People Overjoyed

When he said this, all his adversaries were covered with confusion, and all the people were overjoyed at all the wonders he worked.

Lk.13:17

Jesus has performed a miracle on the Sabbath, healing a woman of an eighteen year infirmity of body and spirit. A synagogue official accuses Jesus of breaking the Sabbath to which Jesus replies the Sabbath is the right day to release people from bondage. This causes confusion among his enemies but great joy among the people. 

Jesus' work in the lives of people brings great joy. This is as true today as it was two thousand years ago. The hallmark of a genuine work of God is joy. This is hardly surprising as people are being set free. I've seen this demonstrated through Alpha Courses we have run, convincing me it is a work of God.

We have an Alpha Course meeting tonight. I'm looking forward to the joy...

Thank you Jesus for breaking my chains of bondage, for bringing joy into my life. Help me set prisoners free by your power that joy may reign. 

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Spontaneous Forgiveness

Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive each one who is in debt to us.

Lk.11:3

The disciples ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. Jesus gives them, and us, the Lord's Prayer.

The Lord's Prayer is a favourite of Christendom and the best known by non-believers. It remains my favourite after hearing my ashiest mother make this her committal prayer to Jesus on her deathbed. At the prayer's heart is the request for forgiveness and the commitment to being a forgiver.  

Jesus knew forgiveness is an obstacle when withheld and a key when offered. It's the crucial element to an authentic Christian life. An unforgiving Christian is an oxymoron. 

It's harder to forgive when the person in need of it doesn't even ask for it. That's the situation I find myself in today. 

Jesus, you extended forgiveness to those crucifying you even though they never asked for it. Help me be a spontaneous forgiver like you and be set free. 

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Right Order

‘Martha, Martha,’ he said ‘you worry and fret about so many things, and yet few are needed, indeed only one. It is Mary who has chosen the better part; it is not to be taken from her.’

Lk.10:42

Jesus is in the home of two sisters. Martha works. Mary listens. Martha complains to Jesus about Mary not helping her but Jesus corrects Martha and defends Mary.

I remember a children's song about this event. A child asks did Martha do wrong. The answer was no, she did the right thing but at the wrong time. Serving and cleaning is to be done as if we are serving Jesus but not at the expense of sitting and listening to Jesus. This morning, to reach my prayer place, I had to walk past a full dishwasher with more dishes waiting to be loaded. The dishes will still be there when I finish. This prayer time will be gone for ever. 

When I find myself "worrying and fretting" it is time to sit and listen.

Thank you Jesus for perspective, for helping me see things in correct order. Help me today not to worry and fret.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Love My Neighbour

But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion when he saw him.

Lk.10:33

Jesus tells the Parable of the Good Samaritan in response to the question, "Who is my neighbour that I must love as myself?" The answer is simple. Any human being you encounter who has need.

Compassion is the key. Jesus is often recorded as being moved by compassion before performing a miracle. Here the Samaritan, a foreigner, recognises a fellow human being in distress and is moved by compassion for him. His compassion leads to action. His action is a sign of his love. 

Yesterday, while with grandchildren at our local shopping center, we passed a beggar sitting on the footpath, a hand scrawled note on a bit of cardboard asking for money or food. The beggar looked overweight and I labelled her a bludger. Irrespective of her circumstance, I think I missed an opportunity to love my neighbour and teach my grandchildren. 

Forgive me Lord for my natural tendency to judge and label. This is a barrier to love. Help me be a great lover like you.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

 

 

Little is Great

Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus

I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Mt.18:3

Jesus is answering the disciple's question, "Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" Calling a child he says people like this are great in the kingdom.

This statement of Jesus sets the pattern for the Church's structure... the upside down pyramid. The disciples view of greatness was that of the World. The powerful were on top. Jesus said they had to change not only their thinking but their behavior. They had to become like little children.

I have to change. I have twelve grandchildren role modelling to me what I am to become. Not childish but childlike. 

Thank you Jesus that you call me to a childlike joyfulness and simplicity. I embrace this greatness today.
Saint Therese, you mastered the lifestyle of smallness and simplicity. Please pray for me.