July 7 2008
Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
By Beth DeCristofaro
I will espouse you to me forever: I will espouse you in right and in justice, in love and in mercy; I will espouse you in fidelity, and you shall know the LORD. (Hosea 2:21-22)
The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. (Psalm 145:8-9)
She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured. (Matthew 9:21-22)
Piety
Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that all my thoughts may be holy. Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.[1]
Study
http://www.usccb.org/nab/070708.shtml
These readings are bursting with joy, gratitude, wonder, hope and mercy. They reflect a small measure of the abundance which God pours out upon us; the psalm captures this in verse 3: God’s grandeur is above understanding. We don’t deserve. God gives. We don’t earn. God bestows. We don’t have rights. God bequeaths us love unsurpassed.
In the person of Jesus, we see how God wants us to be with one another – beloved children all. The woman sneaks up in fear yet hopeful of healing. Healing flowed abundantly from his very person. Jesus treats her with dignity and kindness, recognizing her humanity, her healing, and her redemption. The official’s request is also honored with compassion. Jesus does not refuse the man who, as a leader in the temple, might well be one of his detractors and tormentors. Jesus’ motivation is love, he is moved by the faith of the man.
God asks that we gift one another with mercy regardless of who deserves mercy. God asks us to bestow justice even to those who haven’t earned it from us. God wants us to bequeath love overflowing and washing clean the hurts and inadequacies of our human form. We are asked to glorify God by being good to all and compassionate in all our works. Jesus is the road, not our wants and desires. The Holy Spirit is the fuel not our ego.
Action
Is my priority healing and wholeness in my relationship with God? God wants me and you to be espoused, beloved, loved, cherished. What keeps me or you from this intimacy with God? Pray for guidance, courage, understanding and direction from the Holy Spirit today to grow into the spouse which God longs for you to become.
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