1 Corinthians 3:21-23, Sirach 44:1, 10-15, Matthew 13:16-17, Psalm 132:11, 13-14, 17-18

Daily Meditation:  1 Corinthians 3:21-23

1 Corinthians 3:21-23

21 Because of this, let no one become an admirer of humans, for everything belongs to you, 22 Paul, Apollos, Cephas—life, death, the present and the future. Everything is yours, 23 and you, you belong to Christ, and Christ is of God.

 

It is so easy to get carried away by men.  We see the huge fan following of the so called 'stars' in music, movies, sports, etc.  All these creatures with clay feet are put on a pedestal - usurping Your rightful place. Every created thing is given to us to help us come closer to You.  We belong to You in life and in death, in the present and in eternity.  You have made us caretakers of Your creation.  The world and its resources are ours to use, but we belong to You and You Beloved, belong to God.  

You have claimed ownership of us through our Baptism and You have confirmed us in Your Holy Spirit through Confirmation.  Through these Sacraments You have left an indelible seal on our souls.  I am Yours my Beloved.  All Yours.

Daily Mass Readings:  Sirach 44:1, 10-15, Matthew 13:16-17

                                       Psalm 132:11, 13-14, 17-18

Sirach 44:1, 10-15

Beloved, the Old Testament is full of wise, holy, godly men.  Patriarchs, Priests, Prophets and Kings.  Their deeds are recorded in salvation history.  They had no hope of a Resurrection. The hope of eternal life was a concept that they may or may not have had - if they did it was a very, very dim vision.  They believed that after death their souls went to Sheol and all that remained of them was a memory.  No wonder the Book of Lamentations is so dismal and bleak.

Matthew 13:16-17

But You came into the world my Beloved, and you dispelled all darkness and gloom.  You ushered in the New Covenant age and You revealed the awesome love of God and His wonderful plans for us.  No more animal sacrifice, no more spilling of the blood of bulls, sheep and goats -over and over and over again as a sin offering, they had no power to take away sin and its eternal consequences.  

You showed us the way to the Father.  You revealed a love that was never known before, You opened the gates of heaven by being nailed through the Cross and through Your open side and pierced heart, You opened the gates of heaven.  We now enter into the Kingdom of God united to You as members of Your Body.   We ought to have open-mouthed wonder and awe at all that our loving Father accomplished through Your obedience to His Will.  This is why You tell us that we will be judged more strictly.  Knowing what we know, if we continue to be indifferent and lukewarm You will most certainly vomit us out.  

For those who believe Beloved, give us a fire in our hearts and a burning desire to witness to the Good News of our salvation. 

 

Psalm 132:13, 17-18

13 For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling:

17 From here a savior shall come forth, a son of David; here shall shine forever the lamp of my anointed.

18 In shame will I clothe his enemies, but upon his head a crown shall shine.”

Today as the universal Church celebrates the Feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, parents of our dearest Mama Mary.  They were chosen by God to bring forth this Mystical Rose, fairest daughter of the Father, Mother of the Son, Spouse of the Holy Spirit.  She was chosen by the Father to incarnate His Son, give Him His Body, and nourish Him with her blood while in her womb.  The same Body and Blood we receive in the Eucharist.  God sanctified her and made her a dwelling fit for God from the moment of her conception.

Happy Feast dear Sts. Joachim and Anne.  Pray for us who are parents and pray for our children.  Amen