Romans 12: 9-16 & Luke 1:39-56 

There are so many people to be saved, including myself. But no matter how many books I give [them] to read, how much wisdom I impart in counselling [them] or how often I support [them], nothing –but  the love of Christ –has power to save [them]. Christ’s love goes beyond the language of books and counsel or the currencies of ‘support’. It permeates all and has the power to order and restore human cells as well as human minds and souls. “[Through your being]”, Paul tells the Romans, let your love [ie God’s love flowing through you] be genuine.” As much as I can let God’s love and mercy flow through me to others, I make way for my loved ones to be saved.  Christ Jesus, save me by your love.  Christ Jesus, save my son, my daughter, my friend, my grandchild ... with your love . 

The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Spirit of God dwelling within us.  (Romans 5:5)

To be saints is not a privilege for the few, but a vocation for everyone.
Pope Francis
 
Soli gloriam dei .

1 Peter 4:7-13

In the normal course of a day so many people come and go in our lives – children, spouse, friends, parents, siblings, acquaintances –and strangers. Whether in person or in cyberspace each individual that ‘crosses my path’ gives me opportunity to extend hospitality, which implies recognition and welcome without complaining.  When I welcome someone without judgement in this way, I become an agent not of my own ideals, but of the very love and mercy of God.  How can I be more hospitable to all the human beings –the Christ bearers –along my life’s journey?  Holy Spirit, help me be hospitable to others without complaining. 
 
The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Spirit of God dwelling within us.  (Romans 5:8)

The Lord grants in a moment what we may have been unable to obtain in dozens of years.
 St. Philip Neri.

Soli gloriam dei .

1 Peter 1:18-25
 
Sure I love others... but Jesus calls me to love deeply.  How can I love the person who has maltreated me? What does love for an active addict look like? When my heart is shattered into a hundred fragments... what love do I have left to give away? Deeply loving another slides under maltreatment, brokenness or even addictions to see the real person beneath as God sees her or him, as God has loved the other from the beginning of life, as a beloved daughter or son of the father who longs to find acceptance in the arms of the Father and in the embrace of us who are followers of Jesus. As jusdgement is replaced by forgiveness, and guilt is replaced by compassion in my own being, my heart becomes pure enough –and courageous enough –to love others deeply. Holy Spirit, help me to love others deeply from a pure heart.

You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11)

Tend within your hearts the sacred fire that the Holy Spirit lights there.
St. Eugene de Mazenod.
  
Soli gloriam dei .

1 Peter 1:10-16

As a thinking, human being I am free to make, and capable of making, choices in my life.  As a follower of Christ, I am compelled to make choices that are ‘holy’, that is choices that nurture in myself and others purity, compassion, gentleness, kindness and self-control. How will I conduct myself today? What choices will I make to guide my thoughts, words and actions? Holy Spirit of God, help me be holy in all my conduct.

You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11)

Tend within your hearts the sacred fire that the Holy Spirit lights there.
St. Eugene de Mazenod.
 
Soli gloriam dei .

James 5:13-20 & Psalm 141
 

St. James points out in his letter to the early church that prayer is essential for life. Prayer, speaking and listening from the heart in the presence of God, is the antidote to suffering, he says. Prayer, affirming God’s blessings with gratitude, is the true and fitting expression of joy, James counselled his readers. “The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up,” he continues.  And finally he says of prayer that, “Anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.” These four fruits of prayer are mine for the praying, continually, everyday and in any circumstance. Do my prayers rise up constantly to the Lord as the holy fragrance of the burning incense of my life? Let my prayer be as incense before you, O Lord.    

Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. (Psalm 141:2) )

Tend within your hearts the sacred fire that the Holy Spirit lights there.
St. Eugene de Mazenod.

Soli gloriam dei .