REFLECTIONS ON THE WORD – 01/27/22 (Thursday)

Mark 4:24

24 And He said to them, "Take heed what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you.

For the full readings, click here: 

https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/daily-readings

Blessed Thursday in the Third Week of Ordinary Time! We often desire, hope and expect that more people will be merciful to others, especially to the poor and needy. At the same time, it is important to know that as Christians, God is calling us to be more responsible for our own actions by showing acts of mercy for other people as well. In our gospel reading, Jesus told the people listening to Him that more will be given to them. This means that people who practice the Word of God, including those who follow the commandment of Christ to love our neighbors, will receive more. These refer to the eternal life, the gift that we receive from God, and the rewards that await us in heaven.

Since we have accepted the revelation of God and His mercy, He desired that we share His love with our neighbors. How can we do this? We can provide food and other needs for the needy that we see on the streets. At the same time, we can also make simple acts of love that is pleasing to our Lord by saying kind words to other people when they need it, instead of insults, and by being diligent in our home chores. There are many other ways we can share the love of God. Unfortunately, we can fall to the temptations of sloth or spiritual laziness in fulfilling the will of God. Some people may feel that they are tired in doing other things that there is no more time to do what God desires of us. The truth is that Jesus is calling us to persevere in performing works of mercy and following His Word because by doing so, we can find rest in Him and have the hope of reigning with Christ in His heavenly kingdom. He uses us as instruments of His mercy, so more people will be able to see His glory through our actions. 

May we find time reflecting in our prayer with God as to the reasons why it's difficult for us to follow Him. Jesus Christ is our Light, and He will enlighten us of our imperfections, so we can persevere in doing the right thing. May we always love our neighbors out of love for Jesus and His Word. When our hearts are filled with zeal and diligence in serving Him who is present in our neighbors, He will purify our hearts and make it more open for His grace. Since we have accepted the teachings of Christ, we have the duty and responsibility to be devoted to Him. If our thoughts are directed in doing His will, we can have the hope of eternal life in heaven.

Amen +

 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic