have a heart
"Their heart is far from Me." —Mark 7:6
Have you ever been in love with someone who couldn't care less about you? You try to be nice to them, and if they do notice you, it's only for the purpose of getting something from you. Jesus unconditionally loves all of humanity, and this is how He is too often treated in return. So many turn to Jesus to meet a need, but their hearts are far from Him (Mk 7:6).
The Lord truly desires to provide our needs (see Phil 4:19; Mt 6:30; 7:9-11). Yet, He desires to provide for us in the context of a mutually loving relationship, rather than being treated as little more than an ATM machine.
The psalmist in today's responsorial psalm combats this selfish attitude. He would rather live in poverty on the doorstep of God's house than live in comfort without Him (Ps 84:11). How much joy that kind of love must give to the Lord!
It's all in the heart. "Wherever your treasure lies, there your heart will be" (Lk 12:34). Is your heart set upon meeting your needs or on meeting the Lord of your needs? Ask Jesus to "give you a new heart" (Ez 36:26), and let your heart dwell in the center of His heart. May your love of Jesus bring joy to His heart.
Prayer: Jesus, pour out Your love in my heart (Rm 5:5). "Sacred Heart of Jesus, make my heart like unto Thine."
Promise: "Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth below; You keep Your covenant of kindness with Your servants." —1 Kgs 8:23
Praise: When failing to love another as Jesus commanded, Rhonda simply asks the Lord for His heart and is renewed in love.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(We offer a retreat entitled Who am I in Christ? Feb 26-27. Identity is a first step in the Christian life. Our relationship with God comes first. We must know who we are before we know what to do, when to do it, where to go, and how it's done. Call 937-587-5464 to register.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 26, 2009
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