Author: thewrdnz

From Marist Messenger https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/2019/12/13/friday-13-december-2/Friday 13 December St Lucy (M) Isaiah 48:17-19; Psalm 1:1-4, 6; Matthew 11:16-19 Love now, not later “But wisdom is justified by her children” means much the same as “by their fruits, you will know them”. John was clearly more austere than Jesus, but he wasn’t holier than him. There is a time to weep and a time to laugh. However, as far as holiness goes, wisdom is justified by her children, and charity in all things is the sign of holiness. Love now, not later. Make the most of the present rather than dwelling on the future. “Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero” — Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in tomorrow. Marist Messenger – A Catholic Monthly Magazine

From Marist Messenger https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/2019/12/12/thursday-12-december-2/Thursday 12 December Our Lady of Guadalupe (OM) Isaiah 41:13-20; Psalm 145:1, 9-13a; Matthew 11:11-15 Listen John the Baptist is no pussy cat. The Lion of Judah does not prepare the way of the Lord with a hand trowel. John does not lower the mountains one rock at a time. He explodes on the scene, clearing the way for the most significant event in human history. The Messiah marches forth, leading his people. How come so many missed it? “If anyone has ears to hear, let them listen!” Marist Messenger – A Catholic Monthly Magazine

From Marist Messenger https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/2019/12/11/wednesday-11-december-2/Wednesday 11 December Isaiah 40:25-31; Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10; Matthew 11:28-30 Eagle’s wings Are you feeling overburdened? It’s time to think about where the load on your back came from. It cannot be from Jesus. His burden is light and his yoke doesn’t hinder you. Another possibility: Jesus did give it to you, but you endure it resentfully and without love. As the old song goes, “he aint heavy, he’s my brother”. Give me, God, the wings of love. Marist Messenger – A Catholic Monthly Magazine

From Marist Messenger https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/2019/12/10/tuesday-10-december-2/Tuesday 10 December Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 96:1-3, 10-13; Matthew 18:12-14 Home, home at last Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn said the line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either – but right through every human heart. So, I suspect, does lostness and foundness. Our life is a process of being found in our fullness. The facets of ourselves that we are ashamed of are the self-same parts God desires to possess. The rest he already has. Step inside, Lord. Marist Messenger – A Catholic Monthly Magazine

From Marist Messenger https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/2019/12/09/monday-9-december-2/Monday 9 December The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (S) Genesis 3:9-15, 20; Psalm 98:1-4; Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12; Luke 1:26-38 Let it be Mary’s “yes” is thoughtful and considered, but it is unqualified. She could have said “no”. That is the astounding power everyone possesses. Without the freedom to say “no”, love is not possible. Mary’s unreserved “yes” to the gift offered by God allowed divinity to enter our world. Why would I ever say “no” to the gift of love? – Fear? Marist Messenger – A Catholic Monthly Magazine

From Marist Messenger https://www.maristmessenger.co.nz/2019/12/08/sunday-8-december-2/Sunday 8 December 2nd Sunday of Advent Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12 Repent ‘Repent’ is a word that has fallen out of favour, maybe because fundamentalists like Israel Folau like using it to make us feel bad. But Advent is a time to repent in the true sense of the word. A time to check up and see if we remain open to the painful process of being constantly challenged and transformed by the power of God. Have you shut any doors lately? Marist Messenger – A Catholic Monthly Magazine