MONDAY OF THE TWENTY-THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - 2021

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice,
says the Lord,
I know them and they follow me. JN 10:27

COLOSSIANS 1:24-2:3 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

We run from suffering, we flee from the cross, most of our cries to You, Lord, are frightened pleas begging You to remove the 'Cup of Suffering' from our lips and we lack the courage to complete Your own cries to Your Father with the prayer, 'Yet, not my will but yours be done." 

St. Paul was conformed to You and this is why he not only embraced his sufferings but rejoiced in them for he knew that in this world we will have suffering, there is no escaping, especially when we live as a 'sign of contradiction in the world. The world pushes and promotes a herd mentality, uniformity of opinion, and meek compliance to all that it dictates. 

But in Paul's experience, all suffering endured for the sake of the Church which is Your Body, and for the Gospel which is the Good News of our salvation, must be embraced for it is meritorious. All Paul desired to know was You and Your Cross and this is what he preached tirelessly despite every obstacle, and considered even the loss of his life as gain because he would be united with You. Although he longed to leave the world so he could be with You he carried in his heart the great burden, a burning fire that the Holy Spirit had kindled in him to spread the Gospel tirelessly in as many places as possible, to as many people as possible, so all could hear the message of life and be saved.  

Everyone in his or her life will hear the message of salvation, but not everyone will accept it. Yes, we can live in the world without becoming servants of the Truth, but as Christians, life is glorious because of our hope in You. Every cross received and endured patiently for Your sake, wells up to eternal life.  

As Christians, we are commanded to live the Good News joyously and with courage even if it means being persecuted. There is no more powerful witness to the truth than Christians who are unafraid to speak the truth in love. We grow in perfection when we come to know You, in whom all the jewels of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.

PSALM 62:6-7,9 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

It is tragic that so many of us go through life feeling afraid,
lonely, unloved, hopeless, crushed by physical, emotional, or mental suffering. 

We were created for joy and yet so many of us only experience fleeting moments of it. The key to facing and living life serenely is to become childlike. You have said unless you become like little children you cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. In times of distress, we must lean on You, rest in You, and be willing to trust You to help us face every challenge. 

Your word is true, consecrate us in the Truth.

Take refuge in God, all you people.

Trust him at all times.
Pour out your hearts before him
for God is our refuge.