Daily Thoughts: “We have given
up everything and followed you.” I wonder how many of us can really say this.
Whether we are religious brothers, priests, sisters, diocesan priests, lay women
and men, bishops, cardinals or popes we might think we have given up a lot or
everything but we haven’t.
One of my Passionist brothers often tells
the story that at his first vows the preacher said, “Today you have given up
everything and tomorrow you will begin to take it all back!” And in I think I
have to agree with him as I look back of the course of my own religious life.
It is hard giving up anything and with the way the world is going each day
there are new things that we must have, that we cannot live without. We
rationalize and we make excuses for needing things, for collecting things, for
having things.
The same Passionist brother in the above
story once put up a picture of a very beautiful chalice and paten in the office
of our retreat house and he wrote on the picture, “I need this!” Being a young
and brash religious I wrote underneath, “Do you need it or do you just want it?”
The picture came down but we bought the chalice and paten. We didn’t need it,
we just wanted it!
Yet, in the midst of all this needing, wanting
and possessing the Gospel (Mark 10: 28-31) today reminds us that if we are
willing to let go there is much we can receive. It might not seem as valuable
and important as the things we seem to need and want but it is far more
important and valuable. It is the presence of God found in the people around us
and in ourselves.
Can we let go and let God today!
Have a great Mardi Gras Tuesday
everyone! Remember Lent begins tomorrow with Ash Wednesday and also we begin
our 40+ Days of Joyful Noise with Pope Francis right here so make plans to join
me and share it with your friends!
Daily Prayer: Loving God, in
you is found the fullness of life and unconditional Love. We place ourselves in
your hands each day, asking that you make holy all that we are, all that we
have, and all that we offer you. Keep us firm in our faith and strong in your
service. Create in us a new heart that we might meditate on the Passion of
Christ, and find a peace that always welcomes us home. Amen!
Runner’s Thoughts: “I run because
if I didn't, I'd be sluggish and glum and spend too much time on the couch. I
run to breathe the fresh air. I run to explore. I run to escape the ordinary. I
run… to savor the trip along the way. Life becomes a little more vibrant, a
little more intense. I like that.” (Dean Karnazes)
Daily Blessing: Happy Mardi
Gras Tuesday everyone! Hopefully the wintry weather has passed you by, at least
the rain, snow and sleet, it seems the cold is going to hang around a little
longer! A special shout out and prayer to and for my grandniece Emilia who is
down with the stomach flu, my prayer is for healing, energy and getting back to
her beautiful self!
This is our last day before we enter the
holy season of Lent tomorrow with Ash Wednesday, so celebrate a little today
and get ready to journey through the 40 Days of Lent not just giving things up
but working to make yourself and your life of faith just a little bit better!
One way to do that is to join me as I
reflect on Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the
Gospel). What I hope to do over the 40+ days of Lent is to make a
Joyful Noise with Pope Francis so that we all can be joyful people of faith. So
why not consider doing penance and join me in making a Joyful Noise for Lent!
The more the more joy filled we can be so tell a friend!
First of all let me offer a special
prayer of blessing upon all who need healing today, all struggling with the
difficulties of winter and illness. My God’s healing touch be upon you,
especially Emilia and Mindy! My prayer of blessing for all of us today is that
God will continue to bless all of us with his life giving presence and that God
will grace us with the strength and energy to share that presence wherever we
go and with whomever we meet! Blessings to all today, have a great day, stay
warm and know that God is with you! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
PS Just in case you didn’t know I am
taking a Pilgrimage to Lourdes and the Shines of France in August 2014 (Dates:
August 4-14, 2014). We have about 16 people right now so there is plenty of
room. If you would like more information send me an email with your name and
address and I will send out a brochure.
No comments:
Post a Comment