NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART: SECOND DAY – WHAT DOES GOD DESIRE?
Let us make time in our daily schedule to have a few quiet moments with the Lord who loves us unconditionally. While you’re there, think of anything or anybody in particular you would like to bring to the Lord’s loving presence today.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
REFLECTION FOR THE SECOND DAY OF THE NOVENA These words from the prophet Micah are God’s response to a series of questions Micah had thrown out at God. What does it mean to live in relationship with you, God? What is it that you ask of us?
All God wants is for people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him as their guide. That is the foundation of human behaviour and from this base we make good decisions and live compassionate lives. The key to a decent life flows from justice, mercy, and humility.
This verse is especially useful when life seems complicated. In any trying situation, when uncertain about a course of action, try to remember Micah 6:8…..When we might be tempted to be selfish and self-absorbed, the words about justice ring clearly in our ears. When puffed up, humility cries out, “life is not complicated, follow Micah’s words.”
Ghandi said: “Be the change you want to see in the world”. Biblical justice is always aimed at improving the lot of others. If actions do not improve other’s lives, then it is not justice and it is not from God’s teachings. If we want a better world, the solution starts with Micah 6:8.
James writes in his Epistle: “religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” James 1:27
It might be easier if God were to ask me to do difficult things, to put great challenges before me. I am reminded, instead, that God asks me only to be just, to love and to follow. Prayer is the life we live, the daily choices we make, the justice and mercy we show.
TODAY’S PRAYER Grant us, Lord God, a vision of your world as your love would have it: a world where the weak are protected, and none go hungry or poor; a world where peace is built with justice, and justice is guided by love and mercy. Give us the inspiration and courage to build it, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
NOVENA PRAYER
Lord Jesus, your Heart is moved
with compassion
when we are suffering,
when we need your help,
and when we pray for each other.
I ask you to listen to my prayer during this Novena,
(Mention your intention.)
and to grant what is best.
DAILY INVOCATION Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
(pray this many times during the day)