"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price he agreed and sells all that he has and buys it." (Matthew 13: 45 – 46)
I am the merchant searching for the pearl of great value. Jesus is the pearl. Am I prepared to sell everything to follow Jesus?
Lord Jesus, may you equip me with a generous spirit and a courageous heart to respond to you fully.
"For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the first born among many brothers and sisters." (Romans 8: 29 – 30)
God knew me before I was born. He predestined me to be conformed to the image of Jesus. The initiative is God's. It is none of my cleverness.
Daddy, your plan for me is too lofty. I am frightened. But your word encourages me. You called me to serve your Son, Jesus. Now justify me Father according to your promise.
"Ask something of me and I will give it to you." (1 Kings 3: 5)
Father, today I will ask for this: Fill me with your Holy Spirit and through your Holy Spirit fill me with the spirit of love, holiness, wisdom and power.
"God our Father, open our eyes to see your hand at work in the splendor of creation, in the beauty of human life. Touched by your hand our world is holy. Help us to cherish the gifts that surround us, to share our blessings with our brothers and sisters and to experience the joy of life in your presence…." (Prayer on the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time)
Where do I enjoy the splendor of creation? A couple of times in a year, I go to the Hermann Park in Houston near the Texas Medical Center and enjoy some hours relishing the splendor of creation. I thank God for the gift and the opportunity. My bedroom from where I work faces the east and right across is the Early Childhood Center. I do not how many times I had gasped at watching the sun rise. I have enjoyed walks round the Early Childhood Center in the early hours of the morning and have seen early birds like myself chirping happily. From the above prayer, it is obvious that God wants us to enjoy the beauty of creation and to see His hands in it.
Where can we experience and enjoy life in the presence of God if not in the Eucharist and before the Blessed Sacrament? We thank God for the faith He has given us in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament.
"God our Father and protector, without you nothing is holy, nothing has value. Guide us to everlasting life by helping us to use wisely the blessings you have given to the world…" (Mass Prayer on the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time)
God our Father is our reliable protector. His loving and powerful providence arranges everything for us with an eye to maximum protection of all our interests. We pray confidently to our Father to teach us the wise use of all that He has blessed the world with. Not everything in the world is good for us.
Jesus Christ is the model of how to use the goods of this world. He is our model of simplicity.
"Sir, was it not good seed that you sowed in your field? If so, where does the darnel come from?" (Matthew 13: 27)
The word of God sown in our hearts is good seed. Where does the weed come from?
They come from:
Who will help us weed the garden? Jesus Christ, the farmer who sows the good seed will help us weed our garden if we ask Him. The practical tools He gives us for this job is daily examination of conscience and regular Confession.
"We shall do everything that Yahweh has said; we shall obey." (Exodus 24: 7)
Faith and obedience are keys that obey the heart of God every time.
Today, I shall hear His voice and not harden my heart. I shall do everything that Yahweh has commanded. So help me God.
