“HONEY FROM THE ROCK”
Daily Reflections
Saturday, 26th August 2017.
Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Saturday Memorial of Blessed Virgin Mary
Rut 2: 1-3, 8-11, 4: 13-17;
Ps 128: 1-5 (R) 4;
Mt 23: 1-12.
CORELATION BETWEEN WORDS AND ACTIONS!
Saturdays are traditionally dedicated to the honor of our Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary was humble beyond imagination. She is the Immaculate Conception…perfect in every way. She carried every virtue within her soul. She is the New Eve, the new Mother of all the Living. And she is honored eternally as Queen of Heaven and Earth. She had every right to exalt herself and to expect honor and respect throughout her life. But, in her humility, she claimed no such right. She allowed herself to remain hidden and even ridiculed for becoming pregnant out of wedlock. But, for all eternity, God has raised her up. She will eternally be seen as Queen and will be honored and loved by all. All her virtue will perpetually shine forth as she has been rewarded and exalted for all to see.
In contrast, the Pharisees were continually condemned by Jesus for their pride and self-righteousness. They spoke prayers to themselves, sought out places of honor, demanded the respect of others and were completely self-consumed. Jesus’ continual condemnation of them was an act of mercy on His part. It was a way of trying to break them out of their pride, helping them to see the light of truth.
The point that the Gospel reading of today makes is that there must be a correlation between our words and our actions. It is easy to say, but difficult to do, it is easy to preach but difficult to practice. Jesus condemns only the practice of the scribes and Pharisees and not their teaching.
Let us reflect, upon who we are more like. Are we more like the Pharisees who seek to exalt themselves? Or are we more like our Blessed Mother who humbled herself. Choose to imitate our Blessed Mother and God will eternally reward you, too!
Prayer: Lord, may I see the beauty and magnificence of Your mother’s soul. May I love her and honor her. And in that love and honor, may I imitate her in every way. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.
