One
theme that has been with me most of this week is the fact that all of the
readings remind us to be hope filled people. We are to be people of hope in the
midst of at the struggles and challenges that we fact in life. Certainly that
is an important message for us as perhaps we think back to the events of this
week particularly in Boston and the city of West in Texas.
Paul
and Barnabas face a challenge in Antioch some of the people in the community do
not want challenge. They do not want these outsiders; they do not want their
life changed. So they stir up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas. But the
Spirit of God is alive in Paul and Barnabas, the Good News will be proclaimed.
Those who read and hear the stories of the Acts of the Apostles are reminded
that the Spirit of God will not be held back, it is a Spirit for all!
John
in the Book of Revelation reminds the churches he is writing to, to stay
strong, to remain hopeful. Even though they are struggling and evil is around
them God is with them. They journey through this life to something greater, to
a place of plenty and peace, but they must remain strong. They need to trust
always in God even in the midst of struggles, challenges and evil!
These
two readings are words we need to hear today. The events of this week bond us
to Paul, Barnabas and the early Church. The events of this week have been about
struggle, sadness, challenge and evil. The events of this week call us to be
strong and remain hopeful. The events of this week perhaps made us wonder and
ask why? But in the spirit of Paul, Barnabas and John we are called to remain
faith filled because we are on a journey to something better.
Perhaps
in a similar way the events of this week have challenged us to listen for the
voice of the Good Shepherd. Sometimes the noise of our world gets very loud but
the Good Shepherds voice is always calling us. Sometimes the leadership of our
world, our country, our church, our culture and society is all about power, authority,
money, influence and self-interest. Jesus in John’s Gospel today reminds us
that true leadership is about service and being a Good Shepherd. Jesus’ image
of leadership is about compassion, forgiveness, understanding, care, support
and selflessness!
The
readings today call us to listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd. A Good
Shepherd who is always there especially in the midst of struggle, challenge,
fear and evil. A Good Shepherd with a Spirit that cannot be denied. Let us
listen, live and be God’s faith filled people of hope!
Daily
Prayer: O
God, help us to throw ourselves into your loving arms because we know that you
are always with us and will never leave us to face life alone. Enable us to
trust in your presence even in the midst of struggle, difficulty, sadness,
challenge and evil. Grace us with a spirit that is always hope filled. Help us
to hear the voice of the Good Shepherd in the midst of all the noise in our
lives. Strengthen us with the fire of your love so that like you and your Son
Jesus we may be one in faith, hope and love. Amen!
Runner’s
Thought:
Perhaps you have already run today or maybe you are thinking about tomorrow, so
as we ready ourselves for a new week let us once again make the commitment to
run strong this week for Boston and Texas and all who are in need of strength.
Let us remember those who have died and their families. Let us remember those
hurt physically, emotionally and spiritually. Let us remember all the runners
who didn’t get the chance to finish their journey. Let us remember all those
who helped anyone who was injured or hurt. Let us run strong this coming week.
In the words of the prophet Isaiah let us “run and not grow weary,” (Isaiah
40:31) because we run with God!
Happy
Sunday Evening Friends! It has been a long day but I wanted to connect with you
before turning in. I preached seven masses this weekend and hopefully my
invitation to the parish mission here at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Parish will
be accepted and we will have a good mission this week. The people seemed
enthusiastic so I am hopeful. Again if you are in the area come and join us in
the morning at 9:00 am or in the evening at 7:30 pm Monday thru Wednesday. To
all who cannot join me have a restful Sunday evening and a great week with many
blessings! Peace in Christ’s Passion and Hope in the Risen Lord…Fr. Paul
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