June 16, 2011
Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts may be corrupted from a sincere (and pure) commitment to Christ. For if someone comes and preaches another Jesus than the one we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it well enough. 2 Corinthians 11:3-4
In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:7-8
Piety
Our Father, Who art in heaven
Hallowed be Thy Name;
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Study
What is Truth? As Paul tries to preach to the people in Corinth, he fears that they will continue to be swayed by false prophets spouting "truth" that deceives.
If only St. Paul was here in Fairfax or Arlington or Washington, today! Such false prophets would he encounter. Our lives today are filled with false prophets appealing to us at every turn to put aside selfless ways and consider only our own personal wants and needs, not those of our neighbor or our community.
They would like to make us think we need that top shelf brand, luxury car, fancy watch or the latest iPad/tablet/laptop/digital camera/etc. Everything today is about branding and building an affinity with your social and business network. The group (network) sways us to what we like or do not like.
Jesus knows better. Through Him, the Father knows what we need before we ask. He knows we need the love that only He can provide. He knows we need the support of our community. He knows that we need to be continually nourished on our journey with the food we share communally. We may THINK that we need that latest Blu-Ray player. He knows better and offers his sacrifice daily for our sake.
Action
As the distractions of summer begin to invade our lives, remember to make room in your summer plans for receiving (from the Father) and returning his gifts to the community where you live and work and play.
As you plan your summer vacation, make sure you look up the nearest church. Also, consider working in some volunteer activities in your home town as well as where ever you make your "temporary" summer home.
