Today, September 22
Feast of the Day
No feast of the day
Saint of the Day
Readings of the Day
Book of Proverbs 21,1-6.10-13.
Like a stream is the king's heart in the hand of the LORD; wherever it pleases him, he directs it. All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes, but it is the LORD who proves hearts. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Haughty eyes and a proud heart-- the tillage of the wicked is sin. The plans of the diligent are sure of profit, but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty. He who makes a fortune by a lying tongue is chasing a bubble over deadly snares. The soul of the wicked man desires evil; his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes. When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser; when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge. The just man appraises the house of the wicked: there is one who brings down the wicked to ruin. He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself also call and not be heard.
Psalms 119(118),1.27.30.34.35.44.
Blessed are they whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD. Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds. The way of truth I have chosen; I have set your ordinances before me. Give me discernment, that I may observe your law and keep it with all my heart. Lead me in the path of your commands, for in it I delight. I will keep your law continually, forever and ever.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 8,19-21.
The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you." He said to them in reply, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it."
Daily Reflection
I am bold and audacious—You, my unfailing help and support, You who never grow weary! Yet it is the love of Your love that drives me to seek Your face. You see me, while I cannot see You; yet You have given me the desire for You, and You have bestowed upon me all that is pleasing to You within me. And You instantly forgive this blind man who runs toward You; You reach out Your hand the moment You see him stumble. But now, deep within my soul, the voice of Your word makes itself heard and answers my longing. It thunders, shaking all that lies within me, and my inner eyes are blinded by the dazzling radiance of Your truth. It reminds me that no one can see You and live (Ex 33:20). As for me, in the abyss of my sin, I have not yet managed to die to self so as to live for You alone (2 Cor 5:15). Yet, in accordance with Your word and by a gift from You, I stand upon the rock of faith in You—the Christian faith—in that place which is truly near to You (Ex 33:21). Resting on this faith, I wait patiently as best I can, and I embrace Your right hand, which holds me fast and keeps me safe (Wis 5:16). At times, when I contemplate and strive to see, I behold—from behind (Ex 33:23)—the One who looks upon me; I behold the humility of the human life of Christ, your Son, as it passes by... I await the day when you will remove the hand that covers me (Ex 33:22) and grant the grace that illuminates, so that one day at last—dead to myself and alive to you, with the veil lifted from my face—I may begin to see your face unveiled.