Thursday, January 23, 2014

Daily Thoughts - 01/23/2014



Daily Thoughts: As I read the Gospel (Mark 3:7-12), last night as I was preparing my homily for today’s retreat mass the thought that came to mind was "A Day in the Life." This is the title of a 1967 Beatles song written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. While the Gospel and the song have nothing in common I thought of the title in terms of what picture the Gospel paints for us today, A Day in the Life of Jesus.

It is interesting, I did a little research about the song, Lennon and McCartney wrote their sections of the song at different times, Lennon using accounts from the newspaper and McCartney using memories from his youth. The two sets of lyrics were then put together with orchestral glissandos. What does this have to do with the Gospel, well think about how the Gospels were put together. The days of Jesus' life, not a daily rendering but events tied together by the overarching story of his life.

Today, we have a day in the life of Jesus, crowds coming from every corner of the world it seems, healing with every touch, demons proclaiming his "the Son of God," people everywhere!  No room, no time for himself, no space to breath. When you think about it Jesus had a very difficult life long before he got to Calvary. He was always in demand. How did he do it? How did he balance his ministry and his need to just be, to pray, to connect with friends? How did he stay focused? Stay refreshed? Stay motivated?

Sometimes seeing a picture of a day in the life of Jesus can be inspiring, sometimes it can be troubling, sometimes it can be tiring, sometimes it can be overwhelming. What does today's picture of a day in the life of Jesus say to you? To me it says he loved us very much!

Have a great afternoon and evening everyone!

Daily Prayer: Loving God, help us in the midst of our busy day to see what is truly holy, life giving, and of you. May we always find the time to be grateful for your gifts and your presence in our life. May this day in our life truly reflect your love. Amen!

Runner's Thought: Remember the little miracles of God that we encounter during a run are not because we finish but are because we find the courage to begin!

Daily Blessing: I hope everyone is having a good day! We are into the third full day of the retreat. Some men have to leave today in order to get back for weekend ministry and the weather has changed. It is cold and windy today with the possibility of rain and ice tonight. I am told that is not good down here in San Antonio. At least we have three beautiful days and as the saying goes into every life a little rain must fall. Also we are not dealing with the bitter cold of the Midwest and east so that is the silver lining!

My prayer of blessing will be simple this afternoon as I need to put a few finishing touches on my afternoon talk. So I pray for God’s blessings upon all of us this afternoon and evening may the rest of the day be successful, life giving, safe and help us to enter an evening that will be restful and gifted with peace and love. Let’s us all be blessed with a restful and peaceful night everyone!

Please continue to prayer for the Oblate brothers and priests on retreat and for their preacher. Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul

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