Daily Thoughts: Today readings (2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-30 and Luke 19: 11-28) are long and tough. In the first reading we hear about a mother who must watch her seven sons die. In the Gospel we hear another version of the talents story with a twist. Violence abounds in both stories. They do not seem to be stories that can send us on our journey through this day in a positive way, We might even say that these stories show us another side of God, one that we might not understand.
Yet I think we can gleam a positive focus for our day from our scripture stories. The thread that runs through both stories is that of faith. The mother in 2 Maccabees wants her sons to be faithful even if it means death. Their faithfulness will not only help them but also the community.
In the Gospel parable Jesus is asking us to take a risk, to trust, to have faith, He asks us to use our gifts and talents to the best of our ability. He asks us to invest in ourselves and others. He doesn't want us to fear God but to trust God, to trust ourselves and to live by faith.
Yes, sometimes the scripture can seem negative, the stories seem violent and overwhelming but if we stop to consider God's word and let it touch us we will always be able to find the challenge and the loving presence of God to take us through the day!
Trust my friends, be faithful and may God be with you and bless your day!
Daily Prayer: Loving God help us to be grateful today. Help us to recognize your love in everything you have given us, because we know, we believe that you have has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of your love, every moment of existence is a grace, because it brings with it immense graces from you.
Gracious God, in gratitude we must never take anything for granted. We must never be unresponsive to your love. We must constantly be awakening to new wonder and giving praise for you awesome goodness. We want to be grateful people because we know that a grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And this is what makes all the difference. Amen!
(Adapted from words by Thomas Merton)
Runner’s Thought: “Running, much like life, [faith and the spiritual life], has its hills and valleys. On any given run, and particularly in most marathons, we come across easy stretches and seemingly impossible challenges. I have learned to just keep going. The tough moments never last, and the easy stretches are always a joy. The same is clearly true in life [in faith and the spiritual life], if we just keep going we'll get to that finish line with water, massages, and bananas! [And friendship with God!] (Main part of quote by Will Starr, Runner's World Challenger of the Week – I add what is in the brackets)
Daily Blessing: Happy Hump Day everyone! I hope your day has started off well? Here in Jacksonville I am getting ready to begin the final day of the mission. First up on the agenda for today is a school mass at 9:00 am and the morning mission talk. It will be a busy day!
It has been a busy week here so far but a good one. It is nice to be back into ministry in this way. At the end of the day I am tired but it is a good tired! So as you begin your day which I hope will be a good one please offer a prayer for the people here at Holy Family and for their preacher so that this closing day of the mission will be a good one filled with spirit, energy and life.
My prayer of blessing for all of us today... May God bless us all today – Loving God bless us – Bless us and keep us safe. Let your face shine upon us and show us your compassion especially in those moments when we may struggle. May your love and peace embrace us, all we meet and especially those we love. May our journeys be safe and may we find our way home tonight to enjoy your gift family and rest. Amen! Blessings to all and enjoy your day! Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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