When I think of being filled, I think of being satisfied. I think of having more than enough to meet my needs so that I can be a blessing to others. But it all starts with our level of expectancy.

Memorial of St. Philip Neri

1 Peter 1:18-25

Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20

M ark 10:32-45 (32) And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, (33) saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; (34) and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." (35) And James and John, the sons of Zeb'edee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." (36) And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" (37) And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." (38) But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" (39) And they said to him, "We are able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; (40) but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." (41) And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. (42) And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. (43) But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, (44) and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. (45) For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Meditation by Maryanne Rouse

Feast of St Philip Neri, Priest (1515-1595)

St. Philip Neri, for me a familiar name and not just because there is a Catholic parish here in Omaha named for him.  My faith roots began with my Baptism at St. Philip Neri in Chicago. Because we moved from that area just before I went to kindergarten, I was never a student in the parish school. 

Just for fun, I checked the internet and discovered that the parish is still going and the school has grown into an education center for that area of Chicago , south and very near Lake Michigan. 

I appreciate the prompting to check and see what has happened to a piece of my history that this reflection assignment spurred. Strangely comforting, to find it intact and even having thrived over the decades.

Philip Neri came from Florence, but moved on from there to Rome to study theology and pursue a life of ministry to God. Among the friends he met was St. Ignatius where though he did not become a Companion, he did send others toward that Company of Jesus.

At the age of nearly 30, Philip was counseled to become a priest, though humility had kept him from this path until then. After ordination, he took to the counseling of young men and heard confessions several hours per day. What appeared to fortify him throughout his life was his ability to take himself and others lightly. 

I found this prayer and pass it on to you as worth our consideration:

Saint Philip Neri, we take ourselves far too seriously most of the time. Help us to add humor to our perspective – remembering always that humor is a gift from God. Amen.

In today’s Gospel, James and John seek the most prominent places next to Christ in heaven, to be seated on his right and left sides. And as some of my older relatives would have said “Imagine! With Him not yet cold in His grave!”  The other apostles, upon hearing this became indignant, which provided Jesus with the teachable moment of explaining “servant leadership,” His way of leading and required for those who would follow Him.

Not an easy concept or practice, but perhaps when sprinkled with a dose of Philip’s humor a little more attractive.  Perhaps today, we can intend to be aware of the opportunities for exercising a style of servant leadership as our day progresses and see how we and others engage this style—or not. 

Remember, though, with a light touch!

Supplementary Reading

He Will Fill You

. . . ‘My people will be filled with My bounty,' declares the LORD— Jeremiah 31:14

W hen I think of being filled, I think of being satisfied. I think of having more than enough to meet my needs so that I can be a blessing to others. But it all starts with our level of expectancy. My question for you today is what are you believing for? What are you expecting? You might say, "Well, Joel. I don't think I'll ever meet my sales goals this year with the economy like it is." Or, "I don't think I'll ever get promoted. I'm not that qualified." "I don't think I'll ever get well." The problem is you're not looking for those good breaks. You're not expecting increase. You're not positioning yourself for God to fill you, and unfortunately, you won't be disappointed. Jesus said in the scriptures, "According to your faith it will be done unto you." He might as well have said, "If you've got a cup, I'll fill you with a cup level of blessing. If you've got a bucket, I'll fill you with a bucket level of blessing." But if you'll take the limits off of God and believe for supernatural opportunities, if you'll go out each day expecting far and beyond favor, you won't be disappointed. He will fill you and satisfy you with His goodness and show His favor in ways beyond your wildest dreams!

Father God, thank You for blessing me so that I can be a blessing to others. Today, I choose to open my heart and mind to You and expect that You will fill me with Your bounty. I choose to take the limits off my thinking so that You can have Your way in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.—Joel & Victoria Osteen

For archive of previous Daily Meditation postings, please visit http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com/

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GOD BLESS US ALL!

O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.