Deuteronomy 10:12-22; Psalm 147 Praise the lord, Jerusalem; Matthew 17:22-27
As we continue to read Moses' farewell address in the book of Deuteronomy, it is important to remember that Moses is trying to instill in their hearts and minds the beauty of what God has done for them. He is trying to get them to remember, to recall, to let the past events soak in to their hearts and minds so that as they move forward they do so with courage and fidelity.
HE does this in a large part because many of those who experienced the saving power of God were no longer with them. The generation that witness God's saving help had perished in the desert and the new generation was unschooled in God's ways.
Moses is trying to instill in these young hearts and young minds who God is and what he expects and how to live a life of honor.
This is the context of the words of Deuteronomy. Moses the great teacher is trying to pass on the knowledge and the faith, the reality of God who is alive.
Thus, we encounter these words today, "And now Israel what does the Lord, your God, ask of you but to fear the Lord, your God and follow his ways exactly, to love and serve the Lord, your God with all your heart and all your soul, to keep the commandments and statues of the Lord which I enjoin on you today for your own good? Think! The heavens, even the highest heavens, belong to the Lord, your God,a s well as the earth and everything on it. Yet in his love for your fathers the Lord was so attached to them as to choose you, their descendants, in preference to all other peoples, as indeed he has now done...."
Direct your attention to one little word in the above saying of Moses: THINK!
Think! What a novel idea. In other words, Moses invites them to let reality direct their lives. Life must be about what is real. It is an invitation to keep it real. Reality is about being chosen by God. This is where life becomes abundant.
In my previous assignment, the principal of the school had a sign on her desk. Every time anyone would sit in the desk they would be faced with this little acronym: T.H.I.N.K.
T->Is it true
H->is it helpful
I->is it inspiring
N->is it necessary
K->is it kind
The first part determines the rest. IS it true. Is it real. Only then can life begin to flourish.
This is why Moses invites the new generation to THINK!
IT is certainly not a bad place for us to start as well. When we lose sight of reality then we are lost in insanity. Moses wants them to remain sane and what is sanity but God's election and God's love.
So today, stop and THINK! Be BLessed.
St. Dominic pray for us.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Basilica of Mary Major
Deuteronomy 4:32-40; Psalm 77 I remember the deeds of the Lord; Matthew 16:24-28
Today we commemorate the dedication of Saint Mary Major, one of the four major basilicas in the Eternal City, Rome: St. Peter's, St. Paul outside the walls, St. John Lateran, and St. Mary Major (Maggiore).
This is the oldest church dedicated to the honor Mary's divine motherhood as taught at the council of Ephesus, Mary is the mother of God (Jesus is both God and man).
As the St. Cyril of Alexandria put it, In Mary, the "servant is asked to become his mother." The creature is elevated by the grace of giving birth to open from whom all things were created, Jesus himself, both human and divine.
The servant is asked to become His mother...What a thought for today. How humble is our God who lets his creatures partake in the mystery of salvation. God does not save us with out us.
IS this not what charity is about. It is greater charity to let others participate in charity, to let others also participate in giving.
Even God doesn't do things by himself. He lets his humble creatures participate so that the mystery of redemption can unfold.
How often do we want to do things by ourselves? How often have told people that we do not what someone else's charity?
But in the end , is this not what we celebrate? We have received someone else's charity. We have been allowed to share in the charity of salvation offered in Christ, not as a mere spectator but as a full participant as the Mary becomes the Blessed Mother of our Lord and Savior.
Mary when she says yes, steps in to the batters box and swings away. She fully and actively particpates in salvation history. We too are called to swing away. We cannot be spectators in the life of grace.
What honor we have received from God. Mary is the model of how to live a life of faith. This is why this Basilica is so important.
CLick here for a virtual tour of the Basilica of St. Mary Major. What a beautiful sight to behold!
In the words of Moses from today's reading, "Ask now of the days of old, before your time, ever since God created man upon the earth; ask from one end of the sky to the other: Did anything so great ever happen before? Was it ever heard of?..."
The gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary as mother of God is truly more amazing then anything that has ever gone before!
Words from Pope Benedict
"Mary's Motherhood, which began with her "fiat" in Nazareth, is fulfilled at the foot of the Cross. ALthough it is true-as St. Anselm says-that 'from the moment of her fiat Mary began to carry all of us in her womb'..."
As the mother of Christ, she is our mother also. Oh! What a beautiful mother she is!
