One Minute Reflection – 3 August – “Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – Readings: Ps 54:17-20; 54:23, Ps 54:2-3, 1 Cor. 12:2-11, Luke 18:9-14
At that time, Jesus spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves as being just and despised others.
Luke 18:9-14
REFLECTION – With what precaution the Pharisee, who went up to the Temple to pray and who had fortified the citadel of his soul, claimed to fast twice a week and give the tenth of all he earned. When he said: “My God, I thank you,” it is very clear he had brought along every imaginable precaution with which to defend himself. However, he leaves one place open and exposed to the enemy by adding: “Because I am not like this publican here”. And so, through his vanity, he handed over to his enemy entrance into the city of his heart which, nevertheless, he had thoroughly locked up with his fasts and alms.
All other precautions are useless, then, when there remains in us some opening by which the enemy might enter. That Pharisee had conquered gluttony with abstinence; he had overcome avarice with generosity. But how much work for the sake of this victory had been made useless by a single vice? by the breach of a single sin?
This is why we ought not simply to think about doing good but watch carefully over our thoughts to keep them pure in our good deeds. For if they are a source of vanity or pride in our hearts then we are only fighting for a glory that is vain, not for that of our Creator.
Saint Gregory the Great (Moralia 76)
PRAYER – Lord our God, the Light and Creator of Light, grant that faithfully pondering on all that is holy, we may ever live in the splendour of Your presence. May we live in Your Presence, withstand the winds of the world and grow daily in faith. By the help and intercession of athe loving and Immaculate Heart of Mary You may never permit us to separate ourselves from You and thus we may come, to completion in You, Through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, one God forever, amen.
AnaStpaul 