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The Catholic Calendar for Monday, April 8, 2002 The Annunciation of the Lord Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word: Isaiah 7:10-14;8:10 Psalm 40:7-11 Hebrews 10:4-10 Luke 1:26-38 A reflection on today's Scripture: Be it done to me according to thy word. (Luke 1:38) Television sit-coms rarely deal with relevant topics, but in a recent program a child asked her parents why she was here, why she had been born into this world. They could not answer her question, leaving her to ponder life's mystery. One can only pray that all little children may one day ask this question and be told by their parents that they were created by the self-giving Love Who is God, that He has given each human life a purpose to fulfill. That purpose is to be a vessel, bearing God's very life, His love into this world, to give to and so elicit from others that same divine love. Why then is humanity plagued by such horrors as war? Because God gave us a free will; He does not force us to love, for genuine love must be freely given and received. We lack peace and justice in this world because so many remain ignorant of the truth of human existence or simply choose to say, "no" to the good that God wills for us and "yes" to their own selfish desires. Today's readings demonstrate the good that an individual can do by saying "yes" to God. The prophet Isaiah loved God, listened to and obeyed Him and so guided the Israelites in God's ways and delivered a message of great hope, the coming of the Messiah, Immanuel (God with us). Mary, the mother of Jesus, who had received the gift of being "born again" of the Holy Spirit at her conception within her mother's womb, said an unqualified "yes" to God. Her selfless act, though putting her in danger of losing Joseph, her betrothed, her reputation or perhaps even her life, made it possible for us to be "reborn" to a new life in Christ through His Holy Spirit. If we too say "yes" to God, heed His Word and obey the promptings of His Spirit, we can bear Christ in our own flesh into this world, that others may learn of His love and truth for their salvation. Blessed Redeemer, make us faithful, fearless speakers and doers of Your truth and love, that others may be drawn to You. Amen. - Marie L. Bocko, ocds ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) YOU CAN HELP to evangelize the Word of God: Please recommend our website to your friends and Catholic webmasters. The Daily Meditations appear online in English & Spanish at: http://homepage.mac.com/ojoachim3/DailyMeds.html ARCHIVED Meditations at: http://www.abcsoffaith.com/quiet/quietplace.html and at: http://www.mail-archive.com/dailymed%40saturn.nibcomp.com For ALL communications, including subscribe/unsubscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (c)2002 The Way, The Truth, The Life. Permission granted to make reprints of the meditations or to post on any web page, except for profit. All scripture quotes are from the Douay-Rheims edition of the Catholic Bible. Full text from the New American Bible: http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/index.htm Lives of the Saints: http://www.christdesert.org/public_texts/martyrology/ |
Title: Meditation: Monday, April 8, 2002