Today we commemorate the dedication of Saint Mary Major, one of the four major basilicas in the Eternal City, Rome: St. Peter's, St. Paul outside the walls, St. John Lateran, and St. Mary Major (Maggiore).
This is the oldest church dedicated to the honor Mary's divine motherhood as taught at the council of Ephesus, Mary is the mother of God (Jesus is both God and man).
As the St. Cyril of Alexandria put it, In Mary, the "servant is asked to become his mother." The creature is elevated by the grace of giving birth to open from whom all things were created, Jesus himself, both human and divine.
The servant is asked to become His mother...What a thought for today. How humble is our God who lets his creatures partake in the mystery of salvation. God does not save us with out us.
IS this not what charity is about. It is greater charity to let others participate in charity, to let others also participate in giving.
Even God doesn't do things by himself. He lets his humble creatures participate so that the mystery of redemption can unfold.
How often do we want to do things by ourselves? How often have told people that we do not what someone else's charity?
But in the end , is this not what we celebrate? We have received someone else's charity. We have been allowed to share in the charity of salvation offered in Christ, not as a mere spectator but as a full participant as the Mary becomes the Blessed Mother of our Lord and Savior.
Mary when she says yes, steps in to the batters box and swings away. She fully and actively particpates in salvation history. We too are called to swing away. We cannot be spectators in the life of grace.
What honor we have received from God. Mary is the model of how to live a life of faith. This is why this Basilica is so important.
CLick here for a virtual tour of the Basilica of St. Mary Major. What a beautiful sight to behold!
In the words of Moses from today's reading, "Ask now of the days of old, before your time, ever since God created man upon the earth; ask from one end of the sky to the other: Did anything so great ever happen before? Was it ever heard of?..."
The gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary as mother of God is truly more amazing then anything that has ever gone before!
Words from Pope Benedict
"Mary's Motherhood, which began with her "fiat" in Nazareth, is fulfilled at the foot of the Cross. ALthough it is true-as St. Anselm says-that 'from the moment of her fiat Mary began to carry all of us in her womb'..."
As the mother of Christ, she is our mother also. Oh! What a beautiful mother she is!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Cure D'Ars
Numbers 20:1-13; Psalm 95 If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Matthew 16:13-23
Before we get to St. John Vianney, Cure D'Ars, a quick glance at Moses in the first reading.
As I remind you, over the past few weeks we have been following the ISraelites on their Journey through the desert from Egypt in hot pursuit of the promised land.
Through this journey the people have rebelled and complained and grumbled against God and Moses. It seems with every turn of the page from Exodus to Deuteronomy, there is someone group wanting to have Moses head.
Moses as been exceptional through it all. He has not lost his cool, as they say, except for today.
Moses lets the people get to him. Listen to his response after God instructs him to bring water from the rock for the Israelites and the livestock, "Listen to me you rebels!"
Moses has found his breaking point. Rather than instructing the rock to give water he strikes it twice with anger and bitterness on his heart.
Thus, God is displeased, "because you were not faithful to me in showing forth my sanctity before the children of Israel, you shall not lead this community into the land I will give them."
This place is known as the "waters of Meribah, where the children contested against the Lord and where the Lord revealed his sanctity."
Meribah means the place of quarrels. Notice that it is in this place of contention and quarreling that God chooses to reveal his sanctity.
Where are our waters of Meribah in our life. where are he springs of contention and hostility toward God and the leaders he has sent to guide us? Pause to day and invite God to reveal his sanctity in that place of dispute so that your heart might be refreshed with his living waters, his spring of life.
Also, learn from Moses. Bitterness and anger can keep us fro showing forth the sanctity of God. We must always get a grip on ourselves so that we do not grab at God's people.
***************
Today is the feast of John Vianney, the patron priest of parish priest.
John Vianney said that the life of a Christian boils down to simply praying and loving. He understood that a christian could not love if he/she did not pray. It was prayer that stretched the capacity of the human heart to love as we ought so as to fulfill our vocation in life.
St. John Vianney made a point to sanctify each hour, every hour with a simple prayer. EVery time the clock would strike a new hour, he would pause and reflect and give thanks to God who gave him more time and then he would pray, "Blessed be God, courage my soul, time is passing eternity approaches, may I live as I hope to die. BLessed be the immaculate conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of God."
Thus, he prayed on the hour, every hour and in praying his little heart became stretched to love as he ought and thus revealed the sanctity of God. May it be so with us.
