https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061726.cfm
Intention Is Everything
I always wanted to be a diocesan priest in the Diocese of Peoria. However, this desire changed when I began praying the Maxims of Christian Perfection by Blessed Antonio Rosmini. The first maxim is simple yet powerful and addresses today’s gospel – to desire only and without limit to please God, that is, to be just.
Justice involves giving each person what is due to them. For example, when purchasing gas, bread, or eggs, we are, if we pay the amount due. However, it is unjust if the owner raises prices to increase profits at others’ expense.
Giving someone what they are due begins with God. The little prayer, “All I want to do is please you, O Lord,” quickly purifies my intention. Think of the blue sky. It is always there, regardless of how many clouds block it. Likewise, our desire to please God and to treat others with respect is innate. It is always there.
What others say and do to us doesn’t remove our “blue sky.” Mercy, honesty, and kindness endure because they are the heart of Christ Jesus within us. These virtues are like the unchanging blue sky, always present. Listen to how Mother Teresa of Calcutta lived. If she can please God without limit, we can open our hearts to that grace in every situation.
Gospel Challenge:
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
“If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway. ” 1
1 Mother Teresa’s Anyway Poem, St. Teresa of Calcutta
“Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them.” A pure heart and an honorable intention have the power to dispel all clouds and bring clarity and righteousness.
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
