Cleansing Generosity

Fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside too? Instead, give alms from what you have and then indeed everything will be clean for you.
Lk.11:41

After accepting a Pharisee's invitation to a meal, Jesus rebukes him for his hypocrisy. External observance is only of value if internal life is clean. Jesus suggests almsgiving as a way to clean the interior.

People who are generous are great to be around, they are so encouraging. Giving alms is not a natural action for me. It's always a struggle. Yet, here is Jesus saying almsgiving as the way to cleanliness, a way to purify my soul. 

Jesus, help me to be generous with those I meet today that my soul may be made clean.
Saint Barnabas, please pray for me. 

For or Against

He who is not with me is against me; and he who does not gather with me scatters.
Lk.11:23

Jesus is explaining to his detractors how spiritual warfare works. He then delineates all people into two camps. Those with him and those against him.

There's no middle ground with Jesus. He doesn't give any place for the , "He was a great teacher but not God" camp.  We either work with the "finger of God" or against him. I choose to gather with Jesus.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. I place my trust in you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Come Holy Spirit

If you then, who are evil, know how to give your children what is good, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!
Lk.11:13

Jesus encourages us to be persistent in prayer, especially in our petitioning for an infilling of the Holy Spirit. God the Father is aching to give us this greatest of gifts, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit.

This is the pivotal prayer of the Alpha Course Away Day, the most ancient prayer of the Church. Come Holy Spirit.  It can be my prayer today.

Holy Spirit, come. Fill the lives of the faithful and renew the face of the earth... and Lord, start with me.

Saint Pope John 23rd, please pray for me.

 

Home

It is he, the Lord Most High, who gives each his place. In his register of peoples he writes: ‘These are her children,’ and while they dance they will sing: ‘In you all find their home".
Ps.86:5-7

The psalmist sings of the glories of Jerusalem, the City of God, the home of all God's people.

There's security and peace in knowing you have a place called home. As in the physical, so in the spiritual. No matter the trials or joys that this day may bring, I have my place in the House of God, a place where I can dance and sing.

Jesus, you are the way back home, the way to the place where I can dance and sing.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Rescued

A thousand thousand waited on him, ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. A court was held and the books were opened. I gazed into the visions of the night. And I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven, one like a son of man.
Dn.7:10,13

Daniel describes his prophetic vision of the final court of judgement in heaven. All looks bad for the accused until the defence lawyer turns up.

This is my hope. I'm dead meat until Jesus turns up. I'm guilty as accused. Jesus not only pleads for me but also has paid the price for me. I'm free to leave the courtroom. The noose has been removed from around my neck.

My response? Gratitude. I step into my day as a free man with thanksgiving and praise on my lips.

You rescued me and picked me up
A living hope of grace revealed
A life transformed in righteousness
O Lord You have rescued me
Forgiving me, You healed my heart
And set me free from sin and death
You brought me life
You've made me whole
O Lord You have rescued me

Hillsong

The Way The Truth and Life

I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.
Jn.14:6

Today's Gospel Acclamation has Jesus making a bold, provocative declaration. He is the only way to God the Father. 

Jesus is answering Thomas's question, "How can we know the way?" The answer is simple and clear. Know Jesus and know the way. Other religions may have elements of truth, Christianity has the complete truth, in fact, truth incarnate. 

This is a great incentive to hang out with Jesus to get to know him better. Today I can find him in holy scripture, in the sacraments, in other Christians, even in the beautiful spring day that is unfolding outside my window. He is there, waiting for me, wanting to show me the way, the truth and life. 

Jesus, in you I place my trust. Walk with me today and show me the way.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.

Noble and Generous

 

As for the part in the rich soil, this is people with a noble and generous heart who have heard the word and take it to themselves and yield a harvest through their perseverance.

Lk.8:15

Jesus explains the parable of the sower. Of the four types of people Jesus describes only one type bears fruit from the word of God, those with noble and generous hearts.

Noble and generous. These speak of a virtuous character into which Jesus is clearly calling us. 

Maybe each time I am tempted to sin, I could ask myself, "Is this noble or generous?" My answer determines the type of soil I am. 

Jesus, help me rich soil with a noble and generous heart today.

Saint Padre Pio, please pray for me.