Devotion
Leprosy was and is a terrible condition. In ancient times a person with any open sore was suspected of having leprosy and had to remain outside the camp – trying to survive as best he or she could, avoiding other people. In order to be able to rejoin the community, a person whose sores had healed needed to show him/herself to the priest as proof of the healing. After Jesus heals the leper he tells him to go show himself to the priest so that he may be able to rejoin the community. He also tells him not to tell others how he was healed – an impossible task for the man who can't wait to spread the news St. Paul tells us that everything he does is for the spread of the gospel and for the glory of God – not himself. Here is where he is imitating Jesus, by giving credit to the Father. It can be easy for someone who has been gifted by God with beauty, intelligence, success, educational opportunities, wealth, athletic ability, etc. to take credit for his or her achievements. However, these are gifts given by God and we are given gifts so that we may use them to build up the kingdom, not to build up ourselves. As imitators of Christ, we are called to use the gifts we have been given wisely and with gratitude. As St. Paul says, do everything for the glory of God, and not for our own benefit, but so that others will be led to Christ by our example and thereby know the joy of salvation.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we have received so much from you, so many gifts and blessings. Let us use these gifts to proclaim the Good News in joy to all we meet. Amen.
Devotion
The Gift of Faith
Frances Taylor
This passage points out that faith is a gift. "No one can come to me unless the Father draw him." Faith comes from God. It is not something we do for ourselves. God plants the seed, Jesus provides all we need to let that seed develop and grow, what we need to do is use the nutrients that Jesus has provided and nurture the seed within us until it becomes a full grown plant and flowers. You see that there are two parts here. It is not enough that we have heard from the Father, it is necessary to have learned from him as well and have then turned to Jesus. Jesus is speaking here to a group of people who are having problems accepting him, and in some ways are excusing those who cannot believe. He has even asked them if his teaching had shaken their faith. Sometimes, our faith can be shaken, and like the disciples we must decide. Once the decision is made, we have further responsibilities because Jesus expects this faith that has flowered within us to ...
Morning Prayer
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Inspiration
How much has been written about the meaning of love? Paul explains what love is in this passage: not just a word, not just a feeling, an ACTION. All of the good deeds and actions that he explains are nothing without love behind them. If your actions are done out of selfishness rather than with love, you will gain nothing. Think about this the next time you do something really good for someone: was there truly love behind it?
Prayer
My heart overflows with love for you, perfect and wondrous God. I feel blessed ...
