Thursday, August 27, 2020

MEMORIAL OF ST. MONICA - 2020

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS



Stay awake! 
For you do not know when the Son of Man will come. 
MT 24:42, 44





1 CORINTHIANS 1:1-9

My Beloved, Soul of my soul,


We are reminded today, just as Paul reminded the Christian community in Corinth, that we belong to You and are made holy in You. Through Your Holy Spirit dwelling in us, we form one Body - Your Body, Your Church. We are the leaven in the world.


To us is given every grace and blessing to help us in our daily struggles to live as children of God. As one Body we receive the same Spirit, the Spirit of God. Enriched with every gift we are called to build one another and to build the Church. We are invited to encourage one another to remain steadfast in faith, joyful in hope, and untiring in love. You who are faithful will keep us united in fellowship with You and with each other as we wait for Your joyful return in glory.


PSALM 145:2-7


My Beloved, Soul of my soul,


It is important that we recount all Your blessings to us personally, often, and to recall Your blessings on the world through the ages since the dawn of creation. All created things, all that lives and breathes give You glory and honor for You are worthy of all praise and worship. 


Grant O Lord, that I never cease to praise You and thank You for creating me, for the gift of life that You have granted me, and for all the wonderful gifts You have showered on me since I first drew breath. Thank You for the highest praise that we offer our God from the rising of the sun to its setting - the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving most pleasing to the Father. Its fragrance fills the highest heavens and draws on us who celebrate and participate in this Sacrifice, every grace, and blessing that strengthens us and provides us with food for the journey from this life to the life that is to come. Thank You for becoming the Lamb of Sacrifice that takes away the sins of the world.


MATTHEW 24:42-51


My Beloved, Soul of my soul,


Today You direct us to, 'Stay awake.' It is the hardest thing in the world to remain constantly alert and on guard against the wiles of the Enemy. We become lax, we let down our defenses, we doze, we fall asleep, we become lethargic and Satan takes advantage of our weaknesses and sows weed among the wheat. This is why all holy men and women encourage us to pray constantly not only for ourselves but for others, to fast often, practice self-control, and discipline our natural instincts that often veers towards instant gratification of the senses.  


Time and time again God tries to stir us awake, jog our conscience, and invites us to reflect on eternal truths. The faithful servant will be rewarded but the wicked and unjust servant who misused his master's trust will be punished.


Grant us the grace to heed Your call to stay awake. We have been given another opportunity to use this time of the pandemic to focus on the things that matter and to use all the gifts lavished on us wisely so when You return You will judge us kindly.

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