Monday 22 July

2 Corinthians 5:14-17

For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them.  From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!

Music

Monday 22 July | St Mary Magdalene

Today is Monday, 22nd of July, the memorial of St Mary Magdalene, in the Sixteenth Week of Ordinary Time.

Entering into prayer today, I begin by recognising that I am in the presence of God – not a God to be scared of, but a God of compassion and love, in whose presence I am safe, in whose presence I do not have to defend myself, in whose presence I can be still.  I place myself, my worries and my hopes, my whole life, in the hands of my loving God.

Today’s reading is from the Second Letter to the Corinthians.

“the love of Christ urges us on” suggests S. Paul to his beloved, although sometimes troublesome, Corinthians. As I enter into prayer today, what is there in these words that finds an echo in me?

What is this, love of Christ? Is it the love of Christ for them? Or their love of Christ? Or both? Could it even be the love that Christ has for you? How does this idea make you feel?

Notice how Paul goes on to proclaim, with some joy, that everyone who is in Christ is in a new creation. A big claim! We can no longer be regarded from just a human point of view because everything old has passed away, thanks to Christ. Hear those joyous words of Paul addressed to you now: “see, everything has become new”! What has become new in your life, through that love of Christ? What needs to be renewed? Talk to Christ about these things now … notice, as you do, what is moved or touched in your own soul …

As you listen to the reading again, ponder for a moment how that love of Christ, that urges us on, is present to you now, just where you are …

This love of God is present to you now; even if in a tiny way, so small that you can barely notice it. Ever so gently, and with or without words, give thanks to God for it.