Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 51 Those Sent on a Short Journey
Mass: Gn 17:3-9; Resp Ps 105; Jn 8:51-59
IF TODAY YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, HARDEN NOT YOUR HEARTS.
(Verse before the Gospel, Mass)
Today's Gospel presents the growing tension between Jesus and his adversaries. Some are sure Jesus is possessed (Jn 8:52). His teachings are difficult to accept. By the end of the text, folks are picking up stones to throw at Jesus (Jn 8:59).
We all carry stones of various shapes and sizes. They burden us; weigh us down; keep us from loving the ever merciful living and true God, and hinder us from loving one another. In a short commentary by St Francis of Paolo, entitled Putting Down Our Stones, I read this: "Put aside your hatred and animosity. Take pain to refrain from sharp words. If they escape your lips, do not be ashamed to let your lips produce the remedy, since they have caused the wounds. Pardon one another so that later on you will not remember the injury. The recollection of an injury … adds to our anger, nurtures our sin and hates what is good. It is a rusty arrow and poison for our soul. It puts all virtue to flight. It is like a worm in the mind: it confuses our speech and tears to shreds our petitions to God. It is foreign to charity: it remains planted in the soul like a nail. It is wickedness that never sleeps, sin that never fails. It is indeed a daily death."
None of us need to be carrying around any stones of hatred, animosity, anger, or sharp words these days. Loving God, grant us the grace to put them down. Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father, have mercy on us.
These days of pain and sadness are bringing many hidden problems in society to surface. We ask St Teresa of Calcutta to reawaken in us the sense of nearness to so many persons who are hidden in normal life, such as the homeless.
SAINT FRANCIS OF PAOLO,
SAINT FRANCIS OF PAOLO,
PRAY FOR US.
Today's photo: Our blue sky: a marvel.
© Gertrude Feick 2020
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