Thought for the Day – 25 November – Give us a pure and lowly heart, a temple fit for Thee…

Thought for the Day – 25 November – Monday of the Thirty Fourth week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel:  Luke 21:1-4

Blessed Frédéric Ozanam (1813–1853)
“Servant to the Poor”
and Founder of the St Vincent de Paul Society

“Society today seems to me to be not unlike the wayfarer described in the parable of the Good Samaritan.   For while journeying along the road, mapped out for it by Christ, it has been set upon by thieves of evil human thought.   Bad men have despoiled the wayfarer of all his goods, of the treasures of faith and love… .   The priests and the Levites have passed him by.   But this time, being real priests and true Levites, they have approached the suffering, wretched creature and attempted to cure him.   But in his delirium he has not recognised them and has driven them away.   Then we, weak Samaritans, outsiders as we are, have dared to approach this great sick patient.   Perhaps he will be less affrighted by us?   Let us try to measure the extent of his wounds, in order to pour oil into them.   Let us make words of peace and consolation ringing in his ears.   Then, when his eyes are opened, we will hand him over to the tender care of those, whom God has chosen, to be the guardians and doctors of souls.”

Blest are the pure in heart,
for they shall see our God,
the secret of the Lord is theirs,
their soul is Christ’s abode.

The Lord, who left the heavens,
our life and peace to bring,
to dwell in lowliness with men,
their pattern and their King.

Still to the lowly soul,
He does Himself impart
and for His dwelling and His throne,
chooses the pure in heart.

Lord, we Thy presence seek,
May ours this blessing be:
give us a pure and lowly heart,
a temple fit for Thee.