Reflections on the Readings
October 4, 2015 - Year B
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
by Dennis S. Hankins
Unless you turn and become like children…
The Light of God's Word in our Heart
God's word is light, revealing whether the thoughts and intentions of our hearts are true, good, and beautiful. Of course, we pray that our deepest meditations are true to our participation in the divine nature. In as much as the teaching of the Lord is alive and sharper than any two-edged sword, we must accept that conversion of heart and soul and spirit is the way to all that is true and good and beautiful about Him whom we call "Father." For the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.
The living word of God measures and examines the thoughts and intentions of our hearts, teaching us to eschew what is trash and to embrace what is treasure. As God speaks to our heart, the beauty of holiness touches us so that we may contemplate the rich and merciful love of God, a truly good meditation for the heart and spirit, which can permeate even the joints and marrow of this frame of dust, which God exalts as a temple of the Holy Ghost.
So a question: do the thoughts of our heart reveal one who is growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, the everlasting King of glory? Is the special place called my heart filled with the prayer, "In my heart, be glorified."? For like David, we ought always to pray, "Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me." This is necessary so that we may think rightly about God as our Father, and ourselves as one who bears God's image; and also that we may relate to one another rightly as dear brothers and sisters in Him who has loved us. For we are a family, each one looking into the perfect law of liberty, the very mirror of God's word, understanding that we are servants who must always give an account. (Romans 14:12)
Here are some things to ponder: First, the brightness of God's word takes away the power of darkness in our lives. Secondly, the light of the word and teaching of Christ gives us the strength and the desire to have a heart that is faithful to Him, who alone has the right to reign in this place called my heart. And lastly, the discerning word of Christ shows us the way to be loyal and faithful to Him who is the way, the truth, and the life, even Jesus, who gave Himself for the life of the world.
Let us therefore live with a heart devoted and in solidarity with Christ, whose face is the face of those for whom nothing has been prepared; whose parched tongue is the tongue of the thirsty; whose life is the life of the poor, the widow, and the orphan. May we be filled with the love of God, and be cheerfully loving and merciful and kind to one and all! Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment