In today’s Gospel, Jesus chastises the Pharisees for their heart condition—giving without hearts attentive to God. I love God, yet, when overcommitted, I can fall into that Pharisaical trap of giving or doing—before focusing my heart on God. I let the pressure of “too-many-things-to-do” lead. I can catch myself attempting “God’s work” alone before remembering that the proper condition of my heart should precede my action.
Our saints for today exemplified that proper heart condition. St. Hedwig’s love for Jesus embraced widows, orphans and the poor, bearing great fruit for God. And, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque’s heart was so attuned to the Lord, that he entrusted her with the message of his Sacred Heart.
I wonder, when ordered rightly, where the condition of my heart might lead me today?
Thanks, Jane. Amen and Amen : )
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Good Works: "A single act of pure love pleases Me more than a thousand imperfect prayers." St. Faustina (from a vision of Jesus)
Thanks Irene, What a beautiful prayer which helps us condition our hearts for our Lord.
Irene thanks for your comments that was nice. Living faith family. Sharing. Wisdom of the saints today "I only seek in my old age to perfect that which I had not before the thoroughly learned in my youth because my sins were a hindrance to me " Saint Patrick. Yesterday's was" The sadest thing about any man, is that he be ignorant and most exciting thing is that he knows it" St. Alfred the Great. Please pray for peace in the middle east and end of war in Ukraine Ken
Living faith family after listening to Saint Paul list of evil, I thought 2 out if 15 ain't bad. Seriously yesterday I went with my oldest son to see the play Hamilton, he was overwhelmed. He asked for tickets for a Christmas gift, his siblings made it happen. Please pray for Sal one of own parishioner, he had a heart attack, waiting for more information. Ken
Divine Healer and Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on Sal.
To only work on my to do list creeps into my daily life.I also include today seeking a better heart condition, just thinking about being closer to Jesus. Amen
Yes, Gary. The enemy can tempt us greatly, trying to keep us focused on those to do lists. Ah. But, gratefully our Lord daily gives us the Sacraments and His Sacred Heart to truly condition our hearts for Himself. To Him be the glory.
Kathleen I understand getting busy and forgetting to ask the Lord for direction. It seems to be my life lately. Thank you for the reflection to recall him throughout my busy days. Blessings to all the LFF. May God hold each of us in his hands and guide us to spread his love through all the world.
Ah, Stormi, I appreciate your sharing. (Sometimes I wonder if keeping us busy, focusing on the immediate, isn't one of Satan's great snares.) Thankfully our Lord is bigger than any of those snares! Let's both place ourselves into the mercy and joy of His Sacred Heart, which continually beats for us.
Asking for some prayers for safe travels today as my husband I leave for Lawton OK. We will be celebrating our son’s graduation from Basic Training. I prayer for all the others on the roadways that they too have safe journeys.
Sarah, May God be with you on the journey and keep you safe in your travels. May he continue to watch over your son and ensure his Guardian angel remains at his side. Amen.
Gracious Lord, Please anoint Sarah and her husband in their travels. Bless this precious time together with their son. And send Saint Michael the Arch Angel to watch over and protect them all. Amen
Praying for safe travels for you and your husband, Sarah. How proud you must be of your son who’s offering his life for all the rest of us. Please congratulate him and let him know that he’s got lots of folks praying for him and his fellow servicemen as they train and do what’s asked of them. Dear Lord Jesus, please let your presence be felt by all those who serve Our Country. They’re a special group of people.
Sarah I will pray for you and your husband's safe trip and for your son success in the military. Reminds me of when my mom and dad flew to Parris Island to watch me graduate from basic training. My parents had never flown before and was a memorable experience. Ken
Prayers for you and your son. Thank him in advance for his service.
Sarah safe travels and congratulations to your son. Blessings to you all.
Sacred Heart of Jesus I place my trust in you. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like thine.
Amen
Excellent piece Kathleen and you finish by asking a penetrating question. “I wonder, when ordered rightly, where the condition of my heart might lead me today?” I think if you ask the Lord for a heart check, listen to the answer and put it into action you will be the right person in the right place for all the people places in your path today. Jeremiah 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”
Thanks for your thoughts, Patrick. Yes. Ordering our hearts rightly, with them conditioned for Him is the goal. May His grace enable us to do just that. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
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Kathleen, So many of us feel the strain of our heart condition when we get too busy. Busy is not our friend (another Matthew Kellyism!). I am tuning more into the fact that I have to be more open to what God wants me to do and I need to ask for the guidance on how to do it. He will show me and I have faith that the Master will appear when the student is ready. Thank you Lord for shifting my heart. Ken, sending light to Sal for his recovery! Amen.