Father Michael's Weekly Reflection

"I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!" (Lk. 12:49)

This is the 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time. Christ lived his life with passion. He was convinced of his mission which directed all of his thoughts and actions. Love for his Father and love for each of us was his motivation. Love is an act of the will.

Often we allow our sentiments and emotions to cloud our judgement. We are called to preach the truth in charity. Christ spoke about division in the family precisely because God is to be loved above all things in order for us to have the peace we are looking for. By loving God, we are truly loving ourselves. If we ever question the worth of one soul, we simply have to look up and contemplate Christ on the cross.

Questions for Reflection:

• Do I love anyone or anything above God?
• Do I maintain the correct hierarchy of values in my life?
• Am I able to notice when sentiments and emotions cloud my judgement?