http://www.dailygospel.org/main.php?language=AM&module=commentary&localdate=20130626
Wednesday of the Twelfth week in Ordinary Time
Commentary of the day
Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), Carmelite, Doctor of the Church
The Interior Castle, 5th Mansion, 3, 10-11 (trans. ©Washington Province of Discalced Carmelites, 2010)
“By their fruits you will know them”
Oh, Sisters, how clearly one sees the degree to which love of neighbor is present in some of you, and how clearly one sees the deficiency in those who lack such perfection! If you were to understand how important this virtue is for us you wouldn’t engage in any other study. When I see souls very earnest in trying to understand the prayer they have and very sullen when they are in it - for it seems they don’t dare let their minds move or stir lest a bit of their spiritual delight and devotion be lost - it makes me realize how little they understand of the way by which union is attained; they think the whole matter lies in these things.
No, Sisters, absolutely not; works are what the Lord wants! He desires that if you see a Sister who is sick to whom you can bring some relief, you have compassion for her and not worry about losing this devotion; and that if she is suffering pain, you also feel it; and that, if necessary, you fast so that she might eat - not so much for her sake as because you know it is your Lord’s desire. This is true union with his will.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer, Priest (Optional Memorial)
First Reading:
Psalm:
Gospel: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9
Matthew 7:15-20
Question the beauty of the earth, question the beauty of the sea, question the beauty of the air distending and diffusing itself, question the beauty of the sky. . . question all these realities. All respond: “See, we are beautiful.” Their beauty is a profession [confessio]. These beauties are subject to change. Who made them if not the Beautiful One [Pulcher] who is not subject to change?
— St. Augustine