“Scratchpad Reflections are daily meditations on the scripture readings for the date noted and are written by Dominican Brother Daniel Thomas to help readers gain a deeper understanding of the daily liturgies and Masses of celebration. Here is the reflection for:

May 30, 2016 – Monday in the 9^th week of the Church Year

Saint for the day: Joan of Arc (1412-1431)

Scripture Readings for today’s Liturgy:

2 Peter 1:2-7     –     Psalm 91     –     Mark 12:1-12

Be steadfast in this evil age. The stone rejected by the builders has become the corner stone. (Today’s Holy Gospel according to St. Mark)

 Today, the last Monday in May, is traditionally given to the US celebration of Memorial Day. A day when we remember those who have gone before us, especially those who have given their lives for the protection of the freedom of our country. Although there aren’t special scripture readings for today’s liturgy I think we can still some of the necessary qualities that, if taken seriously, can easily be applied to this US celebration.

In the first reading from II Peter we read, “Supplement your faith with virtue; virtue with knowledge, knowledge with self control, self control with endurance, endurance with devotion, devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with love.” (1 Peter 1:7) Take a moment to go over the above verse slowly being sure to include that lead-in word, “supplement.” You might even try using different lead-in words such as, “increase” or “develop” virtue in a real, practical way. We always want to cultivate knowledge, but with self control that doesn’t give up easily. I hope you can see where I’m going with this exercise? It should lead you to getting a fuller meaning from each of these powerful words especially the last part, “mutual affection with love.”

This is the outline that we must follow else God will remove his favor from us and give it to another. In the Gospel story God tries over and over to gift us with his love (the son) but we think his gift is not enough and want the “whole kahonna” and in that process we lose everything.

Faith to virtue, virtue to knowledge, knowledge to self-control, self-control to endurance, endurance to devotion, devotion to mutual affection, mutual affection to love.   A progression/growth into being God’s people. If your following of Jesus hasn’t brought about some – however small – change in your life, you better take some time to work on the above, key phrase from II Peter 1:7.   Amen.