Saint Paul of the Cross, Priest (Optional Memorial)
Know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:19)
According to an old Norwegian proverb, “That which is loved is always beautiful.” If you give the proper care to a flower, it becomes what it’s supposed to be—beautiful. If you show love to a person who hasn’t known much love, that person can become more like they were meant to be—more generous, more patient, more kind. For the ideal of beauty isn’t so much on the outside of us as on the inside. It’s not about what we have or what we know but who we are.
That kind of beauty is what Paul wanted to foster through the prayer in today’s second reading. The first thing he prayed for was that his readers be empowered so that they could start feeding the poor, caring for the sick, or evangelizing the lost. He then prayed that they would be filled to overflowing with God’s love. He knew that those who were “rooted and grounded” in Christ would have the right foundation on which to build the new Church (Ephesians 3:17).
This is a vital point for us to learn. Jesus wants us to build the Church, but he wants us to do it with his power, not just our effort. He wants us to learn how to minister out of his love and not just our own good intentions. To this end, He offers us deep experiences of his love so that we don’t have to settle for an intellectual grasp of it or a theoretical understanding. His goal is that we would know his love in our deepest part, our “inner self” (Ephesians 3:16).
As you pray today, try to see yourself as a child of your heavenly Father. Perhaps using the psalms, reflect on his greatness and love. He created everything; even your next breath comes from him. His Son redeemed you on the cross with a love beyond all telling. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a glimpse of how great that love is. Let his peace fill you as you enter his presence. Know that he doesn’t just “like” you. He actually delights in you!
“Father, help me experience the depths of your mercy so that I can live in the fullness of faith. Lord, set my heart aflame with your love.”
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
Luke 12:49-53
Daily Marriage Tip for October 20, 2016:
In honor of Respect Life month, take part as a family in local pro-life activities: pray outside an abortion clinic, collect donations for a women’s care center, or attend a special Respect Life Mass.