Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 62 The Priests of the Monastery
Mass: Ezk 24:15-24; Resp Ps (Dt 32); Mt 19:16-22

With the Lord there is mercy; in Him is plentiful redemption.

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HUMILITY OF THE HEART OF JESUS, FILL MY HEART.

PURITY OF THE HEART OF JESUS, PURIFY MY HEART.

CHARITY OF THE HEART OF JESUS, FILL MY HEART.

JESUS, I AM HERE, LOVE ME!

(Saint Teresa of Calcutta)

In today's Gospel, Jesus speaks to the young man, and to us: If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me (Mt 19:21). What is it that each one of us has to "sell" about ourselves, give up or release ourselves from in order to follow Jesus wholeheartedly? Another approach is how St Benedict puts it 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). If you hear this and your answer is, 'I do', God then directs these words to you: If you desire true and eternal life, keep your tongue free from vicious talk and your lips from all deceit; turn away from evil and do good; let peace be your quest and aim (Ps 33[34]:14-15) (RB Prol 15-17). If we happen to join the young man in the Gospel and go away sad, for we have many "possessions" (Mt 19:22), may we receive the strength and courage to "give it up for the Lord". Follow me (Lk 5:27).

It is not the wealthy who bear fruit in life, but those who build and maintain many friendships through various "riches", namely, through various gifts God has given them.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, August 17, 2020)

Today's photo: Alpine aster, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. Thank you, Catherine.

© Gertrude Feick 2020