Sirach 2,1-11.
My son, when you come to serve the LORD, prepare yourself for trials.
Be sincere of heart and steadfast, undisturbed in time of adversity.
Cling to him, forsake him not; thus will your future be great.
Accept whatever befalls you, in crushing misfortune be patient;
For in fire gold is tested, and worthy men in the crucible of humiliation.
Trust God and he will help you; make straight your ways and hope in him.
You who fear the LORD, wait for his mercy, turn not away lest you fall.
You who fear the LORD, trust him, and your reward will not be lost.
You who fear the LORD, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy.
Study the generations long past and understand; has anyone hoped in the
LORD and been disappointed? Has anyone persevered in his fear and been
forsaken? has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed?
Compassionate and merciful is the LORD; he forgives sins, he saves in time of trouble.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Today's first reading
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2 comments:
Amen! Words from our past that still ring true today.
May we all pay close attention to each word and line and realize that our Lord speaks to us clearly. That though buildings may fall. Though money may grow weak and worthless. Though people grow more and more corrupt:
"Study the generations long past and understand; has anyone hoped in the LORD and been disappointed? Has anyone persevered in his fear and been forsaken? has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed?"
Of course not! Our Lord tests us so that in the end we may be stronger so that we may give Him greater glory. And through that glory, we will be lifted up and made great by Greatness Himself.
This reading is an excellent example of how we should strive to live our lives!
I don't know about everyone else, but this quarter has been very trying and my faith was shaken and tested quite a bit for a while there it seems. Dark days were definitely hovering...
Reminders from great people, many of whom are in our choir, pointed me back to what my true focus should have always been: HIS will. And.. that has made all the difference! There are still tough times, and times of very high stress (I mean, hello, FINALS!) but... you just have to trust in Him!
Thanks for posting this Mary! It's just another great reminder that we're not alone out there!
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