ATTACHMENT TO GOD OR TO THINGS? - 9/26/22 (Monday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time)

Luke 9:49-50

Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092622.cfm

Blessed Monday! God has always been gracious and merciful to us. Because of His infinite goodness, He has given us numerous blessings for us to grow closer to Him. We may praise Him and give thanks to Him while persevering in holiness. But, what if we no longer receive material or financial blessings from Him? Or, what if other people seem to have the same, or even more, blessings compared to us? Will we remain faithful to God? In the gospel reading, the disciples tried to rebuke other people who were helping in casting out demons because the disciples thought that they were not with them. Why did they react this way? 

Although there may be many reasons why they acted like that, one is because of their pride. Prior to this, the disciples were arguing with themselves who's the greatest. But, to even argue with one another is a sign of pride, the sin that is contrary to the virtue of humility. As such, when they saw others whom the Lord granted gifts to perform exorcism, they were affected even though there's no reason to rebuke them because they were doing God's will. Although the disciples were close to our Lord, they looked at the gifts that Jesus gave to them as something to boast of themselves, and they treated other people as competitors. We may not see that we act like the disciples as well. It is good to give thanks to our Lord for the blessings, but when we experience suffering, we may complain about it instead of recognizing that this is the means by which God desires us to be holy and humble. When we see the finances of other people, we may be envious or we may even be angry at them and tell lies about them. This is why Jesus is constantly reminding us that a humble person will see the goodness of God, not just toward himself, but also towards other people. 

Our life is not a competition among people, but it's a cooperation to do Gods will and help in the establishment of the Kingdom of God here on earth. If we are unable to follow God every time we become frustrated with others, this may be a sign that we are not fully united or attached to God. Instead, we have attachments to many things in the world and even to the blessings instead of being attached to the God who gives such blessings. Due to our weakness and pride, it may be difficult to submit to God's will and to love our neighbors. But, this difficulty shows us the necessity for us to be humble and beg for help and forgiveness from our Lord. Jesus is always near us, and He dwells within us. He will always listen to us, especially to those who ask help from Him. Let's not hurry or speak fast when we pray, but let's be aware of the presence of God who loves us always as we talk to Him. May we come to our Lord in prayer immediately, especially when we are tempted to fall to the sin of pride. May we flee from the temptations and worldly attachments. True greatness is found in child-like humility. 

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

Amazing Testimony on Rosary:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=FFyRwJBExMk

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/