The Catholic Calendar for Monday, August 8, 2005
Monday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Dominic, priest and religious

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Deuteronomy 10:12-22
Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20
Matthew 17:22-27

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

In today's First Reading from Deuteronomy Moses asks the people what the Lord expects from them. It is a question we too seem to ask. Frequently however, it is not because we want to do what is most pleasing to the Lord, but what will give us a greater temporal advantage, more comfort and happiness. Is it any wonder then that we seldom get an answer from the Lord.

Like many, I have often spent more time and energy on matters of every day life then on those that determine my spiritual well being. Though it is important to make "good" life decisions, gaining eternal life (which is ultimately more important), it is not a matter of deciding what house to buy or what job offer to take, but of following exactly what God has commanded of us.

Unlike the path to worldly success, the path to eternal life has been mapped out for us, it is not a mystery or a matter of choosing things that seem mutually equal. It is far more cut and dry, a matter of life and death.

Unfortunately we can become anesthetized to what is good vs what is evil -- what promotes life or degrades it. That is why we need a vibrant prayer life and faithful participation in all that the Church teaches. Let us then listen to the words of Holy Scripture which daily and with far more accuracy than the weather forecasts or predictions of "wise" pundits, help us decide where things are at or where they are going.

"Your Word, Lord, is a lamp to my feet."

- Donna Raye Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

____________________

These meditations are also available by email subscription
©1986-2005 The Way, The Truth, The Life