Amos 2:6-10, 13-16, Psalm 50:16-23, Matthew 8:18-22

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Amos 2:6-10, 13-16, Psalm 50:16-23, Matthew 8:18-22

Amos 2:6-10, 13-16

My soul's beloved, today we are warned that we may sin with impunity and without fear of retribution only for a while. The day of judgment will dawn and when it does nothing can save us. All the things or people in which we placed our trust will not be able to help us to withstand that day when we must stand before God and give an account of our stewardship. It is easy to get caught up with the routine of daily living and to spend all our waking hours caught up with the business of the world. Because You are patient and You stay the hand of punishment we forget that we will have to give a strict account of how we frittered away our eternal  inheritance to indulge and pander our flesh.

Psalm 50:16-23

My soul's beloved, You love us so much that You constantly warn us to wake up from our sleep and work out our salvation with fear and trembling. The hour of reckoning will come like a thief in the night without any warning. The world of hedonism in which we live today is a world that wants to erase the Author of Life, and the Word of Truth. We make false gods and worship before these idols with feet of clay. Sinners congregate with sinners and mock all that is divine, good, noble, true, and pure. Those who strive to be faithful are persecuted, pilloried, and mocked. Keep Your faithful remnant safe in Your love until the end.

Matthew 8:18-22

My soul's beloved, today we read St. Matthew's account of the teacher of the law and a disciple who wanted to follow You. The  crowd pressed around You and many who heard You were impressed by the way You spoke. You taught with authority, Your words were accompanied by powerful signs and wonders which clearly indicated that the power of God was in You and some who were taken up with all You said and did wanted to follow You. You gave the teacher of the law who was used to living  a comfortable life, a reality check telling him bluntly that if he followed You he had to be fully aware of the cost of discipleship. Those who follow You in this life must be prepared to live in poverty, to possess nothing, to face persecution and possible death for if the world treated the Master with disdain His followers can expect no less. Another disciple who wanted first to take care of his family commitments was told that once he had decided to follow You there was no turning back for there can be no half measures in our response to Your call.