Weekly Reflection

Presence

The world is charged with the grandeur of God. (Gerard Manley Hopkins)
I dwell for a moment on the Presence of God around me,
in every part of my body,
and deep within my being.

Freedom

I ask for the grace to let go of my own concerns, to be open to what God is asking of me, and to let myself be guided by my loving Creator.

Consciousness

To be conscious about something is to be aware of it. Dear Lord help me to remember that You gave me life. Thank you for the gift of life. Teach me to slow down, to be still and enjoy the pleasures created for me. To be aware of the beauty that surrounds me. The marvel of mountains, the calmness of lakes, the fragility of a flower petal. I need to remember that all these things come from you.

The Word of God    Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard this, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners."

Some thoughts on today's scripture

• Despite being concerned with his balances and rates, Matthew was ready to hear a deeper message. How might I preserve a readiness to hear the promptings of Jesus when I am in the midst of my daily occupation?

• This passage made such an impression on Pope Francis that he has based his motto on it -”by having mercy, by choosing him” (miserando atque eligendo). Matthew, a sinner like all the rest of us, received not only mercy but a call to the heights of holiness. Each one of us has received a similar call. The only requirement is to admit that we are sinners and cooperate with God’s plan to make us holy.

Conversation

Lord, help me each day to seek your presence more and more. Fill my heart with love for you.

Conclusion

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning,
is now and ever shall be,
world without end.

Sacraments for 2021

September

An environmentally sustainable lifestyle

We pray that we all will make courageous choices for a simple and environmentally sustainable lifestyle, rejoicing in our young people who are resolutely committed to this.