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What a
choice! On the one hand, we are offered life and prosperity. It sounds
wonderful, and it would be the most intelligent choice. The other choice is
death and disaster. Can we imagine choosing that instead? Not an
intelligent or happy choice at all. And yet in some ways many people make
that second choice. Whenever we walk in God's ways - love, justice, peace,
humility, and service - we are blessed with happiness. Not necessarily an
easy life without struggle, for that is the lot of all humans. But inner
peace and happiness, spiritual growth, and a sense that God is truly with
us are all part of the blessing. When we walk in negativity, selfishness,
anger, hate, or injustice, we make ourselves and those around us miserable
and unhappy. God does not punish us - we punish ourselves. God's wish for
us is happiness and fulfillment, but we are free to choose whatever we
want.
This same theme is reflected
in the Gospel reading. We might choose very poorly in the mistaken belief
that the choice we make will make us happy. These are the choices that are
focused on the self, especially at the expense of others, or on pleasures
that are not good for us. The Gospel warns us that we are hurting ourselves
and gaining nothing. But by embracing God and humanity we achieve true
happiness and wholeness. We are presented with many opportunities to make
these choices each day, so let our choice always be for life in all the
fullness that God intends for us.
Lord, help me to
choose wisely.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal
Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys
and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the
Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day
may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those
preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace
for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That young
people who are searching for the sense of life may be understood,
respected and accompanied with patience and love.
Elaboration
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