).

The one who is coming into the world

July 29, 2014 10:06 am

“I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” (J 11: 27)

The world seen from a different perspective: not mine but His. Media inform us about the presence of evil: acts of terror, crime, violence, wars and danger. The Bible, even if it speaks about our weakness, always proclaims the Good News about Our Lord “who is coming into the world.” When “I have come to believe” that He is the Christ, the son of God, nothing is the same, everything changes: I am never alone, I am loved, protected and guided by His Angels and Saints.

“I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.” (Gospel Acclamation)

Yeast and wheat flour

July 28, 2014 9:49 am

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.” (Mt 13:33)

“Think globally act locally.” We are invited to work in the Kingdom of Heaven in so many places. What we can do is small in scale but it can change whole world, as it’s work for the Kingdom of Him who gives growth.

“God is in his holy place, God who unites those who dwell in his house; he himself gives might and strength to his people.” (Entrance Antiphon)

An understanding heart

July 27, 2014 10:22 am

“‘Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” Solomon answered: …’Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.’” (1 KGS 3: 5. 9)

God appreciated so much Solomon’s prayer: “Because you asked for this—you did not ask for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies—but you asked for discernment to know what is right—I now do as you request.” The Hebrew Bible uses here the expression: an “understanding heart,” which also means a “listening heart.” When I start my day with daily readings, with my “listening heart” I can distinguish “right from wrong” and I can listen to the others with compassion and love.

“Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; for you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.” (Gospel Acclamation)

I may remain with you

July 26, 2014 5:12 am

“Reform your ways and your deeds, so that I may remain with you in this place. Put not your trust in the deceitful words: ‘This is the temple of the LORD!The temple of the LORD! The temple of the LORD!’” (Jer 7: 3-4)

Our faith expresses itself through action, not an intention or emotion. It’s Jesus Christ who saves and not the buildings (even a most beautiful cathedral), Church membership or great retreats. When we reform our “ways and deeds,” He promised to remain with us.

“Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you, and is able to save your souls” (Gospel Acclamation)

Earthen vessels

July 25, 2014 4:46 am

“We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us.” (2 Cor 4: 7)

One of our famous Christmas carols presents this paradox: God—is born, the Powers—tremble, the Lord of Heaven—stripped, fire—solidifies, brightness—darkens and the infinite—has boundaries. God gave His “treasure in earthen vessels,” because He shows His power through simple things. Instead of the nobles, He chose fishermen, and a simple house in Nazareth instead of a royal palace. We were chosen by His love, not because we earned it.

“I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord” (Gospel Antiphon)

The source of living waters

July 24, 2014 1:24 pm

“Two evils have my people done: they have forsaken me, the source of living waters; They have dug themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that hold no water.” (Jer 2: 13)

The Holy Communion answers all our needs. Brings life to our life, brings food for our soul and keeps us on track to Heaven. The same happens with God’s words.

“Those who keep God’s word with a good and perfect heart, patiently bring forth fruit.” (Communion Antiphon)

I knew you

July 23, 2014 10:21 am

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you”… (Jer 1: 5)

I can read these words again and again. All God’s love expressed there helps me to understand my dignity, the reason/purpose for my life and His unconditional love for me. When I encounter difficulties with understanding myself, when I can’t understand my beloved ones and when I feel rejected I can come to God and listen to His words: His word heals.

“The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live for ever.” (Gospel Antiphon)

The love of Christ impels us

July 22, 2014 8:58 am

“You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins; You will show faithfulness to Jacob, and grace to Abraham, As you have sworn to our fathers from days of old.” (Micah 7: 19-20)

“You will cast,” “you will show,” “you have” make a difference in our life so often based on “I will,” “I have,” “I need”… Our Lord’s attention focused on us brings us all His blessing, compassion, grace and faithfulness. Our life based on Him impels us to live for others.

“The love of Christ impels us, so that those who live may live no longer for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised.” (Communion Antiphon)