John Vianney, pray for us.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
take the next step
today's readings revisted
Another look at the story of the Israelites in the desert. Here they are at the edge of the promised land. They can see it, smell it, and almost taste it.
they have experienced God's presence guiding them through the worst of times, like with the Egyptians. They know he has fought with them, in them and through them and for them.
Yet, the prospect of the "giants" that loom in the future paralyzes them.
All God expects form them is to take the next step forward. He is not askign them to tackle the "giants' immediately; he is not asking them to solve all the problems immediately.
He simply wants them to take the next step.
Yet the unknown is has afflcited them and had darkened the known reality that God is with them, they do not go alone.
This is what God expects from us. He simply wanst su to take the next step no matter the "giants" that linger head.
The unknown is. But what is known is greater. Jesus says, "I will be with you always until the end of the age."
This is what makes the woman in the gospel so faith filled and worthy of praise. Despite the hardships, despite the rejection, she keeps stepping forward.
O what faith. IS this not how we live? We live one moment at a time, one step in front of the other.
Another look at the story of the Israelites in the desert. Here they are at the edge of the promised land. They can see it, smell it, and almost taste it.
they have experienced God's presence guiding them through the worst of times, like with the Egyptians. They know he has fought with them, in them and through them and for them.
Yet, the prospect of the "giants" that loom in the future paralyzes them.
All God expects form them is to take the next step forward. He is not askign them to tackle the "giants' immediately; he is not asking them to solve all the problems immediately.
He simply wants them to take the next step.
Yet the unknown is has afflcited them and had darkened the known reality that God is with them, they do not go alone.
This is what God expects from us. He simply wanst su to take the next step no matter the "giants" that linger head.
The unknown is. But what is known is greater. Jesus says, "I will be with you always until the end of the age."
This is what makes the woman in the gospel so faith filled and worthy of praise. Despite the hardships, despite the rejection, she keeps stepping forward.
O what faith. IS this not how we live? We live one moment at a time, one step in front of the other.
scraps from God and feast of faith and heavenly treats
Numbers 13:1-35; Psalm 106 Matthew 15:21-28
Moses sends a small exhibition on a journey to reconnoiter the promised land.
They went to check things out.
When they came back they told the group what they found. tTings were both pleasing and challenging.
Caleb, was positive and faith filled. He had a strong sense that there was no challenge that could not be overcome with God's aid and strength, "We ought to go up and seize the land, for we can certainly do so."
Notice, Caleb doesn't say it was going to be easy. HE just simply noted that it could be done.
Now the others with Caleb, however, as scripture tells us, "spread discouraging reports among the children of Israel about the land they had scouted."
They not only were discouraging but it seems they exaggerated a bit as well, "it is a county that consumes its inhabitants...all the people are huge men, veritable giants..."
"At this the whole community broke out with loud cries, and even in the night the people wailed."
Perhaps we all have experienced the power of negative thoughts and discouragement. How quickly do we let others get us down! How quickly we get overwhelmed by the challenges in our life only to be left with cries and wailing!
Rather, than trusting the power of God to see us through the challenges that lie head we give up and give in. God wants us to be real and move forward. Yet, how often we trust in our own understanding rather then allowing God to lead on.
We must always check those negative vibes and discouraging words and interject a faithfulness that leads us onward.
Hear the words of JEsus to the woman in the gospel, "O Woman great is your faith!"
This is what God desires from us. We must put our faith in action and allow it to drive out the negative and discouraging forces we encounter daily in life.
Rather than give up and give in why not simply gibe it over to God and keep moving forward.
When discouraging thoughts or words come, just simply raise your eyes upward and repeat the words of the woman in the gospel, "even the the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters."
Even the scraps of God are a feast of faith are heavenly treats
Moses sends a small exhibition on a journey to reconnoiter the promised land.
They went to check things out.
When they came back they told the group what they found. tTings were both pleasing and challenging.
Caleb, was positive and faith filled. He had a strong sense that there was no challenge that could not be overcome with God's aid and strength, "We ought to go up and seize the land, for we can certainly do so."
Notice, Caleb doesn't say it was going to be easy. HE just simply noted that it could be done.
Now the others with Caleb, however, as scripture tells us, "spread discouraging reports among the children of Israel about the land they had scouted."
They not only were discouraging but it seems they exaggerated a bit as well, "it is a county that consumes its inhabitants...all the people are huge men, veritable giants..."
"At this the whole community broke out with loud cries, and even in the night the people wailed."
