Daily Thoughts: “Something
greater than the temple is here.” A line from our Gospel today (Matt. 12:1-8)
and we might be tempted to think it was meant only for those to whom Jesus is
speaking. But it is meant for us here and now. We might not have Jesus standing
in our midst but we have his Spirit with us and it is greater than any temple,
any church or any cathedral. The challenge is the same for us as it was for
those who gathered to listen to Jesus; we have to recognize the presence and
the Spirit of God in our midst.
Jesus gives us a clue on how to make
sure that we don’t miss the presence of God. The clue is to be people of mercy.
People a tune to and compassionate towards the struggles, challenges,
difficulties and failings of others and ourselves. People willing to help and
not judge; people willing to be compassionate and not self-righteous. People
willing to include not exclude.
Living life from a stance of compassion
and mercy is not always easy; it can be difficult and challenging. However
being a compassionate and merciful person does help us to be ready and open to
encounter something greater than ourselves the presence and friendship of God.
Have a great Friday everyone! And don’t
forget to make a joyful noise with your life today!
Daily Prayer: Loving God,
thank you for the abilities that you have placed in our life. Help us to acknowledge
these gifts and give us the courage to develop and use them in helping to make
your presence known. Help us to be merciful and compassionate people who are
always aware of something greater in life. We pray this so that we may never
miss the gift of your presence in our life and that we may share it with the
world around us. Amen!
A Runner’s Thoughts: When we run in
a spiritual way, we are brought into the process of God-ing. Meaning as we run
we are not moving toward God but interacting with God along the way. Our run
becomes a direct physical, emotional and spiritual way of becoming who we are,
our authentic selves. In the process we open up vast and unlimited
opportunities to connect with God in new, life giving ways!
Daily Blessing: TGIF everyone!
It looks like another beautiful day here is Scranton, we could not ask for
better weather at the moment!
It is also a very beautiful day in St.
Louis, Mo because ay 4:47 am the world welcome a new member, Natalie Anne! Yes,
my niece Sarah and my nephew Dominick welcomed their daughter into the world. I
do not have a picture yet but here is a quote from the father, “She’s got five
fingers and five toes and she’s beautiful!!!” As only a father could put it. So
we as a family, as a world welcome Natalie Anne and we offer a prayer of
thanksgiving this morning for her safe arrival and we ask God’s special
blessing upon her, her mom and dad as they begin the journey of life together
as family! By the way I am a very proud great uncle for the third time!
Here in Scranton our first day of novena
was inspiring and the spirit is alive here as we make this ten day journey of
faith. I am still taking prayers and petitions so if you haven’t sent yours in
there is still time to do so. And to all who have please know that I am including
your intentions each day in my novena prayers!
My prayers today go out to all the
families of the people lost on Malaysian Airlines Flight 17. My heart and
prayers goes out to them. What a tragedy! What a world! It is at times hard for
me to believe we could be so cruel to one another, however each day we are
confronted with violence, bigotry, racism, terror, hate and uncaringness. I
think of little Natalie Anne and her arrival in the world today. I am so glad
she has loving parents who will help her navigate through this world but if she
could read the headlines today she might want to head back into the womb.
My prayer of blessing today for all of
us is that God will grace us with the strength to somehow help the world take a
step closer to peace by living our life with compassion, love and joy today! Please
my friends don’t begin this day with hate in your hearts. Don’t see the world
through the eyes of the 24 hour news stations. Don’t point your figures and
blame. Don’t disrespect others not like you. Allow God’s blessing to touch your
life and be a person of peace, of compassion, of hope, of joy and of love
today. Be this person today for your family, for your friends, for your faith
community, for those you work with, for those you meet, for the world, and for
yourself. I am going to be this person of peace, compassion, hope, joy, and
love today for little Natalie Anne!
Have a great Friday everyone, put a
smile on your face and trust that you are loved by God even in those moments of
struggle. May God bless you today and always and thanks for being the person
that you are because you certainly make this world a better place and life
worth living! Once again, welcome Natalie Anne, it is great to have you with us
for the journey of life! Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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