Daily Reflection for Monday, August 09, 2021
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Monday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080921.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Deuteronomy 10:12-22
Responsorial: Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
Gospel: Matthew 17:22-27
Our reflection on Monday’s readings:
“What does the Lord, your God, ask of you?” Deuteronomy 10:12
The scripture today asks a very personal question and provides very important answers in both the Old and New Testament readings.
What does the Lord, YOUR God ask of YOU?
God has called us. We are each here on earth, in this specific life, at this time and place, with certain people, and situations because God wills it. Your life is unique. So, I ask again, “What does the Lord, your God ask of you?
Deep in our souls we know the answer. We may not want to know the answer. We may not be willing to “see” the answer. It requires much of us. It is personal and not always easy. Sometimes, we’d rather do what pleases us. But, Moses in the Old Testament and Jesus in the New aren’t directing us to do as we please.
One clear message that comes through today’s scripture readings is to love and serve the Lord, your God, with all your heart and soul and keep his commandments and statutes. Many references to these readings include the words “to know” before love and serve the Lord, which makes sense. How do we love and serve the Lord if we do not know the Lord?
The question of knowing the Lord is answered in today’s reading, Deuteronomy 10:16. “Circumcise your hearts.” Scripture commentary on this reading tells us the uncircumcised heart is closed and unreceptive to God, just as uncircumcised ears are closed to the word of the Lord and uncircumcised lips are a hindrance to speaking on behalf of the Lord.
Whatever is being circumcised, it cannot be without some pain, whether physical, emotional, or mental. Keeping our hearts open to the Lord is not an easy task. It is a constant challenge, often painful, and usually at least a step out of our comfort zone. It means removing the barrier that protects our comfortable way of knowing, loving and serving our Lord.
What does the Lord, your God, ask of you?
Blessings to you,
Ruth Mytty