Monday 8th June – Monday week 10 of the year

Reflection: Psalm 34: 2-9

OUR GREAT COMFORTER

It is quite an irony to find children living in harsh environments play in the dust, with nothing but an empty stomach and no assurance of even a small meal for the day, while some well-tended children in high-class societies grow grumpy and bitter. They seem to own everything but joy and satisfaction.  Truly, wealth is not the proper determinant of joy. The rich also cry!

We do not live in a perfect society. Our life as humans is saddled with the ups and downs of everyday living. What seems to be a need today, when gotten tomorrow does not guarantee inner tranquility and joy. The psalmist this day is pointing us to the true spring of happiness and satisfaction- “Taste and see that the Lord is good, he is happy who seeks refuge in him” (Psalm 34: 8). This has been the refreshing oasis of the faithful Pilgrims gone before us. Though they suffered persecution and trials (Acts 6: 8-15, 7: 54-60), the saint and martyrs stood in unwavering faith and serenity (Acts 5: 17-42) because of their trust in God’s abiding presence.

Dearest in Christ, are you going through some rough and trying times? Does it seem your closest friends and allies have deserted you? Let not your face be abashed, look up to God and be radiant; He is the assured help of the needy and He answers the call of distressed hearts (Acts 34: 5-6). His delays are not necessarily His denials. The testimony of Sarah (Genesis 21:2), Hanna (1 Samuel 1) and Elizabeth (Luke 1: 5-24) certainly affirms this truth. He works in manners that transcend the imagination of men – that is why HE is God! Let us renew our faith through meditation on the Word of God (Rom 10:17), therein we see the numerous great deeds of God.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, please support me in my trials this day and help me to support my neighbors in need also. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 102 –Why are we too supposed to accept suffering in our lives and thus “take up our cross” and thereby follow Jesus?

Christians should not seek suffering, but when they are confronted with unavoidable suffering, it can become meaningful for them if they unite their sufferings with the sufferings of Christ: “Christ . . . suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Pet 2:21).

HIDE A TREASURE: “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word”  2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: 2 Corinthians 1: 1-7; Psalm 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, R.9; Matthew 5: 1-12.