READINGS for 2012-06-20

Didache | Companion | Sabbath

DIDACHE

 

Theatrical Christian
 
“Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.” – Matthew 6:1
 
For someone who grew up with very low self-esteem, I thought self-righteousness would never be a struggle. But after years of serving God in a Charismatic community, I realized that at some point I had allowed self-righteousness to taint my soul. My prayers then would always be to thank God that I was not like others who give in to sinfulness. And as one of the leaders, I was so focused about making sure I didn’t do anything to disappoint other members. I was too concerned about making my life right with God so other members would be inspired. Everything I did was for show, not for God, but for those around me.
As we think about the ways we practice our faith, we must also question our deepest motives. If what we do is primarily done because we want other people to think that we are on the right track, when we seek to live out our faith simply to be noticed by others, then God would not be as pleased. At the end of the day, God’s opinion is the only one that matters. In demonstrating our faith, God should be our only audience. Jane Gonzales-Rauch (mgr516@gmail.com)
 
20
REFLECTION:
God’s will for us is not just to do the right thing, but to be righteous from the inside out.
 
Lord, teach us how to draw near to You with a heart that is for You and You alone. Amen.
 
St. Paulinus of Nola, pray for us.
 
COMPANION

 

1ST READING P S A L M GOSPEL
 
Elisha power-hungry? We do not know at this time. However, as we watch the ministry and life of Elisha unfold over the next few days we will see that he is hungry for power only insofar as it helps him become a better prophet or servant of God. What about us? Why are we following Jesus? Is it out of true conviction of belief or because of the power, fame and glory we think we may share in?
 
2 Kings 2:1, 6-14
1 When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, he and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 6 Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here; the Lord has sent me on to the Jordan.” “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” Elisha replied. And so the two went on together. 7 Fifty of the guild prophets followed, and when the two stopped at the Jordan, stood facing them at a distance. 8 Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up and struck the water, which divided, and both crossed over on dry ground. 9 When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask for whatever I may do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of your spirit.” 10 “You have asked something that is not easy,” Elijah replied. “Still, if you see me taken up from you, your wish will be granted; otherwise not.” 11 As they walked on conversing, a flaming chariot and flaming horses came between them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12 When Elisha saw it happen he cried out, “My father! my father! Israel’s chariots and drivers!” But when he could no longer see him, Elisha gripped his own garment and tore it in two. 13 Then he picked up Elijah’s mantle that had fallen from him, and went back and stood at the bank of the Jordan. 14 Wielding the mantle that had fallen from Elijah, Elisha struck the water in his turn and said, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” When Elisha struck the water it divided and he crossed over.
 
P S A L M
 
Psalm 31:20, 21, 24
R: Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord.
19 [20] How great is the goodness, O Lord, which you have in store for those who fear you, and which, toward those who take refuge in you, you show in the sight of the children of men. (R) 20 [21] You hide them in the shelter of your presence from the plottings of men; you screen them within your abode from the strife of tongues. (R) 23 [24] Love the Lord, all you his faithful ones! The Lord keeps those who are constant, but more than requites those who act proudly. (R)
 
GOSPEL
 
No one really likes a show-off. Yes, we may get some good laughs out of them once in a while, but we are actually repulsed by their attitude. This is the same when it comes to our relationship with God. Prayer is about communicating with God, not trumpeting our achievements. Life is about living the truth of the Gospel, not making ourselves famous and enjoying the high life.
 
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him and we will come to him.
 
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
1 Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father. 2 When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, 4 so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 5 “When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray inthe synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. 16 “When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you may not appear to be fasting, except to your Father who is hidden. And your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.”
1st READING 2nd READING
GOSPEL PSALM
TODAY’S
BLESSING
LIST
think: Life is about living the truth of the Gospel, not making ourselves famous and enjoying the high life.
 
T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________
 
_______________________________________________________
 
God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________
 
READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 2 Kings 19-22   
 
SABBATH

 

OUR MOTIVATION IS IMPORTANT
 
One of the most misunderstood aspects of the moral life is our motivation. The general assumption is that if something turns out all right in the end, then the act must have been morally good. This is a possibility but for an act to be considered truly morally good, both the object of the act and the motivation for which it is performed must be good. Technically we must also consider the circumstances of the act as well, that is, the context in which it is performed.
Today’s Gospel reminds us to be aware of our motivation when performing religious acts. The only really acceptable motivation in the act of worshipping God is to love Him and honor Him for who He is to us. To gain the approval or acclaim of others as a motivation in doing a religious act does not make the act evil in itself but it does nullify its overall goodness. Why? Because the focus of the act becomes one’s self rather than God, and therefore, it fails to please God in anyway whatsoever.
This means that we need to examine our hearts very carefully to determine why we do the things we do. In no other aspect of our life is this more important than in the practice of our religion. Too often the motivation behind going to Mass, for example, is simply to avoid committing a mortal sin. If we want the full effects of our availment and celebration of the Sacraments, we must do it out of love and worship of God. Otherwise we are providing mere lip service and they will have little or no effect in our lives.
Jesus often challenged the Pharisees and leaders of Israel to examine the motivation behind their enforcement of various laws and judged that it was lacking, to say the least. It is crucial that we avoid such a situation if we want our faith lives to be evangelistic and attractive for others to follow. Jesus was and still is an inspiration for so many simply because His life reflects His words and His practice reflects His commitments. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL
 
REFLECTION QUESTIONS: When was the last time you examined your motives for doing the religious things that you do? How can you improve them?
 
Jesus, help me to know Your love more fully so that I will be inspired to love You and others more strongly in all that I do.
 



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