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TODAY’S WORD…

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“You do not know what you are asking.

Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to Him, “We are able.”

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– Matthew 20:22 (NRSV)

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You then, my child, be strong

in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

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– 2 Timothy 2:1 (NRSV)

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REFLECTION…

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Drinking the cup of another was a sign of deep friendship

and of a readiness to share a common destiny.

It is in this intimate relationship

that our Lord invites those who wish to follow Him,

Are you ready to suffer with me?

Are you able to drink of my chalice with me?

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Following Christ involves having a strong disposition

towards accepting, above all, the Will of God,

even when it does not concur or run parallel with our wishes.

His Majesty knows best what is suitable for us;

it is not for us to advise Him what to give us,

for He can rightly reply that we know not what we ask. (St. Teresa)

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The language of the Cross is not easy to understand,

and to follow Christ involves being of a humble and obedient yet strong mind

and not placing any limits on how far we are willing to follow Jesus.

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But the Lord sent us His Holy Spirit

who, if we welcome Him into our lives,

fills us with faith and trust to say “We are able”

and gives us the grace and the strength

to accept and do God’s Will…come what may.

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Holy Spirit, River of Grace, increase my faith

and fill me with determination and strength to always do God’s will.

Come Holy Spirit.

… … … … … … … … … … … …… …

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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.