People tend to practice being selective. We grow up in our families, but we selectively draw closer to some than others. We get to know people, but we selectively choose those we put into the various concentric circles of our lives. We even selectively choose various levels of love and support that we show or withhold. We do this for good or ill, for peace or chaos. What is true in our physical lives also creeps into our spiritual lives. We selectively choose those passages of Scripture that we find appealing, and sometimes reject or ignore those verses that challenge our growth in faith, or in doctrine as it concerns Mary and the Saints. True exaltation in love and knowledge stems from the choice to be humble (Mt. 23:12). Lord Jesus, You humbled Yourself for our sake by dying so that we may live. Help us to truly humble our egos and pride so that we may grow in wisdom, faith and love. Amen.

Blessings,

Fr. Howie

READINGS

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082220.cfm