Daily Marriage Tip for April 20, 2012:
There is no shame in seeking help for family problems, whether it be in the form of counseling, educational programs, or support groups. (Follow the Way of Love)
Our Meager Gifts to God | ||
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Friday of the Second Week of Easter
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John 6:1-15 Introductory Prayer: I come before you, Lord, poor and unworthy. Yet you welcome me with such love. With my effort during this meditation I want to make a small return on your great kindness. Petition: Lord, help me to understand the trials you send me and to value your gift of grace. 1. The Trials of Life: The Gospel tells us that Jesus tests the disciples, watching the reaction they have to seemingly impossible situations. This test in the shortage of food may well have induced a panic. As the apostles looked out at the vast crowd, they felt totally inadequate in the face of such need. Perhaps in that sense, they passed the test. Christ wanted them to experience that human ingenuity alone could not be the foundation of the Church. No matter how smart the apostles or their successors are, the needs of the souls and the world will always vastly outstrip our human capacity. So whats the answer? Theres only one: the Lord! 2. The Insufficient Gift: While the disciples are confused, a little boy is generous. With innocence and simplicity, he walks up with his basket. With this food, the Lord will do something wonderful. Perhaps Our Lord was thinking about this boy when he said, Unless you become like a child, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. The disciples are being given a beautiful lesson in this trusting child: give everything over to Christ; it doesnt matter how little it may seem to you or others with his divine power, great things can happen with our five loaves and two fish. 3. Let Nothing Be Wasted: Its interesting that Our Lord sends out the disciples as a cleanup crew after this big meal. One insight that we can draw from this is the value of Gods grace. Even though the Lords power is infinite, we should not become complacent and view his grace as some commodity in oversupply. It is precious and should not be wasted. Yet, that would seem to be exactly what happens. We have received so many sacraments, but we are far from being saints. This speaks to us again of the marvelous patience of the Lord. Even when we dont fully appreciate the value of his gifts, he doesnt stop giving them. Conversation with Christ: Lord, I see the compassion in your eyes when you look out at the vast crowd. They are hungry, but I am poor and weak in the face of such need. Come to my aid! Give the grace I need to cooperate generously with you in the ongoing work of redemption. Resolution: I will be generous in helping others, trusting more in Gods grace than in myself. |