Have you ever been in love with someone who could care less about you? You try to be nice to them, and if they do notice you, it's only for the purpose of getting something from you. Jesus unconditionally loves all of humanity, and this is how He is too often treated in return. So many turn to Jesus to meet a need, but their hearts are far from Him (Mk 7:6).
The Lord truly desires to provide our needs (see Phil 4:19; Mt 6:30; 7:9-11). Yet, He desires to provide for us in the context of a mutually loving relationship with us, rather than being treated as little more than a sugar-daddy.
The psalmist in today's responsorial psalm combats this selfish attitude. He would rather live in poverty on the doorstep of God's house than live in comfort without Him (Ps 84:11). How much joy that kind of love must give to the Lord!
It's all in the heart. "Wherever your treasure lies, there your heart will be" (Lk 12:34). Is your heart set upon meeting your needs or on meeting the Lord of your needs? Ask Jesus to "give you a new heart" (Ez 36:26), and to let your heart dwell in the center of His heart. May your love of Jesus bring joy to His heart.
| PRAYER: | Jesus, pour out Your love in my heart (Rm 5:5). "Sacred Heart of Jesus, make my heart like unto Thine." |
| PROMISE: | "Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth below; You keep Your covenant of kindness with Your servants." –1 Kgs 8:23 |
| PRAISE: | When Lucy's heart is damaged by jealousy, anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness, she cries out to her Savior to give her a new heart. He hears her and gives her His. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College