Saint John Chrysostom, in this morning’s Office of
Readings writes words which are a reflection on Saint Paul, but what wonderful
words they are and most applicable to our dispositions as we go to Sunday
Mass. The Reading is titled: “Superabundo gaudio in omni tribulatione”
– “In all troubles, I am filled with joy.”
As Saint Pio of Pietrelcina taught us: “The world would
be better off without the sun than without the Holy Mass.” When you look at yourself in a mirror, what
is reflected is a battlefield, the ongoing strife of flesh versus spirit. Saint Paul, through his life of prayer, his
relationship with Jesus Christ, was able to come to a truce in this battle -
not really a truce, but a victory. The
Power that was within him is within us.
Saint John Chrysostom continues in this Reading: “There
is nothing which so draws a man to return love, as when he understands that He
Who loves him is urgently longing for his affection.” Daily prayer is so important. Through it we come to experience this Love
which will compel us to return our love.
Saint Paul writes: “I am full of consolation” (2
Corinthians 7:4). Saint John Chrysostom
asks: “What consolation?” He answers his
own question, but we can hear these words in the silence of our hearts as we
reconcile, grow in prayer, grow in love, experience Love in a greater abundance:
“You have changed your ways, you have consoled Me by your deeds.”
