Monday of Week 16 in Ordinary Time (Year II)
Micah 6:1-4,6-8 | Psalm 49:5-6,8-9,16-17,21,23 | Matthew 12:38-42
What is good has been explained to you, man;
this is what the Lord asks of you:
only this, to act justly,
to love tenderly
and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)
Easier said than done, when emotions run high and vengeance is the call of the day, with the recent coup attempt in Turkey just the latest incident in a rather grim week just past.
The antidote: Take a deep breath, exhale slowly. Repeat until calm, then proceed with whatever action you now deem appropriate, rather than the one that popped into you head in the heat of the moment.
And there’s no better breath to draw than ruach hakodesh, the Holy Spirit.
Thou, of all consolers best,
Thou, the soul’s delightsome Guest,
Dost refreshing peace bestow.
Thou in toil art comfort sweet,
Pleasant coolness in the heat,
Solace in the midst of woe.
Heal our wounds; our strength renew;
On our dryness pour Thy dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away.
Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray.
Amen.