There is much Christian literature available and books on spirituality and reflection. And I’ve often wondered why do some people need to look outside the Catholic Church? We have a vast number of scholars, doctors, Saints, the writings of the early church fathers and yet some find it necessary to read up on the latest trend on spirituality, interpretations, reflections or some ‘scholarly’ thesis from protestant scholars or preachers? Why the need to dilute what we have richly in abundance?
Then apart from my learning, have I put my faith into practise? Is my declaration of love for my God only lip service? Do I explain or rationalise away the need to help my brethren? Those who call out to me and those whose voices cannot be heard?
O Lord my God, Your love for me is such that it fills my heart with abundance so that I may love and care for Your children my brethren. Help me clear any and all obstacles that prevent me from receiving Your love and let me never be blind to those in need. Amen
First reading
Galatians 1:6-12
Gospel
Luke 10:25-37
There was a lawyer who, to disconcert Jesus, stood up and said to him, ‘Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the Law? What do you read there?’ He replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.’ ‘You have answered right,’ said Jesus ‘do this and life is yours.’
But the man was anxious to justify himself and said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was once on his way down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of brigands; they took all he had, beat him and then made off, leaving him half dead. Now a priest happened to be travelling down the same road, but when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite who came to the place saw him, and passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan traveller who came upon him was moved with compassion when he saw him. He went up and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He then lifted him on to his own mount, carried him to the inn and looked after him. Next day, he took out two denarii and handed them to the innkeeper. “Look after him,” he said “and on my way back I will make good any extra expense you have.” Which of these three, do you think, proved himself a neighbour to the man who fell into the brigands‘ hands?’ ‘The one who took pity on him’ he replied. Jesus said to him, ‘Go, and do the same yourself.’
CatholicJules.net 