Friday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
In today’s first reading, we see Joshua gathering all of Israel together to deliver the message of the LORD. The LORD reminds the people of the many graces he has done for them out of love for his people Israel. When Balaam came to curse them, God didn’t listen to Balaam but rather he blessed the people and saved them from the curse. God gives so much more than we ever deserve for he says, “I gave you a land that you had not tilled and cities that you had not built, to dwell in; you have eaten of vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.” This is why in the Psalm, we cry out “His mercy endures forever.” This mercy of God, which has been with us from our creation, is everlasting and leads us into a more perfect union with Him. We are created to be in right relationship with God, humanity, and all of creation.
After the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden our perfect union with God, which was given to humanity through the perfect love of God, was fractured. Now, through God’s grace, love, and his desire for us, we spend our lives seeking this perfect union with Him through His son our Lord Jesus Christ, and in the grace of the Holy Spirit. Our vocation is how we journey into this union. Some are called to marriage and others to remain celibate for the sake of the Kingdom, but we must have the courage to endure and not give up. We must not become hard of heart; we must keep the faith and that know that God’s love will give us strength to endure.
Reflection by Br. Placid Dale, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections