Well, we folks in St. Louis are going to feel the heat today with an anticipated high of 87*F. Let’s hope those who theorize that the pandemic will wilt under the heat are correct. I have to say though, the weather in St. Louis these past couple of days has been absolutely beautiful and I’ve tried to spend as much time enjoying it as my day job would allow me too. For many of us who have been working from home, and staying out of the public eye for quite some time now, it was a much welcomed gift from God to have that weather. The other day my front yard was full of both male and female Cardinals (my favorite birds for some strange reason) out basking in the beautiful weather and it was a blessing to see those beautiful creatures.
If you need some more encouragement today, take some time reflecting on our readings for today’s Mass.
Peter is in his best form converting people to God’s truth – healing a crippled man and raising another woman from the dead. The best thing is he takes no credit for anything he has done but credits God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit for his abilities. We would all be wise to do the same.
In the Gospel today, Jesus really drives home the message the He is True Food and He is True Drink. He doesn’t mince words or try and be politically correct about what He professed to all of us in yesterday’s Gospel. He isn’t worried about whether people are comfortable with His truth, as a matter of fact He knows that some people will accept His truth and others will reject it and go elsewhere. It doesn’t matter – Christ came to speak the Truth and that is what you’re going to hear from Him. We should all have the courage to do the same. This is why the Mass is so important to us as Catholics. It is there we receive God’s word – the Truth. It is there that we receive the Flesh and Blood of Jesus – the Truth – as strength for our lives. It is that Truth and our absence from it right now that brings me to the Psalm for today…
R. (12) How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me?
How shall I make a return to the LORD
for all the good he has done for me?
The cup of salvation I will take up,
and I will call upon the name of the LORD
R. How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me?
My vows to the LORD I will pay
in the presence of all his people.
Precious in the eyes of the LORD
is the death of his faithful ones.
R. How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me?
O LORD, I am your servant;
I am your servant, the son of your handmaid;
you have loosed my bonds.
To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and I will call upon the name of the LORD.
R. How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me?
How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me? I could spend hours today just thinking about that one question. I am blessed to have been able to be physically, mentally and spiritually present at our weekend Masses at St. Mary Magdalen and have the distinct honor of receiving the Body of Christ in FLESH and BLOOD each weekend. I know many of you don’t. I’ve heard or read from some people that is like death not being able to receive Christ in communion. Be strong and have faith…Precious in the eyes of the LORD is the death of his faithful ones. I strongly encourage you to participate in the “virtual” Masses celebrated online by your parish; if your parish isn’t doing these, join us at stmmchurchmass on Instagram. Our weekend Mass schedule is 4:30 PM Saturday; 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 AM on Sunday. We are all under the obligation to “Keep Holy the Sabbath”, so please, have the strength and wisdom to do this. Also, use this time to make your heart want to get back into the pews once the Church is allowed to open their doors to everyone. Again, use today’s Psalm as motivation to prepare for that wonderful occasion.
O LORD, I am your servant;
I am your servant, the son of your handmaid;
you have loosed my bonds.
To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and I will call upon the name of the LORD.
Do something great for our Lord today – prepare for that return to the Lord. Pray that you have the strength and the courage to endure through these trying times and be ready to come flying into His loving arms once those doors to Church are opened wide to accept you. Take up that Cup of Salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.
God’s will, not mine, be done.
Be not afraid; just have faith.
Jesus, I trust in You.
He must increase; I must decrease.
Lord, if You wish, You can make me clean.
But you man of God, chose righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness. Compete well for the faith.
Eternal God, in Whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion – inexhaustible, look kindly on us and increase Your mercy in us so that in difficult moments we may not despair nor become despondent but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.
St. Mary Magdalen Men of God 