17th Sunday after Pentecost

Tomorrow is the 17th Sunday after Pentecost. It has been given the name of the Sunday of the love of God. We hear about the two great Commandments. Love God, and love our neighbor. These two take in all of the Ten Commandments. According to the words of our beloved Abbot Gueranger, he says the following:

The judgments of God are always just, whether it be, in His justice, humbling the proud, or, in His mercy, exalting the humble. This day last week we saw this sovereign disposer of all things, alloting to each his place at the divine banquet. Let us recall to mind the behaviour of the guests, and the respective treatment shown to the humble and the proud. Adoring these judgments of our Lord, let us sing our Introit; and, as far as regards ourselves, let us throw ourselves entirely upon His mercy.

"Thou art just, O Lord, and Thy judgment is right; deal with Thy servant according to Thy Mercy. Blessed are the undefiled in the way; who walk in the law of the Lord."

The most hateful of all the obstacles which divine love has to encounter upon earth is the jealousy of satan, who endeavours, by an impious usurpation, that is, which were created by and for Him alone. Let us unite with holy Church in praying, in the Collect, for the supernatural assistance we require for avoiding the foul contact of the hideous serpent.

"Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that thy people may avoid all the contagions of the devil; and, with a pure mind, follow Thee, Who alone art God."

St. Alphonsus Liguori says: 'What is this one thing necessary? It is not necessary to acquire riches, nor to obtain dignities, nor to gain a great name. The only thing necessary is to love God.'

He makes it sound so simple, doesn't he? It is, if we really try.


Lord Jesus, help us in our endeavours to love Thee more, and make us the way you would have us be, so that we may be with you for all eternity.