secular society

REFLECTION ON THE DAILY GOSPEL AND READINGS 25 JUNE 2013

/ Michael J. Cunningham / Leave a comment

Damascus gate

The narrow gate is the entrance to the city walls of ancient walled cities. It is narrow to keep out undesirables and also to be able to decide who should enter based on their suitability. In these times someone coming in who was ill might spread disease to the population, if they seems like a thief they would not be granted entry. 

The wide open path is open to anyone in life, as as a secular society continues to redefine right and wrong, it is easier to “saunter” through life making choices that are socially acceptable, but separate us from God.

Let us pray today to be drawn towards that narrow gate that brings us closer to Him, and from the wisdom to recognize it.

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.