Exodus 20:1-17 ~ Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11 ~ 1 Corinthians 1:22-2 John 2:13-25
Reflection by Sister Elyse Staab, DC
Vincentian Family Ministry
Today’s readings set a rich table for our prayer and reflection. The first reading from Exodus reminds us of God’s predilection for his chosen people by forming with them a covenant held sacred through the observance of the Commandments. The responsorial psalm reminds us that God’s law is perfect, right, rejoicing the heart, more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, asserts that the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. Finally, Jesus weighs in in John’s Gospel by dispersing the money changers from the temple, his Father’s house, because the temple was no longer producing what it was intended to produce – an intimate relationship with God as a place of prayer.
PRAYER:
God, whose mercy is infinite, please forgive our fear of the cross. We see the needs of so many and the cries of the poor but are afraid for ourselves and the price of love. Give us the courage to love without careful accounting, with our eyes only on your children and our ears turned only to your words, so that we may follow the example of Jesus regardless of what it costs, trusting that you who created us for love will complete our love with your grace.
John van Bemmel
TRY THIS TODAY:
Spend 15 minutes in quiet prayer reflecting on how you see and observe God’s laws. Are they chains and restrictions which limit you ~ or are they wings that free you for service to others?