“… Pope John XXIII (now Saint) observed: ‘We are not on earth to look after a museum, but to take care of a garden in bloom.’”  [Embers in the Ashes, p. 10] 

We are called to live in the garden of Christ.  We are responsible to be hospitable to those who visit the garden of Christ, especially the garden of His Church!   

We are responsible to offer cups of cold water, i.e. acts of kindness to those who enter and those we should invite to join us.  We are responsible to live our lives for Jesus Christ into whose life, death and resurrection we are baptized!

Hospitality is the root of community, in particular, Christian community.  Hospitality touches the soul.  When we are sincerely welcomed, we experience Hospitality, where better to offer that then right here at Our Lady of Perpetual Help or your home parish or church.  A small gesture like moving into the pew while maintain “Social Distancing” when some wants to sit rather than making them crawl over us or offering a smiling hello [even in our masks] to a stranger entering Church. 

  

Whatever little acts of kindness we have experienced or wish we could experience – we could offer to others.  Today pray “… that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error but always … stand in the bright light of truth.”   Pray that we “… walk in the newness of life” with Christ our savior.  (Magnificat, July 2, 2017, p.45)

The Gospel is a wake-up call to what is important in life!  Jesus calls us to an ever-deeper relationship with Him; He should be # 1 in everything we say or do!  When you fall In love with God, everything is changed in a profound and special way.  We are challenged to fall in love with Jesus; make Him 1^st in our lives: hearts, minds and actions.  You and I are called to be prophets for Jesus by the way we live. 

For a few minutes to think about how you can help make the hallmarks of your life: kindness, hospitality and love of Jesus!

May God Be Praised!