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Monday of the Thirty-Third Week in Ordinary Time

Writer's picture: PAPA MioPAPA Mio

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to show his servants what must happen soon. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who gives witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ by reporting what he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud and blessed are those who listen to this prophetic message and heed what is written in it, for the appointed time is near.

John, to the seven churches in Asia: grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne.

I heard the Lord saying to me: "To the angel of the Church in Ephesus, write this: "'The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks in the midst of the seven gold lampstands says this: "I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate the wicked; you have tested those who call themselves Apostles but are not, and discovered that they are impostors. Moreover, you have endurance and have suffered for my name, and you have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. Realize how far you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent."'"

REFLECTION:

"I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate the wicked; you have tested those who call themselves Apostles but are not, and discovered that they are impostors. Moreover, you have endurance and have suffered for my name, and you have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. Realize how far you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent."

We may actively reject and expose wicked teachings that hide behind apparent goods, such as the “pro-choice” movement. The "pro-choice movement" disguises the mass murder of millions of innocent human beings behind false compassion and respect towards women.

We may have shown endurance by carrying our cross in silence and with content. Most days we put a smile on, deny ourselves, and focus on the responsibilities of our state of life. Each of us suffers, yet we try to humbly accept it, aided by the hope of heaven.

We may stand firm while suffering rejection and isolation from society, and many times from our loved ones, whose attempts to divert us from following God go from subtle seduction to full blown bullying.

Yes, we may be doing all the right things for the Kingdom of God, but within so much “doing” we may forget to love Him, similar to a wedding feast, where the bride is concerned about everything, except her groom.

Jesus has given us his Holy Spirit, the Spirit of LOVE, to love him and to love our neighbor for the love of Him. Let’s not get so busy with public lengthy prayers like the Scribes, who Jesus has assured us will receive greater condemnation. Rather, let’s set aside private time to love him, to repose our hearts in his Sacred Heart in anticipation to our eternal union with him in heaven.

Let’s close our eyes, center ourselves in Jesus, and tell him with all of our heart “I love you”, with all of our soul “I love you”, with all of our mind “I love you”, with all of our strength “I love you”. Let’s rejoice in loving Jesus! He craves for our love, and whether we realize it or not, we desperately crave for his.

My beloved Jesus, I sorrowfully repent for not having loved you more, please do not remove your lampstand from within me, but rather make it burn brighter and stronger, so that I can love you like you deserve. Jesus, I love you and I only want to love you more and forever.

Mother of God, ora pro nobis!

Saint John the Apostle, ora pro nobis!


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