Priority

Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on his righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well. 
Mt.6:33

First things first. Jesus clarifies what is essential so we don't get distracted by the important.

I'm in danger of having too many priorities. The word priority was introduced in the 14th century and for 500 years it meant “the first thing”. Then in the 1940’s  the word was pluralised! (by businesses according to CS Lewis). Priority became priorities!

When I have many priorities, essentially I have none.

I need A Priority. Jesus suggests this be the Kingdom of God.

Send "priorities" back to the pit where it came from. Replace it with the priority of God's Kingdom. Suddenly life is less complex, less frantic, more peaceful and more joyful.

Saint Alban, please pray for me.

The Heart's Treasure

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Mt.6:21

From Jesus' Sermon on the Mount he reveals a profound psychological and spiritual truth: my heart will naturally follow and be consumed by whatever I value, invest in, and prioritise.

As a non-believer, I remember being puzzled watching ordinary people go into a Catholic church on a week day and a little time later come out again and walk on into their day. What did they do there and why did they do it? 

I understand now. I am one of those people. We are visiting our treasure, realigning our hearts. 

While travelling through Italy last year a day didn't go by without my wife and I calling into a church. Sometimes Mass was about to start (bonus), sometimes it was just us and Jesus (also bonus). We didn't have to venture out on a dangerous odyssey to find our treasure. He was just round the next corner.

I love being Catholic.

Forgive

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Mt.6:14,15

Forgiveness is not optional. It's essential... that is if I want to be forgiven.

Jesus first spoke of forgiveness by actually forgiving the paralytic lowered through the roof, demonstrating his divinity. He last spoke of forgiveness interceding for his murderous adversaries from the cross. Father forgive them...

It seems forgiveness is the key for me to live a life of joy and hope. 

Easy to say... but with God's help. 

Beggar to Beggar

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Mt.6:3-4

Vainglory is always waiting within me to pounce and rob charity of its power.

I'm reminded of the famous quote, originally intended to apply to evangelism but equally applicable to all works of charity, "I am simply one beggar showing another beggar where to find bread."

I am a beggar following the Beggar's Friend.

Jesus , let love of the other always animate me.

Love Your Enemies

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. 
Mt.5:44,45

Outrageously have I been loved.  I am called to love outrageously.

Loving those who have harmed me, or harmed my loved ones, seems to always require me first to forgive them. Can I do this? No. But I can will it. Then God will provide the love needed to forgive.

Corrie ten Boom’s prayer, when faced with the Ravensbrück Nazi guard asking her for forgiveness, is a good one to emulate. "Jesus, help me!"

Thank you Jesus for providing a path to escape the cold imprisonment of resentment and hate.

Peace Be With You

Let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. 
Lk.10:6

Jesus instructs the seventy-two for their first mission trip. What are their first words to be on entering a town? "Peace be with you". 

These were the first words the world heard from Pope Leo XIV. "Peace be with you." It seems these words are so powerful they cannot fail to achieve what they proclaim. Peace either falls on the hearer or rebounds back on the proclaimer. 

The world longs for peace. My world longs for peace. Let my first words today proclaim, "Peace be with you!"

Saint Anthony of Padua, please pray for me.

Rest

Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.
Mt.11:28

Jesus offers humanity what we all long for. Rest.

Out of all Sacred Scripture, on the Solemnity of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mother Church has us focus on Jesus' promise of rest. The ache in our labouring, overburdened hearts is promised relief. 

How does he do that? My laboured stress dissolves when I simply sit in His presence and soak up his love. That burning love for me consumes my tiredness, refreshes my outlook, and opens the door to peace and joy. 

This is where I simultaneously experience the ministry of both Jesus and the Holy Spirit. 

It's a cool winter's morning here in New Zealand. Time to go son-bathing at my parish church.

Jesus, I accept your offer of rest. Thank you Lord.