Daily Thoughts: That day in Capernaum, which we hear about in today's Gospel, Jesus taught as one having authority, in fact he taught everyday that way. Perhaps that is the problem today that often those teaching really do not teach with authority. They think they do but they don't.
Authority comes from living an authentic life. We cannot say one thing and then do another and expect to have authority. We cannot say life is important and then only value life at the time of birth. We cannot say children, women and men are created in the image and likeness of God and then protect people who hurt them. We cannot talk about freedom and then limit it for certain people. We cannot talk about shepherding and service then live as one who is privileged and entitled. We cannot say human life is most important and then treat inanimate objects with more reverence than people. We cannot say community is important and then restrict the participation of the community.
In the Gospel and the Letter to the Hebrews today we are reminded that Jesus lived an authentic life. A life focused on others, a life of authority! We long for teaching with authority today but every where we turn it seems to be missing. Jesus knew what he was talking about. He knew that people were more important than things. He knew that boundaries could be crossed if it meant life. He knew that people were more important than ritual, dress and mystery. Jesus offered all who listened to him the chance to allow God to change and shape their hearts into a new way of life. If we listen to Jesus and follow his way we will come to know true authority, we will come to live an authentic life!
Daily Prayer: O God, your gift of courage is one of the greatest favors you have given us. It would be wrong for us to behave like cowards or to fear anything except not being true to you. So one again grant us the courage to live authentic lives that reflect your greatest gift to us, Love! Bestow on us this day your kindness and peace that we might bring them to all we meet! Amen!
(Note: I adapted part of this prayer from the words of St. Teresa of Avila)
Runner's Thought: As you run today take with you whatever image of God that is most important to you and allow that image to accompany you on your run.
Runner's Thought 2: As you run today look for goodness in everyone you encounter. Look for goodness in yourself!
Have a great Tuesday everyone. I hope you are making it through these winter days OK. If you are under the weather my prayers are with you. If you are busy I pray you get a moment of peace. If you are frustrated I pray for an acknowledgement of the gift that you are. If you find yourself angry today I pray you will soon be able to let it go. If you find yourself alone I pray God will embrace you to let you know you are not! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
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