PRAYER LINES
“Lord, teach us to pray.” –Luke 11:1
Mass Readings: October 5
First: Galatians 2:1-2,7-14; Resp: Psalm 117:1-2; Gospel: Luke 11:1-4
The Lord, Who is Love (1 Jn 4:8, 16), commands us to love Him with all our hearts (Lk 10:27). However, we will do this only if we love our neighbors as ourselves (Lk 10:27). Love is not a matter of mere feelings and words. We must “love in deed and in truth and not merely talk about it” (1 Jn 3:18). We must be like the Good Samaritan and give hands-on, sacrificial service to those in need, even if they are enemies (Lk 10:33ff). We must be like Martha working hard to offer hospitality to Jesus (Lk 10:38ff) and the least of our brothers and sisters (Mt 25:40).
However, before, during, and after our work, we must be like Mary of Bethany and sit at the feet of Jesus to listen to His words (Lk 10:39). We need Jesus to teach us to pray (Lk 11:1), especially to pray first, to pray before work. Otherwise, our actions will speak no louder than our words, and our love will not be authentic. Learn to pray to work in love.
PRAYER: Father, as I pray the rosary, purify my motives for working.
PROMISE: “The only stipulation was that we should be mindful of the poor – the one thing that I was making every effort to do.” –Gal 2:10
PRAISE: George started a Bible study during lunch break at work.
