“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)

“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. 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)

“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 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)

“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)