RB: Ch 21 The Deans of the Monastery
Mass: Dt 30:15-20; Resp Ps 1; Lk 9:22-50
HEART OF JESUS, PIERCED FOR OUR OFFENSES,
HAVE MERCY ON US.
In today's first reading Moses presents the people with a choice. Will it be life and prosperity or death and doom? (Dt 30:15). A similar question is posed by the psalmist and presented to us by St Benedict in the Prologue of the Holy Rule: "Is there anyone here who yearns for life and desires to see good days?" (Ps 33[34]:13/RB Prol 15). Experience tells me that it takes a lot less energy to choose life, prosperity and good days rather than death and doom. Just like it takes a lot less energy "not to act in anger or nurse a grudge" (RB 4:22-23), forgive and reconcile. "Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the Lord, your God, heeding His voice, and holding fast to Him. For that will mean life for you" (Dt 30:19-20). Choosing life, though, does not come without struggles and trials. Jesus says in today's Gospel: If anyone wishes to come after me, she must deny herself and take up her cross daily and follow me (Lk 9:23). The reward? Whoever loses his life for the Lord's sake will save it (Lk 9:24).
Don't be afraid of trials. Throw yourself full force into the loving arms of Jesus and with Him you'll be able to take giant steps along the way of perfection.
(Blessed Clelia Merloni)
(Blessed Clelia Merloni)
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