WEDNESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF EASTER APRIL 29, 2020 MEMORIAL OF ST CATHERINE OF SIENA

MASS READINGS:

Everything that the Father gives me will come to me,

and I will not reject anyone who comes to me,

because I came down from heaven not to do my own will

but the will of the one who sent me. (John 6:37-38)

REFLECTION: "I will not reject anyone who comes to me..."

Rejection is never fun. We have all been there and done it. None of us is immune to rejection (Latin JECT cast, throw out). But the Lord Our God said, "I will not reject anyone who comes to me..." He is near us whenever we pray to Him.

The persecution and rejection of the early Christians caused them to scatter throughout other areas of the Middle East. The new Christians kept up with their preaching inspite of the rejection by the Jewish people.

God's work was done through their faith in Him. He was their nourishment.They were given the grace to face their difficulties and tribulations: our God does good for those who love Him. “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” (St Catherine of Siena)

And so remember that God will not abandon us. No matter our state of life, no matter where we have been scattered, no matter how people treat us. We were ransomed by Christ with His precious blood. So said the Lord, "Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me."

Do we feel rejected when God permits sickness, failures or lack of fruits from our labors for Him? Every trial and cross can test our faith. If put to the test, do we reject God?

Read about St Catherine of Siena, virgin and Doctor of the Church--her fortitude, her perseverance and her love for God in PAPA website blog section by members https://www.papamio.org/post/catherine-of-siena-april-29-1380. May we respond to all the graces God gives us and remember God never rejects us.

God Bless You