Perhaps we all have experienced the power of negative thoughts and discouragement. How quickly do we let others get us down! How quickly we get overwhelmed by the challenges in our life only to be left with cries and wailing!
Rather, than trusting the power of God to see us through the challenges that lie head we give up and give in. God wants us to be real and move forward. Yet, how often we trust in our own understanding rather then allowing God to lead on.
We must always check those negative vibes and discouraging words and interject a faithfulness that leads us onward.
Hear the words of JEsus to the woman in the gospel, "O Woman great is your faith!"
This is what God desires from us. We must put our faith in action and allow it to drive out the negative and discouraging forces we encounter daily in life.
Rather than give up and give in why not simply gibe it over to God and keep moving forward.
When discouraging thoughts or words come, just simply raise your eyes upward and repeat the words of the woman in the gospel, "even the the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters."
Even the scraps of God are a feast of faith are heavenly treats
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
jealous
Numbers 12:1-13; Psalm 51 BE merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned; Matthew 14:22-36
"Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses on the pretext of the marriage he had contracted with a Cushite woman. They complained, "Is it through Moses alone that the Lord speaks? Does he not speak through us also?"
Interesting to note that Moses' family became jealous of Moses. Perhaps they were upset that when Moses called the elders to share in the burden of tending and guiding the people, Miriam and Araon themselves were not included.
PErhaps they presumed because they were so close to Moses they would be the obvious choice for the job. PErhaps they were beginning to despise Moses because of the attention he was getting. It seemed they were seeking their self in love. IT seemed they were wanting to make it about them rather than about God's call.
In their jealousy, they spoke against Moses, the one God had chosen to lead his people. Speaking against Moses, the one God had chosen, was speaking against God himself who had chosen and called Moses forth.
Their issue wasn't with Moses but rather with God.
Hear the words of God as he speaks to Aaron and Miriam, "Why, then did you not fear to speak against my servant Moses?"
How often do we get caught up in complaining against the people God has chosen to lead his people? How easy is it to see the man or woman that stands before us and fail to recognize the one who called them forth?
IT happens to all of us. This reading invites us to remember that God is the one who calls. God is the one who equips.
When we speak against the person we also speak against the God who calls.
Now this is not to say we can't be critical but we must be critical in a way that builds up and encourages, thus allowing the one called to truly become empowered to lead and to guide.
Now, obviously not all people are called by God. There are some impostors out there. We must search diligently and test continually to discern the difference between who God had called and who simply chose to do their own thing. Lord, knows when it comes to "ministers" especially , every Tom, Dick, and Harry think they have the right and calling to preach and guide.
Many of whom simply got their ministerial license from the internet. Not all who say they have the calling are called. Be careful. Be discerning. Be gentle.
Examine yourself today. Check any jealous bones. Make sure your words are warm and tender to day, we may have to eat them tomorrow. Miriam and Aaron found out the hard way.
****************
Tuesday: meditation based on St. Peter Julian Eymard Eucharistic life and going before the Tabernacle to make a Holy hour
Who Is There?
He who is there is the same Jesus who in the Garden of Olives, seeing in advance each one of us, wept for our miseries and suffered for our sins. The God who carrying his Cross, thought of us, and who suffered and died for each one of us.
Why Is Jesus There?
Jesus is there that we may find him who is our help in dangers and temptations. He is there to lift us after we have fallen, to offer us his love, and the courage we need.
What Does Jesus Do In The Host?
Let us remember that for each one of us and at each moment, by his abasement Jesus in the Host offers reparation to the Divine Majesty, for the revolts of our pride by his poverty, for our want of detachment and by his privations for our impatience, our indifference, and our daily faults.
What Does Jesus In The Host Wish?
He wishes that we should go to him like the sick in Judea and show him our soul and all its miseries. That we should abandon ourselves to him, and come and purify ourselves, in the Holy Sacrifice, strengthening ourselves at the Holy Table.
Of What Does Jesus In The Host Remind Us?
He reminds us that our hearts, made for God can have no satisfaction except in him, that we shall be restless until we find him, that he is in the Tabernacle to answer to this need of our hearts, to give himself to us and to bring us peace.
What Does Jesus In The Host Teach Us?
To remember that if he chose to be despised and humiliated, it was to teach us that we are wrong when we seek, above all else, the approbation of man. That what we call honor and respect are of no value before him: all that is needful is to love and serve him.
What Does Jesus In The Host Ask Of Us?
