Friday, August 10, 2018
Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/081018.cfm
Today, in Mercy, on this feast of St. Lawrence, our readings are all about wheat. Then, again, they’re really not.
The readings, of course, are about eternal life – lessons taught in symbols the listeners could relate to. The agrarian community of Jesus’ time understood clearly what happened to a grain of wheat when buried in the rich soil. They understood, too, how a single grain, fallen on the barn floor and lost underfoot, had no hope of life.
It is a powerful lesson about community, selflessness, and what we need to do to live a full and meaningful life.
We have to die — to our isolation, self-absorption, greed, objectification and domination over others, “me-firstness”.
Basically, we have to resist the Seven Deadly Sins that make life “all about me”:
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Self-adulating pride
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Vengeful anger
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Depersonalizing lust
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Ungrateful envy
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Consumeristic gluttony
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Mean Greed
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Irresponsible laziness
To move beyond these sins, we must recognize, respect and care for others – all others – as children of God.
If we can do that, our grain of wheat will land in harmony with the faith community and will contribute to its abundant life – and to our own. That faith community might be as small as my family or as big as the world. But unless I live there in selflessness, I will never come to my full potential a human being.
Musical reflection: A Grain of Wheat ~ Torchbearers
Thanks so much, Renee, for including with your music or clips, the text to follow whenever possible – helps tremendously! I don’t want to miss anything!!
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You’re welcome, Sue.
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Beautiful reflection! Beautiful music! Thanks, Renee! ❤️🙏
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