TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME THURS MAY 19

TODAYS REFLECTION 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME THURS MAY 19 ( Jas 5: 1-6, Mk 9: 41-50 ).

#PURIFICATIONANDREWARDAWAITEACHONEOFUS#

Beloved, the reading from James and the Psalm are reminders of just how short life is and consideration of what we do with what we have. We clearly see that those who oppress others will have their wealth rotted out, because they stored treasures for the last days from the wages of elders and workers. St James said they will weep and wail over impending miseries because their possessions are on the road to decay.

In the gospel Jesus assures the disciples that those who assist them will never lose their reward. As we have been told that God will come on the last day to repay each one according to his deeds, we now have an assurance that those who assisted men of God in their needs will also receive the reward of their gestures of love and kindness and also there will be reward for those who have caused them to derail from their focus with punishments according to their deeds.

Finally Jesus makes it clear that everyone will go through “salting.” So what does this actually mean? Being “salted with fire” means that we are purified by God. Fire purifies and refines. So it is with us, we must be purified by the fire of God in every way. Sin must be purged and we must become malleable by the fire of God so that we can be molded into his divine image.

Reflect, especially upon any ways that you feel the pain of some suffering that you do not want to embrace. Know that a full embrace of this suffering may actually produce the purification God wants in your life so as to make you truly holy and pure. May we be open to the guidance of the HOLY SPIRIT. BE BLESSED.