The picture that the Gospel (Luke 8:19-21) paints today often
creates concern and questions. Why would Jesus treat his family this way? Why
would Jesus treat his mother this way? Isn’t family first? However if we think
about today’s Gospel in these terms we are missing the point. Jesus loved his mother
greatly. Jesus was a good member of the family. But in the Gospel today Jesus
shows all the boundless amounts of God’s love. We are all mothers and fathers, sisters
and brothers in Christ. There are no exclusive places, no special privileges.
Today’s Gospel is a Gospel of hope. We
are reminded of God’s great, unconditional love. Today’s Gospel gives us great
comfort in knowing that God await all of us, accepts all of us. We can all be
part of the family; we call be part of the body of Christ. All it takes is
hearing the word of God and living it!
That is what Jesus is calling those
gathered around him today to, that is what Jesus is calling us to. Do you hear
the voice of Pope Francis in the Gospel today?
Daily Prayer:
Loving God, we pause for a moment and
ask you hear and accept our prayers of praise for you today…
Be praised, loving God, through all your
creatures, especially through my Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give
light through him. And Brother Sun is beautiful and radiant in all his
splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
Be praised, loving God, through Sister
Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, precious and beautiful.
Be praised, loving God, through Brothers
Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which you
give your creatures sustenance.
Be praised, loving God, through Sister
Water; she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.
Be praised, loving God, through Brother
Fire, through whom you brighten the night. He is beautiful and cheerful, and
powerful and strong.
Be praised, loving God, through our
sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits
with colored flowers and herbs.
Be praised, loving God, through those
who forgive for love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy
those who endure in peace, for they will be crowned; happy are we today for in
hearing your word you call us all to be sisters and brothers in you. Amen!
(Adapted
from a prayer by St. Francis of Assisi)
Runner’s Thoughts: “To me, there
is no greater way to achieve clarity than to run alone, or share miles with a
trusted friend. Epiphany comes as we sweat it out, or if epiphany is out of
reach — then peace.” (Kristin
Armstrong, "Bless Your Heart," Mile Markers column, RunnersWorld.com)
What a wonderful reflection about
running and the spiritual life. We need solitude and community as people of
faith. We need that time alone with God and we need that time with God in the
midst of community, family and friends.
The definition for epiphany is: 1. a
revelatory manifestation of a divine being; 2.
a sudden manifestation of the essence or
meaning of something; 3. a comprehension or perception of reality by means of a
sudden intuitive realization.
In the spiritual life, like in running,
our epiphanies come when we sweat it out, when we struggle and discover who we
are and what we are made of. Even when the light doesn’t seem to go on when God
seems out of reach, yet we believe that God is with us so there is peace.
Daily Blessing: Happy Tuesday
everyone! I hope your day has started off well, if not hang in there I pray
that it will get better!
My thoughts and prayers continue for the
people of Kenya as they live through terror. I remember the people who died and
all those affected by this act of evil. May if come to an end and may there be
peace.
I ask God’s blessings upon all of you
today. May today be rich in the gift of family, friendship and peace. May you
find the road today flat, smooth and easy to travel. May you find the gift and
grace of God in everyone you meet and in everything you do. Most importantly
may you find the gift of God within you as you live your life today! Peace in
Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
PS Go Pirates!
