The Gospel
Luke 11:14‑23
Jesus casts out demons. Some say it is through Beelzubul....
St. Gaspar
"Clinging to one's own opinions and rejecting the advice of others, one can be led to believe that he is in our Society for a purpose other than the one that is understood to be properly its own. But, such is the miserable condition of humans, so that the saying of the saints is only too true: we are all patients in the vast hospitals of the world. Infirmities are cured, however, by the oil of meekness, tenderness, docility; by overcoming self-love through a victorious obedience to our superiors; by supporting each other in mutual, charitable love;[1] by patiently correcting each other; and finally, by steadfastly bearing with one another."[2]
Reflection
Some people are amazed at what Jesus has done. There are others who refuse to listen. Those in the Gospel who refuse to listen resort to calling Jesus names. In their obstinacy they refuse to answer Jesus' questions. Jesus is no mere legislator. He is the Lord who remains with us, and sustains us. Yet what he asks of us is more rigorous and demanding than the old law. The new law is love and requires us to give everything. When we are converted to the Lord, it means we turn to him, to his ways, and we do not cling to our ways or opinions. To follow Jesus is to embark on a new way. The word "obedience" comes from the word "to listen." We are a people who listen to His living word and follow in his way. For St Gaspar this docility leads to mutual and supporting love, and ultimately to holiness and sainthood.
[1] Cf. Ep 4:2
[2] First Circular Letter, 1826
Luke 11:14‑23
Jesus casts out demons. Some say it is through Beelzubul....
St. Gaspar
"Clinging to one's own opinions and rejecting the advice of others, one can be led to believe that he is in our Society for a purpose other than the one that is understood to be properly its own. But, such is the miserable condition of humans, so that the saying of the saints is only too true: we are all patients in the vast hospitals of the world. Infirmities are cured, however, by the oil of meekness, tenderness, docility; by overcoming self-love through a victorious obedience to our superiors; by supporting each other in mutual, charitable love;[1] by patiently correcting each other; and finally, by steadfastly bearing with one another."[2]
Reflection
Some people are amazed at what Jesus has done. There are others who refuse to listen. Those in the Gospel who refuse to listen resort to calling Jesus names. In their obstinacy they refuse to answer Jesus' questions. Jesus is no mere legislator. He is the Lord who remains with us, and sustains us. Yet what he asks of us is more rigorous and demanding than the old law. The new law is love and requires us to give everything. When we are converted to the Lord, it means we turn to him, to his ways, and we do not cling to our ways or opinions. To follow Jesus is to embark on a new way. The word "obedience" comes from the word "to listen." We are a people who listen to His living word and follow in his way. For St Gaspar this docility leads to mutual and supporting love, and ultimately to holiness and sainthood.
- What attracted me to Jesus?
- When I turned to Jesus, what did I turn from?
- How do I reveal that I am with Jesus in tangible ways?
[1] Cf. Ep 4:2
[2] First Circular Letter, 1826
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