“SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER”
Daily Spiritual Reflections
4th February 2021
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THURSDAY, MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN DE BRITTO, MARTYR
Heb 12:18-19,21-24
Ps 48:2-4,9-11
Mk 6: 7-13
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FAITH IN GOD’S UNFAILING PROVIDENCE
What did saints like Mother Teresa, Francis of Assisi, Ignatius of Loyola and Teresa of Avila have in common? An unwavering faith in the providence of God on which they founded religious institutes that have stood the test of time. They had few material possessions; but more importantly, they were truly poor in spirit. They learnt not to depend upon anything of this world – money, people, buildings or even upon their own talents and abilities. They depended solely upon the Lord for everything and therefore God worked wonders through them.
In the Gospel today, Jesus is teaching his disciples to depend upon God’s providence. He sends them on a mission but instructs them not to carry food, money or even an extra set of clothes. Their only possession is to be the Lord. They will go on to learn that if God is all they have, then they have all that they need. With God by their side nothing will be impossible. St Paul puts this beautifully, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).
God does not demand great things from us. He only wants us to trust him at all times and in all things. He wants to provide for us, for he is generous, gracious and merciful. However, we limit his marvels in our life by failing to trust him, or by trying to play God ourselves. We want to be in control of everything and thus fail to experience the joy of complete surrender. Jesus invites us to let go and let him take absolute control of our lives. If we thus abandon ourselves to God, we will truly experience his loving assistance each day, for he will never fail the one who depends on him for everything. Much of our time, our money and our energy are lost because of worry. We worry about what could go wrong and what went wrong before. Jesus calls us to live in the present by abandoning ourselves to his love.
Response: We have received your mercy, O Lord, in the midst of your temple.
** Readings for the Memorial - 1Cor 9:19-27; Ps 68: 29-30,33-36; Jn 12:20-32
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