Daily Thoughts: We are reminded today that Jesus really never had a chance with the religious leadership of his time, prophets never fared well no matter where they came from but the thought that Jesus came from Galilee sealed the deal. The religious leadership had made their judgment and nothing was going to change it, not even one of their own, Nicodemus calling for justice.
Jesus throughout his ministry cautioned about making judgments. He healed, taught, forgave, showed compassion and asked us to love even our enemies. His parables always reflected ways to live and not to live. They always reflected a relationship with God so that people could understand the presence of God in their life. He showed compassion to all and forgave sinners. All of this was too much for the religious leadership of his time. Jesus' way did not fit into their view of the world, their way of living in the world. They were prejudice in the case of place, they didn't like Galilee but at other time their prejudice took on different forms. The prejudices that we allow to make a home in us can often be the very thoughts and actions that judge us!
Jesus and Jeremiah became the trusting lambs led to the slaughter. They never had a chance because their message was of God not the world. Their actions, their teachings, their lives give us examples of how to trust and hope in God's love. They help us to look at life through the eyes of faith not the eyes of prejudice.
As we enter this day let us be aware of how we often judge people without listening to their story, without knowing who they really are. Let us trust in the presence of God that every person can bring to us. Let us be people of justice, truth, compassion and love. Let us be open to finding God's presence, God's goodness everywhere.
Daily Lenten Prayer: Compassionate God, make us channels of your faith, hope, love and peace. Grace us with hearts open to your loving presence in all that we meet. Help us with your wisdom so that we might let go of our judgments, our prejudices, and our condemnations. May we be people with generous hearts always rich in a harvest of compassion, mercy and love. Amen!
Runners' Thought: Remember if we have the desire to run with God, then the specifics of the techniques used do not matter very much just keep hold of the desire and God will be with you!
Happy Saturday everyone! If you are in New York Happy St. Patrick's Day as the parade will take place today so in a way you have two days to celebrate. I hope where ever you are and whatever you will be doing this weekend you will have a little chance to celebrate the Irish in all of us!
I head out later this afternoon to begin a mission at Good Shepherd Parish in the Marine Park section of Brooklyn. Once again if you are in the area stop in and celebrate with us this week. The mission service will be at 7:30 pm on Monday through Wednesday. I will also be celebrating the 11 am daily mass those days. Please keep the faith community at Good Shepherd and their preacher in your prayers!
Have a great Saturday everyone. I hope you will get some time to rest and relax. I also hope you will be spending time with people you love. Peace...Fr. Paul
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