In the morning, fill us with your love;
we shall exult and rejoice all our days.
Ps.89:14
Love in the morning gives joy through the day.
God's faithful, furious love is poured out morning by morning. This is the fuel that fills my tank, that sustains me through the day. I am reminded of my identity in God. A Beloved Son in whom God is well pleased, right where I am and not where I ought to be.
Thank you Father for your merciful love. Morning by morning new mercies I see.
But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?
Lk.9:20
All humanity is faced with this most important of all questions. We either believe what Jesus says about himself or we don't.
My response to this question has changed over the years. A fantasy... a wise man... a prophet... God.
My daily answer now reflects whatever part of his Godhead I am encountering. Who do I say Jesus is today?
Jesus, you are my hope and joy. Holy Spirit, empower me to be a conduit of hope and joy to those I meet today.
Make us know the shortness of our life
that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Ps.89:12
Life is brief so focus on what is important. Knowing what is important, there lies wisdom of heart.
And what is important? Relationships. My relationship with God. My relationship with my wife, children, grandchildren. My relationship with my friends.
These are my treasures in heaven, treasures that are eternal.
Jesus, make me know the shortness of my life, that I may gain wisdom of heart.
My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.
Lk.8:21
Hearing God's Word is not enough. It's the doing it that makes me a brother of Jesus. Being Christian is not a Lone Ranger activity. Jesus invites me into a family.
When I was on the outside looking in, this had an appeal. I was outside feeling bored. Inside was a big, fat, noisy family. They were doing stuff and doing it with joy and laughter.
Sure they made the usual mistakes families make... poor communication, a bit judgy at times, sometimes over protective and sometimes reckless. But there seemed to be something bigger that made a difference, that made them stick together, dig deeper and hammer it out.
That was the parish that embraced me, that welcomed me into the Church. Now I'm part of the big, fat, noisy family, watching for those on the outside looking bored.
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
Rich soil produces a rich harvest.
Oh to qualify for the character traits "noble and generous".
Noble:
Of high moral character.
Generous:
Free, abundant giving.
Also, free from petty thoughts; showing a noble or open mind.
Noble generosity is counter cultural, a sure sign they are God-given virtues. I have met people like this. They are great to hang around. They are also challenging, exposing my low and stingy character.
Jesus, make my soil rich. Give me a noble and generous heart towards those I meet today.
Her many sins, must have been forgiven her, or she would not have shown such great love.
Lk.7:47
Much forgiveness bears a beautiful fruit. Much love.
I am drawn to this anonymous woman. Much of her story is my story.
Occasionally I pause and reflect on my past atheism. Not with longing but with gratitude. It is good for me to remember where I have come from. This shields me from complacency and refuels my love for Jesus. It rekindles the fire of my first love.
Jesus came not to condemn me but to save me. This is good news and worth sharing... today.
Thank you Jesus for rescuing me.
‘Woman, this is your son.’ Then to the disciple he said, ‘This is your mother.’ And from that moment the disciple made a place for her in his home. Jn.19:26,27
Jesus gives the Church a mother. Have I acknowledged Mary as my mother?
Pope Francis said the following about Mary:
