Saints for 26 September

Amantius
Callistratus
Colman of Elo
Cosmas
Cyprian
Damian
Eusebius
Gabriel Lalemant
John of Meda
Justina of Antioch
saints.sqpn.com/26-september

Louis Tezza
Marie Victoire Therese Couderc
Meugant
Neol
Nilus the Younger
North American Martyrs
Senator
Vigilius

SEPTEMBER 26, 2011
DAILY PRAYER WITH REGNUM CHRISTI

THE GREATEST
September 26, 2011
Monday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Father Edward McIlmail, LC
Luke 9: 46-50
An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the
greatest. Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a
child and placed it by his side and said to them, "Whoever receives
this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives
the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the
one who is the greatest." Then John said in reply, "Master, we saw
someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him
because he does not follow in our company." Jesus said to him, "Do
not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you."
Introductory Prayer: In you, Lord, I find all my joy and happiness.
How could I offend you by chasing after fleeting success and lifeless
trophies? I believe in you because you are truth itself. I hope in
you because you are faithful to your promises. I love you because you
have loved me first. I am a sinner; nevertheless, you have given me
so many blessings. I humbly thank you.
Petition: Holy Spirit, teach me to see myself as the least of all,
as one called to serve all.
1. Me-first Syndrome: Listening wasn't the disciples' strong suit.
How could it be? If they had truly paid attention to the Master,
they should have known that the Good News wasn't about striving for
prestige and recognition. It was about humility and service. We can
only wonder why Jesus' words didn't sink in for his disciples. Yet,
are we much better? We hear or read the same Gospel passages year
after year, yet we still fall into sins of pride. We might think
ourselves better or smarter or holier than the rest. But how does
Christ see us?
2. The Corrupter: Jesus explains in what greatness consists: the
acceptance of the weakest and most defenseless, in his name. This
requires a humble heart. God gives us certain powers that he hopes
will be used for good purposes. The history of mankind seethes with
tales of people exploiting one another at every opportunity. Examples
abound: ethnic groups that exploit minorities, employers who take
advantage of poor immigrants, the road-rager who cuts off people in
traffic. "Power corrupts," says the ancient adage. Indeed it does.
How do I treat the people over whom I have authority? Am I like a
dictator? Do I always want to show them "who's the boss"? Or is my
attitude one of service?
3. Zealously Jealous: John explains that he and the other disciples
tried to stop someone who was doing good in Jesus' name. The person's
crime was that he didn't follow "in our company." Christians have
derailed more than a few good works over the centuries because they
thought themselves appointed by God to police the Church. The Holy
Spirit raises up all kinds of new works which need to be serenely
discerned, not systematically squelched simply because they are new.
"By their fruits you will know them," Jesus says (see Matthew 7:16).
The lesson Our Lord wants to give is: Don't be so quick to judge
others' motives. Give them the benefit of the doubt, and wait to see
what their work produces. Is there anyone I'm keeping from doing
good?
Conversation with Christ: Give me the grace to see people and
actions through your eyes. Let me bring my standards in line with
yours. Let me learn to look at a person's heart rather than his
appearance. And above all, give me the wisdom never to stand in the
way of people doing good for your Church.
Resolution: I will do an act of charity for the pro-life movement
or for a children's group.
meditation.regnumchristi.org