This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.
“Now, Lord, you know that I take this wife of mine not because of lust, but for a noble purpose.” So says Tobiah in the first reading.
In today’s gospel, when asked which is first among all the Commandments, Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Purity of intention: It is not a nice-to-have; it is everything. Purity of intention consists of two elements: Obedience to God’s will, and zeal for the welfare of neighbor; in other words, love of God and neighbor.
Purity of intention is not to obey the minimum letter of the law while seeking pleasures, the esteem of others, and personal, worldly glory as the top priority.
In the first reading, God heard the prayer of Tobiah and Sarah because they begged mercy of Him with sincerity of heart, with purity of intention. We can be absolutely certain of God’s care and blessings if we pray with love of God and neighbor in our hearts.
Ideas for conversation with the Lord: Tell Jesus that you know that charity, that is, supernatural love, is a gift, something that cannot be obtained by personal effort; ask Him to gift you this gift, and do whatever it takes to purify it in you.
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