Ordinary Time

When we read scripture, we encounter Christ in His inspired word. There is an infinite, inexhaustible character to it; it's deep. But there's also a quality in it that adapts to the person hearing or reading it. You'll be able to see what you need in it at a given time, but its contents will also grow with you as you grow in your spiritual life.

Every single one of us, as disciples of Jesus, are called to die to self; to take up our cross; and to live our lives fully and deeply, honoring God, because God is the one who has given us that life. Everything in each of our lives is entrusted to us and belongs to God; it came from God and is to be used in a way that honors God. Sit quietly with that word entrust and ponder how that fits with everything in your life.

The world thinks of wealth as ours; something we’ve earned; something we possess. But in God’s eyes, money is ultimately not a possession, but a trust. A trust is something given to me for a purpose; something for which I’m accountable. God entrusts us with wealth, but He then expects us to use it for His glory and for the welfare of His children - for our neighbor and those most in need.
Revisit this simple exercise that Fr. Dave gave us some time ago, to help us consider how well we’re putting our wealth at the service of God and neighbor. Find a quiet space, invite the light of the Holy Spirit, and then ask yourself honestly: right now, is my giving too much? Too little? Or is it just right?

Ask God for the grace to see the world as He sees it, to give you the vision to deal with the world as He would want you to do.

Genuine faith doesn’t allow us to run and hide from what’s uncomfortable or painful. This week, pay attention to anything that might be troubling, worrying, or frustrating you - especially if it’s something you’re trying to avoid, minimize, or put a wall between you and it. Ask yourself: "What might God be calling me to in this? What might He be asking me to do?" And then pray for courage and wisdom, put your hand into God’s hand, and step into it.

If we are going to listen clearly to the Word of God and let it shape our lives, that's going to dramatically affect the way we relate to the people around us and the way we accept our own foibles and weaknesses. Identify a person in your life that annoys you. Pray for their well-being, and pray for a softening in your heart, to have greater compassion and patience with yourself and those around you.

Spend time with any small piece of scripture (e.g., the Lord's Prayer, since so many of us know it by heart anyway). Read it and pray with it slowly, intentionally, allowing it to sink in and become part of you. Actively listen to the Word of God, allowing yourself to be shaped by what you hear and letting that guide your present and future actions.

There is a decision point for each of us in our faith, but we much consciously and deliberately choose to make that decision again and again, each and every day. This week, pray the Morning Offering (below) slowly and deliberately each day, pausing to specifically consider your prayers, your work, your joys, and your suffering, and be really intentional about offering all of that to God as a way of renewing your fundamental decision to follow Jesus.
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, work, joys, and suffering of this day for all the intensions of your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins and for the whole world.