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TODAY’S WORD…

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“I was hungry, and you fed me.

I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink.

I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.

I was naked, and you gave me clothing.

I was sick, and you cared for me.

I was in prison, and you visited me. “

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– Matthew 25:35-36 (NLT)

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“I tell you the truth,

when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,

you were doing it to me!”

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– Matthew 25:40 (NLT)

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REFLECTION…

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God calls us to live with others,

to simply make what contribution we can – small or large –

to the good of all.

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God willed that relationships between human beings

should be more than an occasional and fleeting expression of concern for their neighbours.

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God willed that mankind

should help in providing all that the necessities and dignity of life would require and demand.

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Divine Providence ordered human nature in such a way

that men should be inclined to associate with others of their kind,

and to unite themselves with other people

both in the society of the home

as well as in civil society.

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Living in society – living with others –

gives rise to many opportunities, advantages and benefits,

but also to obligations

whatever the environment we happen to inhabit.

Think of your place within the family,

in civil society,

in your neighbourhood,

at work…

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These obligations are invested with a moral character

because of the relationship of man to God – his ultimate end.

Observing these obligations,

or failing to keep them

brings us closer to or separates us further…from God.

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Yes, God calls us to live with others,

to simply make what contribution we can – small or large –

to the good of all.

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Am I open to other people, especially those that God has placed closest to me?

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Do I generally make myself available?

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Do I give good example in the way I fulfil my family and social duties?

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Do I frequently ask God for light to know what I have to do should an opportunity arise,

and do I carry out my task through to the end,

courageously, with a spirit of sacrifice?

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From today onwards, ask the Lord frequently:

What can I do for other people?

What words can I say to console and help others?

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QUOTE…

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“By his innermost nature man is a social being,

and if he does not enter into relations with others

he can neither live as a human being

nor develop his gifts.

Society is a natural means that man can and should use

in order to reach his end. ”

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– Pope Pius XI

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Jesus, remove my selfishness

and never allow me to be indifferent to others.

Lord, help me see You in all.

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… … … … … … … … … … … …… …

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Note: The main source of today’s REFLECTION is the seven-volume work

“In Conversation with God” by Padre Francisco Fernández Carvajal.