Vive La Difference! : A Catholic Reflection

One Bread, One Body - Reflection for July 4, 2014

VIVE LA DIFFERENCE!

"When will the new moon be over?" –Amos 8:5

Like worshippers in Amos' time, many of today's worshippers think: "When will church be over? Then I can:

watch the ball games,
go see a movie,
tell my neighbor how much I dislike my priest's homilies,
get something to eat,
do my own thing, or
remind God what a sacrifice it is to be at church today."

After we heed the call of Jesus to "go and learn the meaning of the words: 'It is mercy I desire and not sacrifice' " (Mt 9:13), then our worship changes. During Mass, we think: "When church is over, I can:

tell my family that I love them,
share Jesus with my neighbors, even with the outcast (Mt 9:10),
thank and encourage my priest (see Heb 13:17),
follow Jesus (Mt 9:9),
show mercy to someone who has hurt me (Mt 9:13), and
let God know how grateful I am for His mercy to me."

Do you see what Jesus means when He points out the difference between heartfelt mercy and sacrifice?

PRAYER:	"Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto Thine."
PROMISE:	"Happy are they who observe His decrees, who seek Him with all their heart." –Ps 119:2
PRAISE:	St. Elizabeth didn't wait until her husband treated her well to love him. She loved him as he was with all his faults and sinfulness.

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Acknowledgement

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

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One Bread, One Body - Reflection for July 4, 2014