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Meditation: Micah 6:1-4, 6-8

Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, Priest and Doctor of the Church

You have been told … what is good, and what the Lord requires of you. (Micah 6:8)

Through the prophet Micah, God let it be known that he had a bone to pick with his people. The situation was so serious that he called on the mountains and the foundations of the earth as witnesses. “O my people, what have I done to you, or how have I wearied you? Answer me!” (Micah 6:3). God was distressed by the way his people were clinging to the rituals and sacrifices of the Law, but still ignored the cry of the poor and needy.

Perhaps some of the people were puzzled by God’s accusation of negligence—“We’ve been offering God his sacrifices, haven’t we? What more does he want?” But Micah explained that God wasn’t mainly interested in sacrifices. He wanted them to demonstrate their love by living justly, kindly, and humbly (Micah 6:8).

Justice, kindness, humility—that doesn’t sound so difficult, does it? Try it for a little while. Tell yourself that from this moment on, you will respond to each situation today in a just, kind, and humble manner. It’s not so easy after all, is it?

Here’s the good news: God never intended for you to do all this by your own strength. From the moment he breathed life into you, he has wanted to give you his Spirit and the grace you need to say yes to him. Now, because of Jesus’ victory on the cross, the Holy Spirit has been poured out on all who believe and are baptized. This Spirit is not just a reserve tank that we switch on when we reach the end of our resources. No, he is meant to be the source of all our efforts at justice, mercy, and love.

Choose one challenging situation today, and ask the Spirit to guide you toward the right choice or to help you speak the right words. Let him show you the path of justice and godliness. He won’t necessarily take away the challenge, but he will help you be more peaceful and spiritually alert. Remember, God wants your heart, not just your sacrifices.

“Lord, I don’t want to try to serve you on my own power. I need your Spirit. Give me power and wisdom so that I can walk in justice, kindness, and humility.”

Psalm 50:5-6, 8-9, 16-17, 21, 23; Matthew 12:38-42

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All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 4

<< Monday, July 21, 2014 >>

St. Lawrence of Brindisi

Micah 6:1-4, 6-8
View Readings

Psalm 50:5-6, 8-9, 16-17, 21, 23

Matthew 12:38-42
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"At the judgment, the citizens of Nineveh will rise with the present generation and be the ones to condemn it." —Matthew 12:41

At the Judgment Day, people who have made great commitments to mere human beings and activities will take the stand to testify against us, because they have shown more commitment in doing their thing than we have in serving Christ.

For example, the Ninevites listened to Jonah more than we may listen to Christ (Mt 12:41). The queen of Sheba came farther to see Solomon than we may come to see Jesus (Mt 12:42). Jehovah's Witnesses have been more committed to witnessing for falsehood than we have been to witnessing for Jesus, the Truth. Corporate executives are more committed to their work than we are to God's kingdom. Athletes try harder to win games than we try to win souls.

Jesus is greater than Jonah and Solomon, denominations and corporations. Jesus is greater than the U.S.A., psychology and technology, money, and sex. Jesus is Savior, Lord, and God (see Jn 20:28). Serve Jesus.

Prayer: Jesus, at Your name may my knee bow and my tongue proclaim: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD! (Phil 2:11)

Promise: "You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God." —Mi 6:8

Praise: St. Lawrence spread the seed of truth as he traveled as emissary, missionary, and peacemaker from country to country.