How can I, on this Memorial of Saint Gregory of Narek—when the Gospel exhorts us to “cut it #off”—turn off unnecessary indulgences at The Glenn, resist the temptation to show off my possessions as the Laudato si’ Action Platform calls me to do, remain humble in light of the Synod’s call to recognize my sinfulness, and head off to Graham, Texas for my son Daniel’s fundraising event, all while praying for his miracle through the intercession of the Venerable Fulton J. Sheen❓
Gospel
Jesus said to his disciples:
“”Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink
because you belong to Christ,
amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.“”Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin,
it would be better for him if a great millstone
were put around his neck
and he were thrown into the sea.
If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.
It is better for you to enter into life maimed
than with two hands to go into Gehenna,
into the unquenchable fire.
And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off.
It is better for you to enter into life crippled
than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna.
And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.
Better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye
than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna,
where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.“”Everyone will be salted with fire.
Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid,
with what will you restore its flavor❓
Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another.””
Lectio Divina on the Word “off“
There are times in my life when I must intentionally turn off distractions, tuning my heart to what truly matters. At The Glenn, switching off the heated water buckets as the weather warms is a simple act, yet it reminds me of the bigger call to recognize what is no longer necessary. The Laudato si’ Action Platform warns against wasteful excess, and I must ask myself: what in my life should be turned off to make room for a more mindful and responsible existence❓
Future’s Mask Off‘s central theme of shedding illusions, breaking free from constraints, and facing reality is much like the Gospel’s call to “cut it off.” The song’s refrain, “Mask off,” symbolizes removing facades, which resonates with the penitential vigil’s challenge to let go of pride and false superiority. Similarly, Laudato si’ critiques wasteful excess and the illusion of material superiority, urging people to cut off destructive habits. At The Glenn, turning “off” the heated water buckets and preparing for a trip reflect a conscious decision to adjust to reality and necessity. Just as Future’s song emphasizes breaking away from past constraints, this reflection asks: What must we cut off to live with greater humility and purpose❓
I know that pride can sneak up on me, making me believe I am better than others, but the Synod reminds me to cut off such illusions. True humility requires stepping off the pedestal of self-righteousness and acknowledging my faults. If I let my ego take off unchecked, I risk losing sight of the real purpose of my journey—seeking God’s grace in every moment, especially in my struggles.
recognised that we are sinners. We put pride on one aside and cut ourselves off from presuming
that we are better than others. Did we become any humbler❓
This weekend, I am heading off to Graham, Texas, where a fundraising event will support my son Daniel and his family. Though my heart remains heavy, I refuse to let despair take off with my hope. I continue to believe in miracles, holding onto faith that God’s plan—whether it be healing or something beyond my understanding—is unfolding exactly as it should.
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off aligns illustrates the theme of deliberately stepping away—or “cutting off“—from the pressures and expectations of daily life. Ferris, much like the penitential vigil in the Synod document, puts aside pride and societal demands, embracing a day of freedom and humility in the grand scheme of things. Similarly, the Laudato si’ message warns against excessive consumption and vanity, while Ferris himself mocks materialism and status, prioritizing experiences over possessions. Just as The Glenn turns “off” unnecessary energy use and makes adjustments based on changing needs, Ferris carefully orchestrates his day to maximize joy and renewal, cutting off from routine obligations. Ultimately, both reflections and the film pose a question: What truly matters, and what should we be willing to “cut off” to live more fully❓
As I pray for Daniel through the intercession of the Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, I reflect on the Gospel’s call to cut off whatever leads me away from God. Do I have the courage to sever attachments to doubt, fear, and the need for control❓ Can I truly surrender, trusting that God’s mercy is at work even in the deepest trials❓ In the end, I must ask myself—what in my life must I do to…
“‘…cut it off.‘”
We fail to see that some are mired in desperate and degrading poverty, with no way out, while others have not the faintest idea of what to do with their possessions, vainly showing off their supposed superiority and leaving behind them so much waste which, if it were the case everywhere, would destroy the planet.
FROM PARAGRAPH 90 OF THE ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME