Ephesians 4:7-17, Psalm 122:1-5, Luke 13:1-9

Daily Holy Mass Readings

I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord,

but rather in his conversion that he may live. Ez 33:11

Ephesians 4:7-17, Psalm 122:1-5, Luke 13:1-9

Ephesians 4:7-17

My soul's beloved, how beautifully Paul describes the glorious destiny that is ours, Your sisters and brothers who are destined as members of Your Body, to grow in perfection, beauty, and holiness so that we are filled with Your Life.

You came down from heaven in order that You might lift us up and draw us into it. To each You have given gifts, grace without measure in order that we may fulfill the ministry that is entrusted to each of us. Our whole life is dedicated in being faithful to Your call in making You known and loved. In this way we build up Your Body which is the Church, You build her up in faith until she reaches perfection. You preserve her from false doctrine and from error  

preached by wicked and deceitful people which tickles the fancy and imagination of those who are easily swept up and tossed about by every old lie dressed up to appear as truth.

We can only live the truth in love if we are united to the Vine and receive our nourishment through the Holy Spirit who holds the Body secure to You, who are the Head. True life is only possible when we are united with You.

Psalm 122:1-5

My soul's beloved, I thank You for the Church, I thank You for her liturgies, I thank You for safeguarding truth within her. I thank You that she is truly Mother in the way that she cares for all her children, entrusted to her by You. Thank You for gathering us together to praise, glorify, exalt, and give You thanks as we gather each week on the Lord's Day, and as often as we can to celebrate the Mystery of Love on our altars as we recall the Father's unfathomable love for us in giving us His only, most beloved Son.  Thank You for the Holy Spirit who unites us in love. Thank You for our glorious destiny when time for us is no more only eternity with You.

Luke 13:1-9

My soul;s beloved, there will always be those in the world who will do horrific things just to show that they are powerful and can do as they please without accountability. The further they are from You, the greater is their belief that they can act with impunity and so they enact wicked laws that go against the divine Law and they force these unjust and wicked laws on those who walk with You in faith. They force us through these laws to take away legitimate rights.

There can be a temptation to compromise with the truth and to deceive ourselves into believing that we do not have a choice and so allow ourselves to be seduced into taking the easy way. However, You remind us in today's parable, that we are called to bear fruit always. We do not just exist and live barren lives devoid of any purpose but just sucking up, like a parasite and producing nothing worthwhile in return. If we are not careful, if we live sterile lives, just living selfishly, we will find that we will be cut down and cast into the flames that never go out.

Thank You for providing all the grace and help we need in order to live according to the values of the Gospel and bear good fruit that will last.