A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 7:6, 12-14
Jesus said to his disciples: "Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.
"Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets.
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few."
The Gospel of the Lord Praise be to you, Our Lord, Jesus Christ!
REFLECTION: "Do not throw your pearls before swine."
Jewish law regarded swine as unclean. Wild dogs were likewise not fit for companionship as they were lice infested, dirty, unkempt and prone to be rabid.
Pearls, on the other hand, were priceless and exuded wealth and prestige. Any woman who wore them was beautiful and magnificent to behold. What do we have that is priceless, beautiful and magnificent to behold?? Not jewelry nor material wealth as from one day to another they may be stolen or lost.
God's gift to us of holiness through the Holy Spirit is priceless. We can wear the Holy Spirit, like pearls, through truth, goodness, kindness, justice , love, chastity, and compassion . We radiate this beauty by way of our speech, actions and how we treat others. Or we can return it back or throw it in with the swine by way of sinful behavior . But , oh, how could we?
God has given us so much--and all He asks is that we be spiritual and moral. That we "Do to others whatever you would have them do to you."--That we obey the 2 most important commandments, to love God above all and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Reminder, the love of God is the fuel we need to love our neighbor unconditionally--because we cannot do it on our own. As we enter the narrow gate, we will be forced to pick a road . What we choose will either move us towards love and obedience to God or it will take us away from him?
It will be tough going through the narrow gate, because we will need to get rid of all the excess baggage we carry. The handbag for women and satchel for men should carry the fruits of the Holy Spirit and the gentleness, generosity and fervor needed for showing off the gift of holiness given to us by God.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, some of us, have no clue how to make it to heaven. We think we know, and we pray we do, but , dear Lord, please don't forget us. Watch as we approach the crossroads of life , and beckon us to follow you. Shape us any way you want, place good priests in our paths and we will follow gladly your road map , knowing that we will not get lost. In Jesus name we pray. Amen
God Bless
Pray for priests
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