WEDNESDAY OF WEEK TWENTY-TWO IN ORDINARY TIME - 2023

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

The Lord has sent me to bring the good news to the poor,
to proclaim liberty to captives. LK 4:17

COLOSSIANS 1:1-8 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

The world is becoming more and more hostile to the Good News that saves. In many countries, even those that were once Catholic and Christian it is becoming increasingly dangerous to not only proclaim You but to live lives that conform to the Gospel. The world is aware that the hedonistic lifestyle and their worship of the false gods of wealth, power, and fame are in direct contradiction to the way of truth and love that You came to teach us is the only one that leads to God and to His Kingdom.

The faithful remnant are called to be a witness to the Truth no matter what it may cost for we are the light and salt of the earth. Let not fear or timidity cause us to make compromises with the world. Sin is sin even though the world denies it and we know that sin ruptures our relationship with You. Continue to keep us safe in Your love O Lord and empower us with Your Holy Spirit so we may remain steadfast no matter the cost.

LUKE 4:38-44 ©

My Soul's Beloved,

Lean over us O Lord, and rebuke the malaise that hinders us from serving You and set us free to rise up eagerly to serve You in our neighbor. You know our weaknesses, the excuses we make to convince ourselves that we are ill-equipped to preach the Good News. We are not required to lean on our own strength but to rely on the Holy Spirit whom You have given to us. 

The world is full of broken, hurt, wounded people and we can either close our eyes so we will not see them and shut our ears so we will not hear their cries or we can do whatever we can to alleviate their suffering. Even if it is only to smile, say a kind word, and acknowledge their presence. May we never forget what You have said, 'Whatever You do to the least of these little ones, You do to Me. 

And above all, Beloved, may we always make time to withdraw from the world often, just as You did in order to rest in You and be refreshed and strengthened by You to begin anew with vigor and enthusiasm.