“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)
“Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.’” (Lk 11: 1)
The Apostles observed Our Lord’s prayer several times. It had to be so different, so unique, that they decided to ask him: “Lord, teach us to pray.” Jesus answered by sharing with them not the important tips but by giving them His Father. The relationship with the Father in heaven goes first—”Our Father”, than—our requests.
“You have received a spirit of adoption as sons through which we cry: Abba! Father!” (Gospel Acclamation)
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.” (Lk 10: 41-42)
Mary and Martha are inside of every one of us. It is easier for us to think that prayer is “doing nothing” and action is something that we really “do.” Our Lord gives us Mary as an example as a person who “has chosen the better part.” This month we are especially invited to pray, together with Our Lady, on the Rosary, where action and contemplation are united, something for Mary and something for Martha at the same time.
“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” (Entrance Antiphon)
“‘Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?’” He answered, ‘The one who treated him with mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’” (Lk 10: 36-37)
“Justice” is an element of a civilization of death. On the other side, on the side of a civilization of life, we have “mercy.” Mercy is greater than “justice,” and gentleness and respect are two wings of mercy – the best things we can share with others.
“I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you.” (Gospel Acclamation)
“Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4: 6 – 7)
Our requests are known to God. He listens to our prayers and petitions. It is very beneficial when we pray with “no anxiety at all” and “with thanksgiving.” Our grateful hearts are especially pleasing to God. Such an attitude shows how close we are to Him, depend on Him and love Him.
“The Lord is good to those who hope in him, to the soul that seeks him.”
“Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Lk 10: 20)
Our final destination is in Heaven – not here, on earth. Even the greatest success here means nothing in comparison with the life in Heaven. Without that perspective of living with God for Heaven, we can be extremely busy but in reality we bear very little fruit. St. John of the Cross used to say: “a very little of this pure love is more precious in the sight of God and the soul, and of greater profit to the Church, even though the soul appears to be doing nothing, than all these other works together”. The saints in heaven can do more for us than they did when they were on earth.
“Francis, the man of God, left his home behind, abandoned his inheritance and became poor and penniless, but the Lord raised him up.” (Entrance Antiphon)
“Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” (Lk 10: 16)
Our dignity comes from Him—He created us, redeemed us and sanctified us. When Our Lord gives us His word and asks us to share it with others, it is not because we are important but because His word is important: “whoever listens to you listens to me.” And more than this—His word is a message from God the Father about His love for us.
“The designs of his Heart are from age to age, to rescue their souls from death and to keep them alive in famine.” (Entrance Antiphon)
“See, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and bring you to the place I have prepared. Be attentive to him and obey him. Do not rebel against him, for he will not forgive your sin. My authority is within him.” (Ex 23: 20-21)
The Guardian Angels are our friends, protectors, guards, supporters and amazing gifts from God. They are always with us: when we sleep or work, when we travel or at home, and when we are alone or surrounded by a crowd. Their voices and advice sometimes are very subtle and delicate and sometimes very loud and strong. The more I am “attentive to him, and obey him,” the closer I am to God and “to the place He has prepared” for us.
“Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all for ever.” (Entrance Antiphon)
Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
To whom God’s love
commits me here,
Ever this day,
be at my side,
To light and guard,
Rule and guide. Amen.
“From infancy to death human life is surrounded by their (the angels’) watchful care and intercession. Beside each believer stands an angel as protector and shepherd leading him to life. Already here on earth the Christian life shares by faith in the blessed company of angels and men united to God.”
– from the Catechism of the Catholic Church; 336.
“And another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.’” (Lk 9: 61)
“I will follow you, but…” happens so many times in our lives, too. Generally we do not look at “but” as an excuse, but as a reason for something equally important; important from our perspective. Probably our own reaction to somebody’s “but” directed to us will be negative; “but” like rejection to us. When we exchange “but” with “and,” we can check if it is really another step in the right direction or just a simple excuse. We will be able to follow Our Lord and do whatever is His will.
“I consider all things so much rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in him.” (Gospel Acclamation)
