Mass Reading Reflection – Divine Appeals
Tuesday, Eighth Week in Ordinary Time, Year I
First Reading – Sirach 35: 1-12
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 50:5-6.7-8.14 and 23 (R. 23bc)
Gospel – Mark 10:28-31
DIVINE APPEAL 77: “I want you to be little and humble. Suffer with great love and never cease to bring Me souls through your
prayers. Pray hard that they may allow grace to penetrate them.”
The attitude of the heart, not lavish offerings, is the genuine test of worship, as the Book of Sirach teaches us. A modest soul that genuinely gives even the smallest act of love is more attractive to God than one who gives generously but is uncommitted. Similarly, in the Gospel, Peter wonders what reward awaits those who sacrifice for Christ. Jesus reassures him that those who leave everything for the sake of the Gospel will receive far more in return—both in this life and in eternity. This teaching affirms that every trial, every sacrifice, and every hidden suffering endured with love bears fruit beyond what we can see. Our Adorable Jesus desires that we never cease in prayer, continuously interceding for those in need of conversion, so that grace may penetrate even the most hardened hearts.
Our Adorable Jesus calls us to a path of humility, sacrifice, and relentless intercession for souls. In Divine Appeal 77, He urges us to embrace littleness and to suffer with love, for it is through humility that grace finds a resting place.Tragically, the wisdom of God is often dismissed by the world, which clings to power and self-reliance instead of trusting in Him. Our Adorable Jesus, in His boundless love, embraced suffering and humility, not as a burden, but as the greatest act of divine strength. He surrendered Himself completely, transforming pain into the very means of our redemption. In His sacrifice, He reveals that true power is not found in dominance, but in obedience to the Father’s will. When we unite our trials to His, they cease to be mere afflictions and instead become channels of grace. By teaching that suffering is no longer meaningless when offered in conjunction with Christ, but rather becomes a hallowed participation in His redemptive work, the Catechism sheds light on this mystery. By praying and making sacrifices for souls that are still far away, we are able to participate in His work and bring them into the boundless embrace of divine mercy.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower, personified this call for spiritual littleness and love. She taught that the very smallest acts, when done with great love, can change the face of the earth. Through her hours of prayer, behind-the-scenes sacrifices, and firm trust in God, she has led innumerable souls to Him. And so, we too are invited to be little and to lovingly suffer, never tiring of bringing souls to our Lord. Each prayer, each silent offering, and each little hidden sacrifice has eternal value. Thus, let us embrace this mission with joyful hearts, trusting that our Adorable Jesus accepts every effort with infinite love, and that many will be brought to His grace through our prayers and humility.
Prayer
O our Adorable Jesus, make our hearts small enough to rest in Yours. Teach us to embrace suffering, not with fear, but with love, knowing that every pain offered draws souls to You. Let our prayers be like drops of balm upon wounded hearts, opening them to Your saving grace. Amen.