Monday of the First Week of Lent
Mystery of the day: Joyful
Table of the Word
RI: Leviticus 19:1-2.11-18
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 19:8.9.10.15 (R. see John 6:63c)
Verse before the Gospel: 2 Corinthians 6:2
Gospel: Matthew 25:31- 46
Theme: Do not oppress one another.
Refection: "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).
God's love upon humanity has been beyond measure right from time immemorial. His desire to bring man closer to Himself was one of His priorities 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 point towards our relationship with our neighbours. Obviously, if we don't love our neighbour whom we have seen, we can't claim in any way that we love God whom we have never seen. For it is in loving one another that our claim to have love God can be fully expressed.
Consequently, if we have been opportune to be where we can help let the help flow no matter who is involved. Let no discrimination not found among us. Love one another, pay each due accordingly.
Finally, beloved in Christ, we have all given ample opportunities this solemn season by the Church to reflect daily on the Word, and put this Word into action by being faithful to our Lenten observances. Let our works speak for us and not the word that comes from our mouth. Match every bit of it with action; else our righteousness is that of scribes and Pharisees. Love one another beyond the wall. Peace be with you!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
“We can appease God by following the instructions which he Himself has given us: God is satisfied by our deeds; we are cleansed from our sins by the merits of mercy”
- St. Cyprian of Carthage
No comments:
Post a Comment