Love and Thanksgiving

Readings for Monday October 25, 2010

First Reading: Ephesians 4:32 - 5:8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 1
Gospel: Luke 13:10-17


Brothers and sisters: Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. (Eph. 4:32)

How do you respond to misfortunes and adversity? With resentment? With self pity? With apathy? We all respond many different ways, but how many of us respond with thanksgiving? How many of us respond with love? Many of us have moments in our life that are joyous as well as times that are very trying; and sometimes there are moments that are a combination of the two. Today's first reading reminds us that we do not need to not respond with anger, jealously, self-pity, or resentment ... but rather we should be responding with love, thanksgiving, and humiliation. This is certainly not an easy task, but remember, as Christians are always called to more. Christ always responded to others with love and compassion, and by God's grace we too can imitate Christ in our own lives.

For today, let us reflect on the following passage from Saint Paul's letter to the Ephesians.

"Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma. Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is fitting among holy ones, no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place, but instead, thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God." (Eph 5:1-5)

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day and for the gift of our lives. Lord, increase our faith so that no matter what you bring us we can always respond with love and thanksgiving. Lord we pray for all of us on our journey to you, may we all keep focused and continue to grow deeper in love with you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.