Daily Thoughts: Sorry for my absence the last few days it was a combination of reasons, the cold/flu bug had me and it made concentrating a little more challenging, also I was busy giving a retreat on the weekend and had limited wifi, so there were a number of challenges to getting the Good News out these last few days, If I want to keep up my daily thoughts I am going to have to find a system that helps me when things get busy which is going to be pretty soon so please be patient with me!
In reflecting on the readings today two themes struck me about our faith, continuity and change. The first, continuity, the consistency of God. In the Letter to the Hebrews we are reminded that God has made an oath with us, that he will be with us forever. This is a consistent theme throughout scripture. It is a ray of hope, God will not forget us, God will not leave us. God will be with us always. We can count on it. We can take it to the bank. We might not understand why God continues to hang around with everything humankind seems to do to chase God away, but God will always be with us!
On the other hand, if something is alive that also means change. Jesus in the Gospel to the horror of the Pharisees indicates that things are not always going to remain the same. Change is in the air. The sabbath was made for humankind, not humankind for the sabbath. Jesus is asking people to look at their faith differently. The sabbath came into being to help humankind take time to focus on God. But the sabbhath is not great than the needs of people. In other words, the actions, the rituals, the customs, the reality of the sabbath is not what is most important, it is people and their relationship with God. On a side note I wish we might understand that about our own rituals and practices!
Life means changes and as we go through life the things that connect us with God are going to change, take on different forms and different importance but God's commitment to us, God covenant with us will never change! Two of God's great gifts to us Life and hope are always guiding us, always nourishing us.
Daily Prayer: O God of eternal hope, help us always to remember your faithful promise to be with us always. Guide us through this ever changing life with your gifts of courage, strength and grace so that we might help to build a world of justice and peace for all. Amen!
Runner's Thought: As you run remember with each plant of your foot you feel firmness under you that is the presence of God running with you!
Have a great Tuesday everyone! If you were off yesterday I hope you had a relaxing day or a day that helped you to catch up in this busy life. If you are under the weather my prayers and thoughts are with you. I know how it feels first hand! Be well today and may you encounter many blessings as you live this day! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
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