Tuesday, May 22, 2018
TODAY'S REFLECTION - TUESDAY, 7TH WEEK - ORDINARY TIME
St. Rita of Cascia, religious
James 4:1-10/Psalm 54:7-11,23/Mark 9:30-37
DON'T BE OVER-AMBITIOUS
Beloved, St. Rita had challenges in her married life. He suitor was tempestuous and quarrelsome. He derided her piety and inflicted tremendous suffering on her by his drunken rages. St. Rita's fervent prayers, severe penance and loving visits to the poor and the sick finally touched God's heart, and he granted her husband the grace of complete conversion. St. Rita grew in holiness. She had the desire to share in Christ's agony.
St. James, in our today's first reading entreats us to re-look at our ambitions and the steps we take to achieve our ambitions. Some of us can go to the extreme, all because we want to achieve one thing or the other in life. This can make us forget about God or hate God and befriend the world. We are called upon to resist all evil tendencies, which can take us away from God.
Friends, when Jesus was soberly telling his disciples about his impending suffering and death, they were busily arguing about which of them was the greatest. For Jesus, what is important is to be humble, child-like, Christ-like, to welcome children and the needy. Some of us are seriously looking for popularity, fame, first classes, positions, places of honour, the best/most well-paid jobs, etc. One may ask, what is my reason for trying to get any of the above? What difference will any of these achievements make in my life? If I occupy the highest office on earth, will I use that to glorify God and sanctify humanity?
Let us pray for the grace not to be over-ambitious. May we not be tempted to use any dubious means to attain anything we want. May we learn to be humble and welcome the needy. BE BLESSED.
Fr. Gaa (020685323/0240308878)