Jun 30 – First Martyrs of the Church of Rome
These holy men and women are also called the “Protomartyrs of Rome”. They were accused of burning Rome by Nero, who burned Rome to cover his own crimes. Some martyrs were burned as living torches at evening banquets, some crucified, and others were fed to wild animals. These martyrs died before Sts. Peter and Paul, and are called “disciples of the Apostles. . . whom the Holy Roman church sent to their Lord before the Apostles’ death”.
– http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=3385
Gen 17:1,9-10,15-22
Mt 8:1-4
By the labour of your hands you shall eat. You will be happy and prosper.
A few years ago, I watched a video about a street kid who desired to eat a Korean buffet. He did not beg for money; instead, he worked hard to save. When he managed to save enough, he went to the restaurant and the owner honoured him and his efforts by accepting his payment. The owner was later interviewed and was asked why he did not just let the boy eat for free. He replied that he needed to do that as recognition of the boy’s dignity. It was a way to acknowledge the humanity of the kid.
I was reminded of this when I read today’s readings. While God can simply give us manna every day, it is an extra ordinary way of providing for our needs. What God regularly does is to grant us our human dignity by allowing us to receive his blessings by the works that we do. He blesses us by allowing our efforts to bear fruits. It’s a wonderful way for so many reasons.
First, it shows to us that we are not God’s slaves. He has given us the freedom to choose what way of work we want to do. He has given us the freedom to work as much as we want, or as laid back as we want.
Second, work allows us to give a gift to God, and to bring something of ourselves in our relationship with him. A relationship where we have nothing to give is not a full relationship at all. And that’s not what God wants of us.
Third, he has given us the gift to accomplish something for ourselves. Human beings tend not to put so much value on things they have not worked hard for. We derive fulfilment from being able to accomplish something, and God has given us this gift to do so. God allows us to search and find the purpose of our lives.
With what was listed above, which is definitely non-exhaustive, we can appreciate the next line which says ‘You will be happy and prosper.’ Brothers and sisters, we are happy when we get to do something. And when we are with God, what we do bears fruit.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Stephanie Villa)
Prayer: Lord, please help recognize that work is a gift, even though it can be frustrating sometimes.
Thanksgiving: Thank you, God, for allowing me to work and accomplish something.
OXYGEN 
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