Meditation is an ideal way to pray. Using God's word (Lectio Divina) allows me to hear, listen and reflect on what the Lord wants to say to me - to one of his disciples - just like He did two thousand years ago.
The best time to reflect is at the beginning of the day and for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
Prior to going to sleep, read the Mass readings for the next day and then, in the morning, reflect on the Meditation offered on this website.
I hope these daily meditations allow you to know, love and imitate the Lord in a more meaningful way.
God bless you!


Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Mt 23:27-32 Whitewashed Tombs

Matthew 23:27-32 Whitewashed Tombs!

(Click here for reading)

Who am I? What do I think about throughout the day? What driving force is behind my actions? What do I do throughout the day? How am I living my life?

Today, before you do anything; before you read any further, please sit down and write down the answers to these questions. It might take longer than a half hour, but it is well worth it. You might not like what you see. You might not like what you have become. But it is precisely for this reason that you should do it. I am very confident that if you take this exercise seriously, you might be on the verge of re-creating your life!

Shun any brother who walks in a disorderly way.

We have become cowards in many ways. We have complicated our relationships and made them all the more superficial because no one likes to call anything by its proper name. The result not only harms individuals, but can nearly destroy institutions. In the name of “charity” we turn a blind eye or refuse to speak out against injustices, wrongful behavior, scandalous actions and/or deceitful omissions! This is not something new, but we have definitely taken it to new heights in our bestial culture and in the name of “tolerance” and “freedom.” St. Paul forcefully – magisterially – instructs his brothers and sisters, “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother [or sister] who walks in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition they received.” In the name of tolerance we have sinned. In the name of freedom we have become enslaved to the whims and cycles of the latest and greatest theories and formulas for living a better life. We have suffered, but more, our children have suffered beyond imagining: self-mutilation, eating disorders, nervous disorders, panic attacks, suicides, school massacres, etc. Our homes are beautiful on the outside (and inside), but the families that live within those walls suffer, and suffer gravely. From a loneliness that creates fear to a depression that paralyzes the soul, the American family is in need of a Savior!


“Time and time again we broke your covenant, but you did not abandon us. Instead, through your Son, Jesus our Lord, you bound yourself even more closely to the human family by a bond that can never be broken…When we were lost and could not find our way, you loved us more than ever.”

- Eucharistic Prayer for Reconciliation I


“Blessed are those who fear the Lord”

Aren’t we supposed to love the Lord? Yes. Just like our parents. But if I cannot act out of love for the Lord, I may do it out of fear for him. Just like our parents. Fear is the beginning of wisdom, but only the beginning. We are called to graduate from Kindergarten. If we do, if we are willing to grow, if we are willing to walk away from a life of misdeeds and mishaps; if I am willing to walk in the light and shine like the Son, then I must embrace the Cross. The blood of Christ washes clean my outer garments and cleanses my soul from all stains! After his powerful exortation, St. Paul gives the best advice possible: “May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you."

2 comments:

  1. "Aren’t we supposed to love the Lord? Yes. Just like our parents. But if I cannot act out of love for the Lord, I may do it out of fear for him. Just like our parents. Fear is the beginning of wisdom, but only the beginning."

    I once, not so long ago told a holy priest that I was going to mass and adoration daily out of fear. His response was, "He'll take whatever He can get...".

    That was the beginning of a WHIRLWIND of spiritual growth that has zoomed me back and forth across the galaxy in a very short time! No, REALLY! I am living proof that fear has it’s place and the ability to kick start you into full throttle! HOLD ON!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. "In the name of “charity” we turn a blind eye or refuse to speak out against injustices, wrongful behavior, scandalous actions and/or deceitful omissions! ... In the name of tolerance we have sinned. In the name of freedom we have become enslaved to the whims and cycles of the latest and greatest theories and formulas for living a better life."

    I LOVE the way you speak Truth with courage, boldness and power and yet still come off loving and merciful. (I gotta learn how to do that!)

    Really Father, we are so blessed to have a real man like you, who is a God pleaser instead of a people pleaser, to lead us in the ways of righteousness. I appreciate your willingness to speak the Truth without compromise and excuses. Especially when it’s not so popular!

    I’m quite sure you have plenty of opposition. You have to. You are surely on the devil’s short list!

    I will keep praying for you and for more men like you to rise up and take their place in the ranks of the Holy Priesthood!

    ReplyDelete

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