Monday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Each of us has been given gifts and talents that we are called to share with the world. But if we do not have love as a foundation for what we do and say, then these talents have little meaning. Today’s readings remind us that God has abundantly blessed us through Jesus. Jesus and the love He shares with us through His life, death and resurrection, allow us to know God’s abundant love for us. When we allow the love of God to permeate all that we are, then who we are becomes a blessing of grace to the world around us.
In the first reading St. Peter reminds us of God’s desire to share His divine nature with us through Jesus. St. Peter recognizes that we must use knowledge, self-control, endurance and affection for others, but all of this needs to be supported by love.
In the gospel reading we hear the story of the vineyard and its owner, and we are reminded how God throughout all time has tended to His people by sending prophets and finally His only Son to show us His mercy and concern. Jesus (the Beloved Son) is the Father’s ultimate gift of love. We are invited to allow Jesus and his love to become the “cornerstone” for our lives, so we can build His kingdom.
In my recent readings, I came across this paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13:-1-8 from an unknown author. This interpretation of Paul’s teachings on love helps remind me that If I do not have love to undergird all that I think, do and say then my life lacks fullness, and I cannot be a true disciple of Christ.
If I live my life to perfection, doing what is right and good on behalf of others, but act with compulsion and without love, then I am nothing at all.
If I take care of the needs of everybody in the world, especially the poor, because of my own need to help, but am without love even for myself, then I am nothing at all.
If I am efficient and successful in all that I do for the sake of justice, but act out of drivenness and without love, then I am nothing at all.
If I am cultured and refined, and in touch with the pain of existence, but am absent from the pain of persons in the present moment who need my empathy; and if I act without love and compassion, then I am nothing at all.
If I have the gifts of wisdom, insight, and understanding, but am not engaged with those around me in the present moment and am without a spirit of compassion and love, then I am nothing at all.
If I am faithful, loyal, and obedient, and never deviate from the law, but am judgmental and blaming, and am without love, then I am nothing at all.
If I live in a pain-free world of dreams and plans, enjoying optimism and pleasurable options, but am not addressing present problems and am avoiding people in actual distress and am without love, then I am nothing at all.
If I am strong and powerful, but lose my best self in a spirit of resentment, retaliation, and vindictiveness, and know nothing of the vulnerability of love, then I am nothing at all.
If I am settled and accommodating, holding onto a sense of distance and calm, but am not journeying inward to know and appreciate my weaknesses and gifts, and am neglecting my own legitimate calling to love myself, then I am nothing at all.
Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offense, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people's sins but delights in truth;
It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes.
Love never fails, never ceases.
These words remind me that even in my good works, I must rely on love in order to bear fruit. The Father sends us Jesus to help us know how to live our lives in love. If we allow Him to be our cornerstone, then His love will be the foundation of all we say and do. If we can live in this way- living our faith, using our gifts, and allowing the love of God to support all that we do, then others will be able to say “by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes.”
"Heavenly Father, you send your Son Jesus to share Your Love for us. May we be open to Your Spirit and may Your love transform us so we can be your vines producing great fruit for all creation. May these lives of love bring you glory and praise; we pray this through Christ Our Lord. Amen."
- Marylynn Herchline