The Memorial of Saints Cyril and Methodius

1 Kgs 11:29-32.12:19, Mk 7:31-37. God’s blessings are freely given in the life of David as God took him from the forest where he pastures the flock to crown him king. Like-wise, He filled Solomon with the gift of wisdom. Today, He gives ten tribes to Jeroboam and reserves two for Solomon’s household for the sake of David. Let us think of the gifts God endows us with; free air, sun, rain and everything in being. Without each of these at their proper times and seasons we would simply perish. Yet we pay nothing, except the debt of "thank you Lord". Indeed, thanksgiving ought to be our routine song of praise unto the Lord.

In today's Gospel, we celebrate God’s generosity in the life of the deaf and dumb man. Jesus endows him with the gifts of speech and hearing and of course he is full of joy. Oh, how we transform others’ countenance when we share what we possess with them. A heart full of charity does not count on the amount shared, instead one cherishes immensely the relief which the gift effects on the recipient. Each of us is God’s own gift. The life we have is a gift; so is our health, intelligence, beauty, gifts and our own being. We are gifts from God to the world. What we are, is God's gift to us and what we become is our gift to God. Saints Cyril and Methodius whose memorial we celebrate, became great gifts in their Apostolate to the Slavs of Moravia and Pannonia (modern Czech Republic and Hungary). The brothers Cyril and Methodius were from Thessalonica in northern Greece and their work was so vital to the cultural development of that area that they received the title “Apostles to the Slavs.” They are still highly regarded among the peoples along the river Danube.

May the Lord fill us with good things and make us appreciative of the grace of God in our lives! Amen!! Good morning and have a terrific day!!!