Whatever you eat, whatever you drink, whatever you do at all, do it for the glory of God. Never do anything offensive to anyone.
1Cor.10:31
Saint Paul presents a model for the lives of believers. In all things desire to glorify God.
Probably my tongue is the thing that fails in this the most. I say things I regret. I desire my words to always be edifying, building people up, to speak less and listen more.
Lord, may the words from my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing unto you.
The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed.
Mt.13:31
With the Holy Spirit involved small beginnings are assured of large outcomes.
I recall with gratitude a seed of faith planted in my life at a time when there wasn't much soil to nourish it. A Presbyterian minister would come into my primary school class room once a week to talk about things of God.
I remember nothing of what he said but I do remember what he was like. There was something authentic about him and... kindly. Even as a child I could tell he believed in what he was saying and that he lived it out.
I came from a home with no active faith life so that seed remained dormant for decades until it was fed and watered by someone else. But that is another story.
My wife and I lead children's liturgy in our parish. We focus on the Gospel reading but I'm reminded here of what is important. When I'm white hot for Jesus and excited about being Catholic, seeds are planted.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. Kindle in them the fire of your love and they shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth.
In their descendants there remains a rich inheritance born of them. Their descendants stand by the covenants and, thanks to them, so do their children’s children. Their offspring will last forever, their glory will not fade.
Eccl.44:12,13Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
For better or worse, grandparents shape the future. Scripture may be silent on Saints Joachim and Anne but it speaks volumes on their influence.
Seventeen grandchildren last count. Yep, I've got a full quiver. All of them are being raised in households practicing their Catholic faith. Yes, my wife Kate and I have had some role in this but I'm always aware that we stand on the shoulders of giants.
I can trace my faith back three generations but beyond that, not so clearly. Yet, back one hundred years, two hundred... a thousand years ago, there were brave and faith-filled souls who said yes rather than no to Jesus, resulting in the faith of my grandchildren today. I'm looking forward to meeting them to say thank you.
Saints Joachim and Anne, please pray for us.
A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not quench.
Mt.12:20
Jesus is recorded quietly healing people and setting people free, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah. While murderous plots were being formed around him, he kept his focus on his mission. Heal the sick. Set prisoners free.
Bruised reeds. Smouldering wicks. I meet them everyday. Holy Spirit, help me sooth the bruises, breath oxygen into the splutter wicks. Let your kingdom be on earth as it is in heaven.
Amen.
Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
Mt.9:13
The Pharisees distanced themselves from sinners. Jesus embraced them.
The law demands sacrifice. Love demands mercy. I blush when recalling my enthusiasm for measuring others by the law. This didn't stop until I measured myself. I then threw myself into mercy's arms and was cured of my ailment. I had learnt the meaning of mercy.
God help us, the Church, become a hospital in the field of battle dispensing truckloads of mercy. Does this mean sinners are let of the hook? Praise God yes!
