Happy those who are persecuted
in the cause of right,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. MT 5:10
LEVITICUS 25:1,8-17 ©
My Soul's Beloved,
We are in constant need of reconciliation with You and with our sisters and brothers because of concupiscence which causes us to sin and fall frequently. This is why it is necessary for us to approach You with humble and contrite hearts so we can be forgiven and our relationship with You and with each other can be restored.
All that we have is given to us by God, our Creator, and our Father this is why we can claim nothing as our own. We are only stewards of God's gifts both spiritual and temporal and we are called to exercise a wise stewardship of these gifts and we will have to give an account on the day of our judgment.
Too often our hands are short, our fists tightly closed, our hearts hardened because we lack faith and love. We store and hoard because we are afraid that if we give we will not have enough for ourselves. But You O Lord, desire us not only to have a childlike faith and trust in You but also to be sensitive to the needs of those around us. Any wrong done to our neighbor You consider done to You, give us a healthy fear so we may receive Your Word and obey it promptly, humbly, and gladly always.
PSALM 66(67):2-3,5,7-8 ©
My Soul's Beloved,
We live in a world where greed is rampant, power and influence are sought after with zeal. Arrogance and pride are the hallmarks of those who have amassed great wealth often by cruelly crushing the poor underfoot. But we who belong to You are called to be holy and perfect just as You O Lord are holy and perfect.
We can only be fruitful, we can only experience God's favor and blessing if we live in Your Presence and are covered by Your Shadow. True joy is granted to those who walk humbly, have a holy fear of God, and keep His commandments.
The world today is a terrifying place. Division is deliberately encouraged between people fanning flames of hatred that threaten to burn and destroy the world. In these difficult times Lord, may we cling to You in faith trusting in the power of Your Word to deliver us.
The world and all that is in it is Your and You permit evil to go only so far and no further for You O Lord have triumphed. You have won the victory. Satan has been crushed and we are saved. Keep us faithful O Lord till the end.
MATTHEW 14:1-12 ©
My Soul's Beloved,
Today's Gospel reading about the beheading of John the Baptist is a perfect allegory of the times we are currently living in. Reason and common sense have fled. Fear of God is scorned, obedience to the Commandments is derided and the world demands that we condone and accept all kinds of demonic perversions. All that is good and holy is life-giving and fruitful. Evil is sterile and brings with it decay and death.
Herod arrested John, chained him, imprisoned him, and finally beheaded him because he was not afraid to name and shame the sins of Herod and Herodias. Grant us a similar courage Lord so we can stand against the current of evil that threatens to overpower the world. May we remain unafraid of those who can kill the body but can do nothing else rather may we fear God who has the power to destroy both soul and body in hell.
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