Wednesday, July 16, 2014

To the Childlike

Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time 

For he says: “By my own power I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I am shrewd. I have moved the boundaries of peoples, their treasures I have pillaged, and, like a giant, I have put down the enthroned. My hand has seized like a nest the riches of nations; As one takes eggs left alone, so I took in all the earth; No one fluttered a wing, or opened a mouth, or chirped!” Isaiah 10:13-14 

“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.” Matthew 11:25 

Piety 
He has mercy on those who fear Him In every generation. 
He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit. 
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, And has lifted up the lowly. 
 He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. 
(From the Canticle of Mary) 

Study 
Inequality between those with power and property and those who have less or none is an ongoing concern voiced by the prophet Isaiah. The “good news” proclaimed by St. Matthew echoes a similar theme about revealing knowledge to those who are not learned. 

 Jesus did not spend his time on earth amassing a large fortune, a powerful army, an academic degree nor a great estate. All he had when he was born was all he had the day he died. Yet he left behind a legacy of much love for the poor, the orphaned, the sick, and the powerless. He counted himself among those. 

Action 
At a time when our minds turn to vacation, it helps to always recall those who have no time for vacation.  In solidarity for their needs, today, let's spare a thought and a prayer for our brothers and sisters in the Philippines, many of whose lives have been affected by Typhoon Glenda. 

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/07/16/14/typhoon-glenda-leaves-kills-least-13 

Work through your preferred international relief and development organization such as CRS or World Vision to speed help to those affected.

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