A temple

October 21, 2014 5:00 am

“…In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” (Eph 2: 22)

All the elements are so important: built “together”, as “a dwelling place of God”, “in the Spirit.”

“Together.” We are created as human beings and intended for relations: for being united and related. No one exists for him/herself. We are intended to become a gift of self.

“A dwelling place.” In other words—a temple, a very special place of worship. We are intended to be connected with God in our bodies and in our hearts.

“In the Spirit.” He knows everything about our limits. Not only did He create us, not only did He redeem us, but He also sanctifies us. The Holy Spirit is the constructor, and we “are being built.”

“To you I call; for you will surely heed me, O God; turn your ear to me; hear my words. Guard me as the apple of your eye; in the shadow of your wings protect me.” (Entrance Antiphon)

Rich in what matters to God

October 20, 2014 5:00 am

“Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God.” (Lk 12: 21)

What matters to God? Everything which is connected with an unconditional gift of self. Even being rich is OK with God. The only thing which is unacceptable for God is egoism, things we do for ourselves. Like in today’s Gospel: “treasure for himself,” success for himself, pleasure and appreciation for himself.

“I resolved to know nothing while I was with you, except for Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” (Entrance Antiphon)

Entrap Jesus in speech

October 19, 2014 12:39 pm

“The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech.” (Mt 22: 15)

An absolutely stupid idea—“entrap Jesus in speech.” Who is trying to do that to Him? The creation to its Creator? The sinners to their Redemptor? Why? He brought the most beautiful message from God: we are loved, redeemed and saved. He is the Word of God, and His speech reveals His identity.

Today we receive a new beatified Pope—Pope Paul VI, the author of the encyclical letter “Humanae vitae” (1968). His words are clear, strong and full of faith in men, although these words are the words of challenge; his words are full of love and respect for mankind—created by God.

“Shine like lights in the world as you hold on to the word of life.” (Gospel Acclamation)

The Lord gave me strength

October 18, 2014 9:41 am

“But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it.” (2 Tim 4: 17)

We are chosen by Our Lord not because we are strong, useful, talented or flexible. We are chosen by God’s love because we listen to Him, we are open to His call and trust Him, not ourselves. We’ll receive everything we need to complete our mission. When we are sent to proclaim the Gospel in our families or when our mission goes beyond the oceans, Our “Lord stands by me and gives me strength.”

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

Do not be afraid

October 17, 2014 9:43 am

“Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.” (Lk 12: 7)

Our God cares about everything, even about little sparrows, because He created the world by love, not by will. He sees our lives, needs and fears in every tiny detail. His love reaches and touches them all, with gentleness and respect.

“May your kindness, Lord, be upon us; who have put our hope in you.” (Gospel Acclamation)

He chose us in him

October 16, 2014 10:47 am

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him.” (Eph 1: 3-4)

Like a child who is coming over and over again to his/her mom to tell her “I love you” and to hear the same from her, we can read this paragraph all the time: it was no “accident” that I was born, as we were chosen “before the foundation of the world” and we are blessed “with every spiritual blessing in the heavens.” And what’s more—we are chosen “to be holy and without blemish before him,” even though He knows everything about our weaknesses, fears and shortcomings. Happy are we!

“I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.” (Gospel Acclamation)

The fruit of the Spirit

October 15, 2014 11:30 am

“… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Gal 5: 22-23)

God knows perfectly our condition and situation. He became a man, died for us on the cross and sent us His Holy Spirit, who supports us in every situation. His presence in us is very fruitful. Because God is One in Three Persons, His gifts are also intended to unite us and to open our hearts for others. When we look at Him, listen to Him and follow Him, the fruit of the Spirit could “explode” in our lives – for ourselves, our friends and neighbors.

“My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.” (Gospel Acclamation)

Faith working through love

October 14, 2014 9:58 am

“For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” (Gal 5: 6)

This is the final test of our every action—love. We believe in God who is love. When our faith drives us into judging, comparing, being “better” or “more pious,” we are in real danger. Our faith, a gift from God, should open our eyes and hearts to others. Our main and only concern is to imitate Our Lord’s love to our brothers and sisters—to make the others happy, not ourselves. This is real happiness.

“Whoever wishes to come after me, must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me, says the Lord.” (Communion Antiphon)

Christ set us free

October 13, 2014 9:25 am

“For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.” (Gal 4:31-5:1)

Two loves: love of God and love of self lead us in two different directions—to freedom or to slavery. Love of self is full of expectations, demands and egoism; love of God brings joy, harmony and a gift of self. We are not between freedom and slavery because “for freedom Christ set us free.”

“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” (Gospel Acclamation)

Look at Him

October 12, 2014 9:18 am
“Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the LORD for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!” (Is 25: 9)

Who am I looking for when I look at my spouse? For my idealistic vision of him/her or for reality? When I look at God, I can find truth about my spouse—His/Her child: loved, respected and redeemed. It happens that only in God we are able to recognize the truth about our love— and grow together in love.

“May the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, so that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call.” (Gospel Acclamation)