MONDAY
OF THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT
Mystery of the day: Joyful
Table of the Word: I R: Leviticus 19:1-2.11-18
Resp. Psalm:
Verse before the Gospel: 2 Corinthians 6:2
Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46
Theme: Do not oppress one another.
The WORD: "I am the LORD. "You shall not oppress your neighbour or rob him. The wages of a hired servant shall not remain with you all night until the morning. You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the LORD." (Leviticus 19:13-14).
Inspiration: God's love upon humanity is beyond measure right from time immemorial. His desire to bring man closer to Himself was one of His pririoties and remains same till date (cf. Genesis 1:26).
Today, He instructed Moses what to tell us, so that we can be like Him, a recap of the great decalogue which the book of Exodus 20:1ff. has the full detail. These caveat (cf. Leviticus 19: 11ff.) given by God points toward our relationship with our neighbours. For if we don't love our neighbour whom we have seen, we can't claim in anyway love for God whom we have not seen. For it is in loving one another that our claim to have love God can be fully expressed. As St. John says:"If anyone says, I love God, but hates his brother, he is a liar." (I John 4:20)
Consequently, if we have been opportuned to be where we can help let the help flow no matter who is involved. Let no discrimination be found among us. Love one another, pay each due accordingly. As "task master" let us be considerate in our attitude towards our staff. They should not be ill-treated for our personal satisfaction.
As today's gospel pericope highlighted: the love of God can be revealed in our love for one another, for every good deeds done to others is the manifestation of our love for God. (cf. Matthew 25:31-46) This can only be possible if we allow detects and ordinances of God to moderate us as the psalmist avers (cf. Psalm 19:8.9.10.15 (R. see John 6:63c)
Finally, beloved in Christ, we have all given an ample opportunity this solemn penitential season by the Church to reflect daily on the Word, and to put this Word into action by being faithful to our Lenten observances. Let our works speak for us and not only the word that comes from our mouth. May we make every effort to match every bit of it with action, else our righteousness will be that of scribes and Pharisees. Do not oppress one another, love everyone as you love yourself. Peace be with you!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
“Love is shown more in deeds than in words.”
- St. Ignatius of Loyola
Let us pray
Enlighten our minds O! Lord, we pray, with the light of your glory, that we may see what must be done and have the strength to do what is right. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
© The ARCHIVE 19022024
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