As I meditate on the readings today, I envision Jesus, the Word of God, standing before me with a small, sharp, two-edged sword. He wields it like a masterful surgeon penetrating the thoughts and intentions of my heart. It is a terrifying prospect, and I am tempted to run and hide. But where can I flee from His presence?
Jesus sees me and He knows me through and through. He sees beyond my outward acts of piety and sacrifice, my theological knowledge, my postures of prayer, and my Catholic conversations. He knows me better than I know myself—when I am playing a part, seeking approval, or vaunting my righteousness. The Good News is that even though Jesus sees the deepest motivations of my weak and fickle heart, He has not come to judge or condemn, but only to save me.
His voice is always the voice of Love. He calls me to know His Love and live more deeply in it by rooting out selfishness, pride, and pretension, so I can be an instrument of His love to others. He’s not impressed with outward signs of holiness. He doesn’t want a pretender or a performer, He wants all of me.
Today, once again, I embrace the loving correction of the Lord as it comes to me through His Holy Word. I resist the temptation to be self-protective, self-righteous, or self-condemning. I climb back on the altar and give Him all of me—my mind, body, and heart, my thoughts, acts, and intentions. I ask Him to purify me so that I may love Him sincerely from the heart and live only for an audience of One.
Pray this litany of the Most Precious Blood and ask Our Lord to purify you today.
Debra Herbeck, a Jewish convert to the Church, has worked extensively in youth and women’s ministry. She has directed Pine Hills Girls Camp for the past 33 years, is the founder and Director of the Be Love Revolution, and also helps lead a ministry called i.d.916. She has written a number of books that can be found here. Debra and her husband Peter live in Ann Arbor, Michigan and are the parents of four children, five adorable grandchildren and two more on the way!
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