The Catholic Calendar for Thursday, February 17, 2004
Thursday of the First Week of Lent
Seven Founders of the Order of Servites

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Esther C:12,14-16,23-25 or 4:17 (Esther's Prayer)
Psalm 138:1-3,7-8
Matthew 7:7-12

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"Do to others what you would have them do to you." (Matthew 7:12)

Today we use the word "love" much too loosely by applying it to all that we enjoy: people, food, art, music, entertainment -- all this world offers. In doing so, we lose not only the meaning of genuine love but also ignore its Source: God. Today's readings reveal the nature of God's love, that which we're called on to apply to all our relationships with others. A careful reading of today's Scripture reveals that God's love, in practice, means attention to others' needs, compassion, mercy, tenderness, forgiveness and generosity.

Esther appears to us as a woman of deep faith, one who appeals for God's help with assurance that He will protect the innocent from their enemy. Our psalm continues in this theme, singing God's praises, worshipping Him for His kindnesses and everlasting promise of salvation. Christ further defines His Father's love, explaining that it is extended to all, even those who have fallen into sin. We humans, who have only a vague notion of the depth of God's love for humanity, wonder why God doesn't simply crush all who bring harm into this world. They do not realize that God desires salvation for everyone and waits patiently for sinners, giving them every opportunity to respond to His goodness and turn to Him for forgiveness and healing. Every soul is precious to Him, for He brought each into "being."

The latter statement implies that whatever God permits or ordains in our lives is always directed toward awakening us to the good He offers. We may not perceive this when faced with difficult situations or people; but His hope is that adversity will serve to draw us closer to Him to seek His strength, comfort and guidance. Christ conquered this world's sin and offers us a new life, one permeated by love, joy, peace and hope. The choice is ours.

Loving Father, Help us to honor You by truly respecting each person and living in the spirit of perfect love toward them. Amen

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

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posted by joachim at 4:48 AM