Reading 1 (EPH 3:14-21)
Brothers and sisters: I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us, to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Responsorial Psalm (PS 33:1-2, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19)
R. (5b) The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. Exult, you just, in the LORD; praise from the upright is fitting. Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; with the ten stringed lyre chant his praises. R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. For upright is the word of the LORD, and all his works are trustworthy. He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full. R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. But the plan of the LORD stands forever; the design of his heart, through all generations. Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance. R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, To deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. R. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Alleluia (PHIL 3:8-9)
R. Alleluia, alleluia. I consider all things so much rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in him. R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel (LK 12:49-53)
Jesus said to his disciples: "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."
Reflection (on EPH 3:14-21)
St Paul tells us in this letter to the Ephesians “I kneel before the Father … that he may grant you … to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge”.
I had heard so many times “Jesus loves me”. I knew those words, I repeated them, but I was unable to grasp the concept. Knowing that Jesus loves me, really knowing it, is the greatest joy that I have experienced. I am loved beyond my dreams, and I can not help but love him back.
Like the most romantic lover, Jesus has sent us love letters (the scriptures), bonds his life to ours (through baptism), becomes one with us (in the Eucharist), lives in us (his Holy Spirit), and has given us eternal life (through his cross and resurrection).
He not only allows us to love Him, but He has made it a command, because His Sacred Heart burns with love for us! They say that when people fall in love, they lose their reason. He has lost His reason, I have lost mine. I pray that every human may love him, at least, as I love him. Saint Paul, pray for us!
