Daily Thoughts: I am back...sorry for missing my daily thoughts and prayers yesterday but often when I am on the road and have a big schedule of Sunday masses it is hard to get to my personal prayer, thinking and writing.
The readings today talk about expectations. We all have expectations for our life, for experiences we enter into, for relationships we have, for our jobs and ministries, for the world around us. Sometimes our expectations are met even exceeded, however other times we are disappointed. Now at times our expectations can be unrealistic and there is no way they can be met. At other times our expectations cloud our ability to enter into a situation and get the best out of it. Our expectations of people, place, things and experiences can at times hold us back from realizing the graces or blessings of a particular experience or moment.
This is the case in our readings today. Naaman seeks healing for his leprosy from Elisha the prophet. When told to go to the Jordan River and wash seven times he becomes indignant. He thinks Elisha should do something spectacular, that there should be a great event that brings about his healing. Naaman is finally convinced to let go of his expectations and healing comes.
The people of Nazareth have certain expectations for Jesus. They think they know him. They think they know what to expect from him. Thus they make it difficult for Jesus to be the healing, loving forgiving person he is everywhere else. The people of Nazareth cannot let go of their expectations and Jesus must move on.
Our scriptures remind us today that God works in mysterious ways. If we have expectations for God, for Jesus, for the Holy Spirit, then we might be disappointed, however if like Naaman we can put aside our expectations, if we can let go and let God, then great things can happen. Most importantly we will be able to recognize God's presence in our life when we most need it.
Daily Lenten Prayer: Loving God, open our hearts to the endless possibilities of your love and your presence in our lives today. Help us to let go of our expectations and be open to the many mysterious ways you touch our lives. Grace us with the strength to let go and let you guide and direct us today. Heal us with your love and grant us the wisdom to recognize you today and always. Amen!
Runner's Thought: Remember, as we run, it is not as if God is waiting at the finish line, or the end of the block or back in the driveway or at the side door. Rather, each step takes us closer to the realization that God's presence - God's grace - is with us already, and we need only to pay attention to that presence. In other words, let us let go of our expectations today as we run and let God! (Adapted from Running the Spiritual Path by Roger Joslin)
Welcome to Monday everyone! I know Monday's are not always easy but hopefully you can ease into today without too much struggle, however if today is a difficult beginning to this new work week for you please know my prayers are with you!
In about an hour I open the mission here at St. Bartholomew Parish in Bethesda, MD. My preaching at all the masses over the weekend went well. The faith community here is very friendly and I am looking forward to the three days and evenings of mission. Once again I ask your prayers for the community and their preacher these days!
I will pray for all of you as you begin this work week. May it be one filled with many blessings for you, your loved ones and all the people you encounter on your journey through the week. In those moments of struggle this week take a deep breath and know that God is with you because God is with you always. Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
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