Let us not forget that Jesus accepts the abasement of his Host, the decay of his Temples and the want of care and respect on the part of those who surround him, that we may learn to imitate him by depriving ourselves of unnecessary things, and if he desires it, to accept even the privation of things necessary.
"Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses on the pretext of the marriage he had contracted with a Cushite woman. They complained, "Is it through Moses alone that the Lord speaks? Does he not speak through us also?"
Interesting to note that Moses' family became jealous of Moses. Perhaps they were upset that when Moses called the elders to share in the burden of tending and guiding the people, Miriam and Araon themselves were not included.
PErhaps they presumed because they were so close to Moses they would be the obvious choice for the job. PErhaps they were beginning to despise Moses because of the attention he was getting. It seemed they were seeking their self in love. IT seemed they were wanting to make it about them rather than about God's call.
In their jealousy, they spoke against Moses, the one God had chosen to lead his people. Speaking against Moses, the one God had chosen, was speaking against God himself who had chosen and called Moses forth.
Their issue wasn't with Moses but rather with God.
Hear the words of God as he speaks to Aaron and Miriam, "Why, then did you not fear to speak against my servant Moses?"
How often do we get caught up in complaining against the people God has chosen to lead his people? How easy is it to see the man or woman that stands before us and fail to recognize the one who called them forth?
IT happens to all of us. This reading invites us to remember that God is the one who calls. God is the one who equips.
When we speak against the person we also speak against the God who calls.
Now this is not to say we can't be critical but we must be critical in a way that builds up and encourages, thus allowing the one called to truly become empowered to lead and to guide.
Now, obviously not all people are called by God. There are some impostors out there. We must search diligently and test continually to discern the difference between who God had called and who simply chose to do their own thing. Lord, knows when it comes to "ministers" especially , every Tom, Dick, and Harry think they have the right and calling to preach and guide.
Many of whom simply got their ministerial license from the internet. Not all who say they have the calling are called. Be careful. Be discerning. Be gentle.
Examine yourself today. Check any jealous bones. Make sure your words are warm and tender to day, we may have to eat them tomorrow. Miriam and Aaron found out the hard way.
****************
Tuesday: meditation based on St. Peter Julian Eymard Eucharistic life and going before the Tabernacle to make a Holy hour
Who Is There?
He who is there is the same Jesus who in the Garden of Olives, seeing in advance each one of us, wept for our miseries and suffered for our sins. The God who carrying his Cross, thought of us, and who suffered and died for each one of us.
Why Is Jesus There?
Jesus is there that we may find him who is our help in dangers and temptations. He is there to lift us after we have fallen, to offer us his love, and the courage we need.
What Does Jesus Do In The Host?
Let us remember that for each one of us and at each moment, by his abasement Jesus in the Host offers reparation to the Divine Majesty, for the revolts of our pride by his poverty, for our want of detachment and by his privations for our impatience, our indifference, and our daily faults.
What Does Jesus In The Host Wish?
He wishes that we should go to him like the sick in Judea and show him our soul and all its miseries. That we should abandon ourselves to him, and come and purify ourselves, in the Holy Sacrifice, strengthening ourselves at the Holy Table.
Of What Does Jesus In The Host Remind Us?
He reminds us that our hearts, made for God can have no satisfaction except in him, that we shall be restless until we find him, that he is in the Tabernacle to answer to this need of our hearts, to give himself to us and to bring us peace.
What Does Jesus In The Host Teach Us?
To remember that if he chose to be despised and humiliated, it was to teach us that we are wrong when we seek, above all else, the approbation of man. That what we call honor and respect are of no value before him: all that is needful is to love and serve him.
What Does Jesus In The Host Ask Of Us?
Let us not forget that Jesus accepts the abasement of his Host, the decay of his Temples and the want of care and respect on the part of those who surround him, that we may learn to imitate him by depriving ourselves of unnecessary things, and if he desires it, to accept even the privation of things necessary.
Monday, August 1, 2011
union of wills
Numbers 11:4-15; Ps 81 Sing with Joy to God our Help; Mt 14:22-36
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Alphonsus de Liguori.
He was born in the 17th century and lived most of his life in the 18th century. He is the founder of the Congregation of the Holy Redeemer or the Redemptorist.
His given name at birth was Alphonsus MAry Anthony John Francis Cosmas Damian Michaelangelo Gaspar Liguori. His Parents wanted to makes sure he had enough patron Saints to intercede for him. They didn't want to leave anything to chance.
