Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 58:17-29
Mass: Dt 10:12-22; Resp Ps 147; Mt 17:22-27
Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.
In today's Gospel, Jesus predicts His Passion for the second time. The disciples still don't understand; now they are overwhelmed with grief. It would not be much different for us. We have times when we are overwhelmed with grief or simply overwhelmed with the pressures and demands of daily life. The demands placed upon us at work are too much; we continue to struggle with a daily physical pain; a friend is diagnosed with a terminal illness; a loved one has died; we feel ourselves unworthy of God's unconditional love for us. You may, as did I, find the following passage from Jane Frances de Chantal comforting:
No matter what happens, be patient and gentle with yourself. Once in a while, if you feel particularly weak, without courage, without confidence, force yourself to make affirmations which are the opposite of your feelings. Say with conviction: "My Savior, my all, despite my feelings of misery and distrust, I place all my confidence in you; you are strength for the weak, refuge for the miserable, wealth for the poor; you are indeed my Savior who always loved sinners." But, dearest, say these or similar words resolutely, without self-pity or tears; then turn your attention to something else. The Almighty will never let you slip from his arms, for he holds you firmly. Don't you see how very gently he comes to your rescue?
(Saint Jane Frances de Chantal)
SAINT JANE FRANCES DE CHANTAL, PRAY FOR US.
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