Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 15 The Times for Saying Alleluia
Mass: 2 Cor 9:6-11; Resp Ps 112; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18
Light shines in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just.
In his chapter on Obedience, St Benedict echoes St Paul: God loves a cheerful giver (RB 5:16/2 Cor 9:7). In the context of obedience, St Benedict tells us that our obedience "must be given gladly". Furthermore, "If a disciple obeys grudgingly and grumbles, not only aloud but also in her heart, then, even though she carries out the orders, her action will not be accepted with favor by God, who sees that she is grumbling in her heart" (RB 5:17). It is true that there are some things we prefer doing over others, whether they be household chores, tasks at work, helping our brother or sister, or attending to reading assignments. Go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your heavenly Father in secret. Your Father who sees in secret will repay you (Mt 6:6). God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work (2 Cor 9:8).
In learning to listen and to love, more important even than exterior solitude is interior silence. The Word of God became human to speak to us and to us an example of silent attentiveness. And he continues to speak, if only we are silent enough to hear him.
(Edith Scholl, OCSO)
See how hiddenly Christ prays … You too, make for yourself a hidden place within yourself, in which you can flee away from yourself and pray in secret.
(Isaac of Stella)
SAINT ROMAULD, PRAY FOR US.
Today's photo: Ocean spray (Holodiscus discolor).
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