Memorial of St. Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Today in our Gospel reading, there is one word that comes to mind, unity. Jesus tells the Scribes “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him.”
The devil loves it when we are distant from God. He gives false peace and chaos. The devil is an agent of chaos and disunity. He thrives on disunity because it breaks up the body of Christ. My mind will be going 100 miles an hour, I think of 500 different things, and I lose the bigger picture, which is God and his goodness. This brings more anxiety and worry and my mind starts running amuck. But as St. Francis De Sales, whose feast day it is today, said, “Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them—every day begin the task anew.”
If you feel all out of sorts today, can you pause, take a deep breath in allowing the Holy Spirit to come into your heart, and breathe him out to proclaim God’s goodness? Always remember unity is key.
Reflection by Br. Maximilian Burkhart, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections