heart

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 DAILY GOSPEL 12 JUNE 2013

/ Michael J. Cunningham / Leave a comment

Jesus wants us not just the teach His Word and practice His commandments, but to own them internally. This means just following reading or following the Word with our acts and mission, but also with our heart. Paul talks of this ownership of being of the Spirit when we can feel the freedom that is given by opening the door of soul so the Holy Spirit can come and rest in us, this is truly how we will be able to affect the work of God. By alignment of His will and ours, with the Holy Spirit working through us each day.