Psalm 84:11-13
Meditatio/Reflection:
As I first read this, I thought that my attention would be focused on the image of God's courts, but I was surprised that I was rather moved by the image of being on the "threshold of the house of my God" (v. 11). I've been watching a lot of saint movies over the last few months, and I've been moved by the poverty that they so frequently encountered and so frequently embraced, such as St. Francis of Assisi. I was so attracted to the simplicity which he devoted himself to and the great joy which he found in having only God. I also watched a movie on St. Philip Neri, which portrayed him as having the motto (for lack of a better word) "I prefer heaven."
This idea of needing nothing other than God is one that I can understand intellectually, and I often teach it to my students, but I don't always live it out. I'm often attached to various habits or comforts in my life, which may not all be necessarily bad, but have become distractions in many cases. Or I wonder what my life would be like if I were to give these things up, and I can intellectually see the benefits, but I have a hard time actually following through with it.
However, in all of this, I try not to be overly scrupulous. I want to enjoy the things God has provided for me so that I can be authentically grateful. Maybe then I'll be able to appreciate the simplicity and poverty of the saints, that simply being on the "threshold of the house of my God" I can understand St. Philip Neri's preference for heaven.
Oratio/Thanksgiving:
Lord, thank you for the simplicity of your saints and the wonders you worked through their holy lives. Thank you for your great love which invites us not just to the threshold of your house, but into your heavenly kingdom.
Oratio/Prayer Intentions:
Lord, grant me the grace to know and love and serve you in the simple ways that I am able. Help me to avoid the temptation of pride in scrupulosity and to know your love for me.
Mr. Crane's Song of the Day:
"Preferisco il Paradiso" from the movie "St. Philip Neri: I Prefer Heaven"
Saint Quote of the Day:
"He who wants anything other than Christ does not know what he wants."
- St. Philip Neri
