Mass is the center of the Christian life. Everything else Christian – the prayers we pray, the Scripture we read, the corporal works of mercy we perform, the spiritual disciplines we practice – finds their meaning in the Mass and never apart from it.
“Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) At every Mass, God expects us to do something. God expects us to present ourselves as we are ever in need of His power, His grace. It is for each of us at Mass to make self-offerings – offering to God our labors, our joys, our sufferings,...
“God Alone” is the motto and the title of the collected writings of the popular French priest and author Saint Louis de Montfort (d. 1716). Look to Christ. Resist temptations to elicit affirmation for what you do and recognition for what you accomplish. Furthermore, don’t expect others similarly laboring for Christ to understand you. Don’t worry...
Humility is to charity what the foundation is to a building. Although the foundation is separate from the building, it is essential. The more secure the foundation, the more stable the structure. In this very way humility is the bedrock of Christian life and intentional discipleship. Sometimes God applies a severe mercy to deepen the...
Progress in the interior life leads to sharing love more generously and cheerfully. The contemplative soul becomes the ever more loving soul. When our sights are set squarely on Christ, we meet Him in all our activities.
![16th Sunday in Ordinary Time [C] July 21, 2019](https://littleflowertoledo.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/two-good-mins-2019-300x300.jpg "16th Sunday in Ordinary Time [C] July 21, 2019")
Luke 10:38-42 God’s Word spoken by Jesus always takes precedence. Mary is open to it and, thus, able to listen to it. So, too, must we first listen to God’s Word if we are to act rightly. ONLY ONE THING IS REQUIRED 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time [C] Today’s Gospel recounts the arrival of...
Luke 10:25-37 The parable of the Good Samaritan is one of Jesus’ most popular tales. Two figures who should have shown compassion ignore a pressing need while an especially unlikely character – one viewed as an enemy – takes pity on the half-dead victim, cares for him and concerns himself for him even after he...
This Sunday we will hear the short Gospel account of Jesus visiting Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42). Committed Christians experience increasing desires for solitude and generosity. Committed communities of believers – parishes – witness the same. Sadly, such can be especially difficult to find. Intentional disciples want to pray silently, to sit at the feet...
The spiritual life likens a child who comes upon a crossroad. The two diverging roads require a decision. Actually the choice remains a daily resolution, even moment to moment. One way leads the soul ever more entirely into the calm and confidence of God’s Kingdom. The other is a riotous self-referential route unable to satisfy....
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 Jesus sends His disciples out like sheep among wolves. Humanly speaking such a mission is utterly reckless. Supernaturally, however, our victory has been won by Jesus, the “Lamb that that slain.” BRINGING PEACE TO A WORLD THAT LACKS IT 14 Sunday in Ordinary Time [C] Today’s Gospel recounts Our Blessed Lord Jesus...
