“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” – John 15:11

       “I’m just an ordinary mom who has breastfed her sons, Lord. Why me?” I asked.

       “I like using the ordinary and that includes ordinary people like you. You don’t need to be big in this field to make a difference. You simply need to tell your story.”

       God said those words to me when I asked Him why He was asking me to write a book on breastfeeding. I didn’t feel qualified then to author a book on the topic. I felt that He should ask a doctor, a nurse or a licensed lactation consultant instead.

       But God reminded me that He used many ordinary people throughout the course of history. He used shepherds, fishermen, prostitutes, tax collectors, ordinary mothers and fathers. Not all of them were credible, competent or worthy based on the world’s standards. Yet, God chose to use them and send them out on a mission. God chose to qualify and enable them.

    By the grace and wisdom that God has blessed me with, Breastfeeding: A Journey Worth Taking, the book God called me to write, has already been published. I thank the Lord for turning my apprehension and fears into joy. Truly, in Him alone can our joy be complete. Tere Dumadag (teregmps@yahoo.com)

St. Rose Venerini, pray for us.

11^ST READING

Peter, the leader of the Church, called Paul and Barnabas to share about their ministry to the Gentiles. Paul wins the day with his presentation, though there seems to be a discrepancy as to whether some of the dietary restrictions, which have roots in fundamental hygiene more than anything else, remain. We can sort out differences of opinion if we remain calm and sensible. There will be many examples in the centuries to come when these conditions are not maintained and cause a rift among the people.

7 After much debate had taken place, Peter got up and said to the Apostles and presbyters, “My brothers, you are well aware that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the Gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the Holy Spirit just as he did us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts. 10 Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear? 11 On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they.” 12 The whole assembly fell silent, and they listened while Paul and Barnabas described the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them. 13 After they had fallen silent, James responded, “My brothers, listen to me. 14 Symeon has described how God first concerned himself with acquiring from among the Gentiles a people for his name. 15 The words of the prophets agree with this, as is written: 16 After this I shall return and rebuild the fallen hut of David; from its ruins I shall rebuild it and raise it up again, 17 so that the rest of humanity may seek out the Lord, even all the Gentiles on whom my name is invoked. Thus says the Lord who accomplishes these things, 18 known from of old. 19 It is my judgment, therefore, that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but tell them by letter to avoid pollution from idols, unlawful marriage, the meat of strangled animals, and blood. 21 For Moses, for generations now, has had those who proclaim him in every town, as he has been read in the synagogues every sabbath.”

R: Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all you lands. 2 Sing to the Lord; bless his name. (R) Announce his salvation, day after day. 3 Tell his glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds. (R) 10 Say among the nations: the Lord is king. He has made the world firm, not to be moved; he governs the peoples with equity. (R)

Jesus commands us to remain in His love. Love takes many forms, so we should be ready to go the extra mile with those who frustrate us, forgive those who hurt us, and work together with those who agree with us. Love will challenge us from time to time. With Jesus to help us, we will be able to persevere through them.

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

9 Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.”

think: Jesus commands us to remain in His love.

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Joshua 5-8

THE WAYS OF GOD’S LOVE

Have you ever held a newborn baby? The wonder of new life, the bundle of flesh you hold, and the eyes that make contact with you is pure love. Have you ever looked at a flower? Notice the wonder and delicacy of its shape and colors or the beauty of its intricate design? Have you ever marveled at the overwhelming splendor of a sunset, brightening the sky as the sun sets for the day? These are all images for contemplation. Whenever one is in touch with the beauty of creation, we contemplate the awesomeness of God. Just as you gaze on beauty and are caught up in it, so too God gazes on you and is overwhelmed at the beauty revealed.

         Jesus is telling us that just as the Father loved Him, so He loves us. The above examples are meant to evoke awe and wonder on the beauty  surrounding us. The same feelings evoked within you are the ways God’s love in Jesus is evoked. Jesus loves you with an everlasting, unconditional and enduring joyful love. He has experienced the love of God the Father in His life and He wants us to have the same experience. Having tasted a glimpse of that love, Jesus invites us to stay in that love. This is accomplished by keeping His commandments.

         Catherine of Siena says, “The soul is in God and God in the soul, just as the fish is in the sea and the sea in the fish.” Quite deep and profound and may take some time to digest. But God’s love surrounds us. There is never a time when He does not love us. Even if we sin through our faults and weaknesses, God’s love is still there.

         Reflect again at the love of God in your life. See how constant and faithful His love is for you. We take it for granted, but it is a free and liberating experience to get in touch with a God who loves and loves again beyond our pain, weakness and sinfulness. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

REFLECTION QUESTION: Reflect upon these words of Jesus: “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. “ What does this mean to you today?

In the morning, let me know Your love for I put my trust in You. Amen. (Psalm 143.8)