"But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you."-Lk 11:41
Friends, God is good, all the time.
In all His dealings with us, Gd's most significant purpose is to bring us to become like Him. The reason we have our faith is to enable the fulfillment of this singular purpose. Two statements from the day's readings illuminate our understanding of how we may find ways to respond to God's original intent.
Jesus points how the Pharisees have focused on external observation of the law and thereby failed to give attention to the building of a strong inner life instead. And see how the Lord the significance of almsgiving in helping believers maintain a healthy inner life. Jesus said,"as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you." St. Paul makes the second statement, "For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love." Jesus and Paul remind us about the magnitude of acts of kindness and sharing in building a healthier inner self that can become a suitable dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.
God gives us this day for the purpose of becoming more like Him. Several opportunities will come our way to show kindness to others today that we must not let them slip by us.
1. Think about those who are less fortunate in life and social standing and pray for them. And if there is anything more that you can do, don't fail to do it.
2. Think about those who are sick around you and in the world and pray from them, realizing that not everyone has their health the way we do.
3. Be mindful of your words and actions. Sprinkle kind words be intentional to enlighten those who hear you in the home, work, and other social setups.
4. Restrain yourself from yielding so easily to temptations and negative attractions around, remembering that we have the grace of God to be and better if we ask for it.
Prayer blessing: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.