Daily Retreat 09/13/07
2007 Sep 13 Thu: John Chrysostom, bp, dr M
Col 3: 12-17/ Ps 150: 1b-2. 3-4. 5-6/ Lk 6: 27-38
From today’s readings: “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.... Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!... To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you....”
Christian Attitude and Gratitude
Faith is intended to enlighten our perspective about everyone and everything, so Paul’s warm words to the Colossians urges them (and us!) to “put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do!”
Admittedly, there are times when putting into practice such attitudes demands heroic resolution, for living the virtue of Christian love is not easy, especially when it comes to deliberately extending that love to enemies. And yet, that is precisely what the Christian creed calls for!
For it is simply gratitude owed to God which is the basis for such saintly responses, for, as Christ and St. Paul remind us, when we remember what God has done for us - His love, mercy, compassion, and many blessings - then we cannot refuse to share likewise with others, filling our thoughts, words, and actions with Christian attitude and gratitude.
Col 3: 12-17/ Ps 150: 1b-2. 3-4. 5-6/ Lk 6: 27-38
From today’s readings: “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.... Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!... To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you....”
Christian Attitude and Gratitude
Faith is intended to enlighten our perspective about everyone and everything, so Paul’s warm words to the Colossians urges them (and us!) to “put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do!”
Admittedly, there are times when putting into practice such attitudes demands heroic resolution, for living the virtue of Christian love is not easy, especially when it comes to deliberately extending that love to enemies. And yet, that is precisely what the Christian creed calls for!
For it is simply gratitude owed to God which is the basis for such saintly responses, for, as Christ and St. Paul remind us, when we remember what God has done for us - His love, mercy, compassion, and many blessings - then we cannot refuse to share likewise with others, filling our thoughts, words, and actions with Christian attitude and gratitude.
posted by FrPitstick | 9/12/2007
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