“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”
Thursday, 9th June 2016,
Tenth Week of Ordinary Time
1Kgs 18:41-46;
Ps 64:10-13;
Mt 5:20-26
FORGIVE FROM YOUR HEART!
Sin just doesn’t happen; it first grows like a seed in one’s heart. Unless it is mastered by God’s grace, it grows like a weed and chokes the life out of us. Jesus points to the heart as the seat of desire, choice and intention. Unless our evil desires are uprooted the heart will be poisoned to be a slave to passion. Jesus illustrates this point with the example of the commandment to not kill. Murder first starts as the seed of forbidden anger that grows until it springs into words and actions against one’s brother. This is a selfish anger that broods and is long-lived, that nurses a grudge and keeps wrath warm and refuses to die. Therefore, Jesus warns us to root out this anger by receiving his grace. What is the antidote to overcome such anger and rage? Embrace mercy, forbearance and kindness which will spring up from a heart full of mercy and compassion.
Prayer: Lord Jesus my heart is cold. Make it warm, compassionate and forgiving towards all, even those who do me harm. May I only think and say what is pleasing to You and be of kind service to all I meet. Amen.
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