Daily Thoughts: In today's Gospel we are reminded that it is not the quantity or style of our prayer. It is not the position we hold or all the things we can point to that we do. It is the quality of our prayer and how we live our life that counts.
The Pharisee had all the right words, all the right actions but not the right intention. He knew the law but the not the spirit. The tax collector on the other hand certainly struggled in his life but when it came to prayer, when it came to speaking with God he was right on.
Humility is a valuable gift yet one that not many people have. We grow up trying to develop our self-confidence; we try to be independent, self-assured and self-reliant. We are often told that we must promote ourselves in order to get anywhere. Yet, humility can help us recognize God, in ourselves and others. Humility can help us recognize the presence of God in the living of life.
The response to the responsoral psalm today is "It is mercy I desire, and not sacrifice." I have a merciful person we must be humble. We must realize that we are not perfect, we are human, with faults and failings just like everyone else. If we are willing enough and humble enough to seek God's mercy then we will be able to offer mercy and compassion to others.
As St. John Chrysostom put it, "We cannot be saved by seeking just our own individual salvation. We need to look first to the good of others."
Daily Lenten Prayer: Loving God, help us to live as humble, compassionate people today and always. May we always pray with openness to your mercy and love just like the tax collector. Grace us with hearts that recognize your gifts in our lives and an openness to share these gifts with others. Amen!
Runner's Thought: Running is a lot like life, sometimes it is energizing and sometimes it isn't but it always has meaning!
Happy Saturday everyone! Remember as tomorrow begins we lose an hour of sleep tonight so set your clocks ahead one hour as you go to bed tonight and remember tomorrow will have more daylight! Spring take another step closer.
I head out this afternoon for Stony Point, NY and Immaculate Conception Parish where I will be celebrating a Mission this week from Monday to Wednesday. I look forward to my time there and to getting a chance to see the Great Hudson River once again. I have to stay that I miss it after being able to look out my window so many years as watch it flow by. I ask you prayers for the faith community at Immaculate Conception and for their preacher this coming week!
I also ask your prayers for Fr. Edward, one of my community members, who leaves today for Rome to report on the conclave and the election of a new pope for CNN. And I certainly ask your prayers for the Church and the cardinals who will be meeting to elect the new pope, may they elect a man of compassion and vision, humble and open to God's Spirit of love.
Well friends have a good Saturday. May it be a restful one and may it be gifted with the presence of people you love! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
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