Considering how children are named today, perhaps a few more patron saints thrown in the mix wouldn't be a bad idea.
St. Alphonsus spent his life seeking to conform himself to the will of God.
"Perfection is found entirely on the love of God: 'Charity is the bond of perfection and perfect love of God means the complete union of our will with God's. The principle effect of love is so to unite the wills of those who love each other as to make them will the same things."
"everything we do should be directed to this one end: to do the will of God and to do it solely for the reason that God wills it."
His advice for us is that every time we say the "Our Father" we should make a notable pause at the words "thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
This notable pause will deep our attentiveness to God will and our desire to surrender our life with more docility.
Thus, St. Alphonsus says, is the path way to saintliness.
******************************************
If you look at today's first reading from the book of numbers, once again we find the people of Israel grumbling against God. They are complaining about God gift of manna that he sent to nourish them.
The people of Israel keep living in the past and refuse to move forward. Now here is a thought for us. God's will is always right now.
Their complaining has driven Moses to the edge, the brink. Listen to his words to God as recorded in the book of numbers, "If this is the way you will deal with me, then please do me the favor of killing me at once, so that I need no longer face this distress."
Moses isn't playing around. He is definitely fed up with the bickering and bitterness and complaining. He is ready to leave it all behind.
Who of us hasn't been here a time a or two in our life?
The honesty by which most prays is refreshing. God appreciates a little honesty in our prayer. Honesty in prayer offers us a release and truly invites us to speak to God as the Father he is.
If you go to your bible and open up the book of numbers 11:16 you get the response God makes to Moses.
God doesn't scold him or berate him. He simply offers a solution and thus gives him his care and mercy.
"Assemble for me seventy of the elders and authorities among the people...I will come down and take some of your spirit that is on you and will bestow it upon them that they may share the burden of the people with you. You will then not have to bear it by yourself."
What a gift. God chooses to send others to help moses carry the load.
We don't have to carry our burden alone. What a novel idea. What a gift of grace. How beautiful!
Be good and say your prayers.
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Alphonsus de Liguori.
He was born in the 17th century and lived most of his life in the 18th century. He is the founder of the Congregation of the Holy Redeemer or the Redemptorist.
His given name at birth was Alphonsus MAry Anthony John Francis Cosmas Damian Michaelangelo Gaspar Liguori. His Parents wanted to makes sure he had enough patron Saints to intercede for him. They didn't want to leave anything to chance.
Considering how children are named today, perhaps a few more patron saints thrown in the mix wouldn't be a bad idea.
St. Alphonsus spent his life seeking to conform himself to the will of God.
"Perfection is found entirely on the love of God: 'Charity is the bond of perfection and perfect love of God means the complete union of our will with God's. The principle effect of love is so to unite the wills of those who love each other as to make them will the same things."
"everything we do should be directed to this one end: to do the will of God and to do it solely for the reason that God wills it."
His advice for us is that every time we say the "Our Father" we should make a notable pause at the words "thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
This notable pause will deep our attentiveness to God will and our desire to surrender our life with more docility.
Thus, St. Alphonsus says, is the path way to saintliness.
******************************************
If you look at today's first reading from the book of numbers, once again we find the people of Israel grumbling against God. They are complaining about God gift of manna that he sent to nourish them.
The people of Israel keep living in the past and refuse to move forward. Now here is a thought for us. God's will is always right now.
Their complaining has driven Moses to the edge, the brink. Listen to his words to God as recorded in the book of numbers, "If this is the way you will deal with me, then please do me the favor of killing me at once, so that I need no longer face this distress."
Moses isn't playing around. He is definitely fed up with the bickering and bitterness and complaining. He is ready to leave it all behind.
Who of us hasn't been here a time a or two in our life?
The honesty by which most prays is refreshing. God appreciates a little honesty in our prayer. Honesty in prayer offers us a release and truly invites us to speak to God as the Father he is.
If you go to your bible and open up the book of numbers 11:16 you get the response God makes to Moses.
God doesn't scold him or berate him. He simply offers a solution and thus gives him his care and mercy.
"Assemble for me seventy of the elders and authorities among the people...I will come down and take some of your spirit that is on you and will bestow it upon them that they may share the burden of the people with you. You will then not have to bear it by yourself."
What a gift. God chooses to send others to help moses carry the load.
We don't have to carry our burden alone. What a novel idea. What a gift of grace. How beautiful!
Be good and say your prayers.
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