Wednesday, February 23, 2022

MEMORIAL OF ST. POLYCARP, BISHOP & MARTYR - 2022

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, says the Lord;
No one can come to the Father except through me. JN 14:6


JAMES 4:13-17 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

St. James reminds us bluntly that our lives are Yours - we receive all from Your bounty. It is You who give life and You who take it back so it is foolish to make plans if they are not according to Your for they are doomed to fail. It is wisdom to acquiesce to the will of God and embrace His plans in all things in obedience and humility. 

Grant O Lord, that our prayer before all our undertakings may always be, "Not as I will but as You will, my Lord." Our lives belong to You and Your plans for us are perfect because You love us. 

St. James closes with this piece of wisdom to us today, 'Everyone who knows what is the right thing to do and doesn’t do it commits a sin.' With the help of Your grace may we not yield to temptation in any way this day. 

MARK 9:38-40 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

We can be tempted like John was to look suspiciously at those who do not belong to our group we try to put You in a box and dictate who can and cannot speak of You, do good, and work miracles in the power of Your Name. We do not belong to some exclusive club that shuts out people of goodwill, people with faith from Your love and from the love of the Father. You are God and You are free to pour out the Holy Spirit and the gift of the Spirit to whomever You will and where ever You will. 

It is we who are often small, petty, ignorant, close-minded, seeking to divide rather than unite but You remind us today that You are infinitely greater than our tiny minds can comprehend. Let us learn to embrace all who have faith in You and may we work together and build on the things that unite us rather than focus on the things that divide. 

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