My reflections on the Sunday readings for October 23, 2005, 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
In the first reading, a portion of the Mosaic Law taken from the Book of Exodus, it says: "Thus says the LORD: "You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt. You shall not wrong any widow or orphan." Then in the Gospel reading, Jesus says that we must love intensely... "You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." What's so difficult about this? Plenty...
It is very easy for me to love God intensely. I just did one hour ago during my morning prayers. Now, 'with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind"? Not so easy. It's the "all" that makes this so difficult. "All" implies that I don't have anything in my heart, soul, or mind that is not of God. When I work, clean, go shopping, or drive, the presence of God must be palpable in my heart, soul, and mind. All my actions must be done from within this space of Divine love. I have more work to do in this department, but I totally believe that it is possible with the grace of God, and I so look forward to it. Just one little bit at a time.
Love your neighbor as your self? Easy! As long as they live in my suburban neighborhood, look like me, are clean, dress nicely, only require my assistance when it is convenient to me, etc. It is easy to love those that look and think like us. Sometimes it's not so easy to love the immigrant, the widow, or the orphan. Or the homeless, the AIDS patients, and those feeling the effects of hate. How about loving and being kind to liberals, conservatives, homosexuals, and people committing abortions and waging war? Not so easy.
I'm so glad that I don't have to do this by myself. I pray that the Holy Spirit fill my heart and transform it to the heart of Jesus. I pray that I can feel the compassion and the the overwhelming desire to give completely of myself to those that need me the most. I pray that all my heart, soul, and my mind exist in a state of adoration and union with God so that I can be His hands, mouth, and eyes on earth. Amen, amen, amen.
Technorati Tags: Catholic, Gospel Reflection, Poor, Service
I really enjoyed the readings today. I actually went to two Masses. The first Mass was at my regular parish where I was an Extraordinary minister. My priest's homily was short but to the point today for World Mission Sunday. He read a letter written by Pope John Paul ll prepared for this Sunday about a month before Our Holy Father died. It detailed of giving of oneself to God as the Year of the Eucharist ends.
At the second Mass I was part of a living Rosary and the homily there was centered on the two great commandments. Today, for me was a very spiritually rich day.
Peace
Posted by: Moneybags | October 23, 2005 at 07:25 PM
Moneybags, you always have such rich experiences at church. It is no wonder that your blog is so inspiring and informative. Your love for our faith truly shows. Thanks for sharing. How did the living Rosary relate to mass? was it done before or after? was it done today for a particular reason?
Posted by: Hector | October 23, 2005 at 09:08 PM