The Fire of God’s Love

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: EPH 3:14-21; PS 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19; LK 12:49-53
Notes: Yesterday was Eucharistic Adoration. I did the Exposition and Father Fredy did the Benediction and reposition hours later.

It is a joy to sit in the presence of the Lord.
From the Song of Songs and used to express adoration of the Lord, adapt accordingly.

• Let me seek him whom my soul loves (Songs 3:2b).
• I held him and would not let him go until I had brought him to my mother’s house (Songs 3:4b).
• go out and look upon King Solomon In the crown with which his mother has crowned him on the day of his marriage, on the day of the joy of his heart (songs 3:11).

Last year, same gospel portion but different first reading.
https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2021/10/21/divine-makeover/

Today is also the Optional Memorial of Saint Paul of the Cross, priest
The Passionists are a beloved religious order in the Diocese of Palm Beach, so we honor them and their founder!
May the Passion of Christ be ever in our hearts (motto).

Reflection

Paul’s devotion to Christ’s passion must have seemed eccentric if not bizarre to many people. Yet it was that devotion that nurtured Paul’s compassion and supported a preaching ministry that touched the hearts of many listeners. He was one of the most popular preachers of his day, known for both his words and his generous acts of mercy.
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-paul-of-the-cross
https://thepassionists.org/
https://www.ourladyofflorida.org/

First reading
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Responsorial Psalm
The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.

Alleluia Verse
I consider all things so much rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in him.

Gospel Portion
Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! (the fire of God’s love).

The fire of God’s love in our Franciscan tradition is most evidenced in St. Francis’ constant adoration. In every church he visited Francis prayed: “We adore You, Lord Jesus Christ, in all Your churches throughout the world, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world!” St. Clare followed this intense desire for oneness with the sacrament of the Eucharist. As witnesses of Christ’s abiding presence, the Poor Ladies nurtured the feeble faith of commoners, nobles, and outcasts alike. Clare urged her companions to discover the fullness of love by basking in divine light and to become living icons of God.

— from the book Eucharistic Adoration: Reflections in the Franciscan Tradition
by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
borrowed from https://www.franciscanmedia.org/minute-meditations/the-fire-of-gods-love

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry