gospel today

REFLECTION ON THE DAILY GOSPEL 14 JUNE 2013

/ Michael J. Cunningham / Leave a comment

What is Jesus saying to us in this seemingly straightforward message, one that sends terror through the hearts of many. At one level He tells us that our thoughts matter, what we think can lead us to good or evil, once we dwell on those thoughts we turn them from thoughts to desires, and desires eventually turn into passions that we act on.

These thoughts can be good or bad, if they are temptations, as those in the Gospel today, Jesus tells us to throw them out and get rid of them. What is in our heart is what will join or separate ourselves from God. Jesus does not make it simple, even marriage is forever, an almost alien concept in today’s secular society.

Jesus wants us to have an interior dedication to Him in our hearts that will shine through in our daily lives to all others around us. Appearing to be good is not the same as being good in our hearts. It is not enough for Him, he wants all of us.

REFLECTION ON THE DAILY GOSPEL 13 JUNE 2013

/ Michael J. Cunningham / Leave a comment

Jesus tells us that we must be compassionate in our heart when it comes to forgiveness or holding anything back. He wants us to be right with Him first, before we offer gifts or worship in His honor. If we offer praise to God but are still holding a grudge for someone, are we really worshiping God?

I believe the Gospel today tells us that the interior life, our personal relationship with God is where He wants to meet us. To truly forgive others, to make recompense when we have done wrong to others, to not judge others. This gifts from this interior life and relationship with God are immense and outlined in detailed in the work of Saints such as St. John of the Cross, or Saint Theresa of Avila.

Let us move closer to Him today, in His love.

REFLECTION ON THE FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI includes 3-line reflection

/ Michael J. Cunningham / Leave a comment

The Feast of Corpus Christi shows so much more than a reminder of His sacrifice for the benefit of our salvation. While this is obviously the critical aspect of His mission on earth, there is so much more here for us to contemplate and enrich our lives.

He takes the cup of redemption, through His sacrifice and in doing so provides us with an unlimited supply of grace for our own salvation. This is an invitational process that He makes clear in the Gospel today, when His followers are hungry and tired, He will let them rest and refresh them with their physical needs, through miraculous means if necessary. We can rely on Him.

However, now, the cup He offers us is one of Peace and Love, full to the brim with His love for us to celebrate any time we partake in the Eucharist, or just bask in His presence with the knowledge and wisdom of His being. Let us partake of his chalice willingly and as often as we can. It will enrich us in ways we cannot imagine and provides graces for our own eternal salvation.

Three line reflection

Take the Chalice of Peace and Love

Sip and savor each taste, moment and grace.

Fulfilling every imaginable desire with God’s presence.