4 Jan
Mon
Monday after Epiphany
St Elizabeth Ann Seton
1 Jn. 3:22-4:6
Ps. 2:7-8,10-11
Mt. 4:12-17,23-25
(Ps Wk II)
How To Pray With Shalom
Home Page of Shalom
Index of This Month
 

We will receive whatever we ask for if we believe in Jesus and love one another. It sounds so simple! But simple - uncomplicated - is not the same thing as easy. John's view of belief is very demanding. We must profess our faith not with words but with deeds and by our way of life. Faith means a total surrender to Jesus and a willingness to let him dwell in our heart and mind. And love is not sentimentality or warm feelings - it is a willingness to lay down our lives, comfort, and convenience for the sake of others. All of a sudden things don't sound so simple or easy! But there is a helpful tool: we can test every 'spirit' - our thoughts, words, and actions - by what Jesus stands for. Does it reflect compassion, mercy, hope, sharing, and forgiveness? If it does, it is probably from the Lord.

The ministry of Jesus is a bright light indeed for those who walk in the darkness of despair, suffering, oppression, and emptiness. His announcement of the reign or kingdom of God would have been meaningless without some sign. He provides many of those signs: healing from a variety of afflictions and the granting of hope and forgiveness. Our own proclamation of Jesus must always be accompanied by tangible signs - the kindnesses that we do for others as well as the hope and encouragement we are able to provide. Love is always shown in deeds more than words and love is the essence of our faith.



Lord, increase my faith.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That young people may learn to use modern means of social communication for their personal growth and to better prepare themselves to serve society.
Elaboration

- END -


© Copyright Shalom 2010. All rights reserved.