Jul 24 – Memorial for St. Charbel Makhluf, Priest
St. Charbel was a Lebanese monk, born in a small mountain village and ordained in 1858. Devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he spent the last twenty three years of his life as a hermit. Despite temptations to wealth and comfort, St. Charbel taught the value of poverty, self-sacrifice and prayer by the way he lived his life.
Exo 14:5-18
Mt 12:38-42
…the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth…
It was a religious nun who pointed out to me that the question “Is this is a sign?”, is superstitious in itself. It was during a time in my life that I demanded signs, to affirm my choices and direct my paths. Looking back, I realise that it was so shallow of me to leave important decisions to these so-called signs instead of through proper discernment and guidance. People continue to live their lives relying on signs; perhaps because they are not open to listening to the voice of God. Though sometimes demanding, the voice of God and the ways of the Lord, are always the right way.
God sent His only Son to earth, to suffer and die for our salvation. On the onset, none of it makes sense. It’s because none of us would allow our children, let alone our only son, to be sacrificed for the sake of others. Sadly, we are sometimes better at seeking the good of only ourselves and our families. Surely we have a responsibility to provide for and protect our families. However as a Christian, it is important that we realise that our family also consists of the poor, needy, the oppressed and the lonely. Have we done our part to serve our family?
When was the last time we encouraged our children and advised them so that they would consider vocations of religious life and mission? Many parishioners advise me to take on roles in ministry and though I never ask them, I always wonder where their children were (some are not even seen at Sunday masses).
Isn’t it beautiful to be the giver? Our Lord and master is a giver, surely as His disciples we can do the same. Can we nurture our children to have the heart that listens to the voice of God and gives glory to His name?
(Today’s OXYGEN by Josephine Dionisappu)
Prayer: Lord, help us to have a heart that listens to you and is able to love like you. Divine Master, make us more like you. Help us to have a personal relationship with you till the end of time. Help us to help our families.
Thanksgiving: Lord, we hear your voice in every beat of our hearts. No signs are needed at all.
OXYGEN 
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