It is 29th April 2021.
Good morning good people,
We celebrate the memorial of St Catherine of Siena Virgin and Doctor of the Church.
We read and reflect from Acts 13:13-25 and the Gospel from John 13:16-20.
St. Catherine of Siena encourages us, “Be who (the person) God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”
A student came to the teacher, asking, “I am interested in the spiritual quest – what books would you suggest I read?’ The teacher looking at his own empty bookshelves said that ‘The best books are people.’ Still not satisfied with the answer of the teacher, he asked which translation of the Bible you recommend or suggest me to read. The teacher replied him so firmly: the ‘The best translation of the Bible is your life!’” Our lives need to leave a tip of humility in this world.
It is God’s providence that has brought us this far in our life.
When pride is mingled in our service, it contaminates its very intention. Humility brings light to service while humble service brings love to the humanity. By time we become outdated version in want of love and humility.
Look at the humility of apostles Paul and Barnabas who participated in the weekly prayers in today’s reading. When they were invited to speak, Paul stood up to share the salvation history that culminated in the sacrifice in Jesus.
Gestures generate positive impact than words loaded with insights. Wordless gesture of Jesus washing the feet of the apostles is the model of service. To be a vibrant messenger, we need to live and do the message of our Lord. Selfish people brag about themselves all that they have done to others. Selfless people go on doing good in silence all that they do to God.
After washing the feet of the apostles, Jesus shared what He wanted them to believe and behave. More than one occasion Jesus said that Father and Him are one as He wants us to accept that Jesus and us are one. Unless we realise this profound union between us and Jesus, we cannot serve the one in need in front of us. Whatever we do to the least and most marginalized of people, we do to Jesus. We can constantly update ourselves by serving in love with humility. Relationship between the Father and the Son is as intimate as our communion with Christ in others. Let us be prepared to serve at all times. May you have a good day God bless you.