Daily Thoughts: “Depart from
me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” I am not sure how many times I have uttered
these words in my own mind over the last 34 plus years. It seemed very simple
34 years ago, I got rid of most of my possessions and packed up what was left
in my little orange Chevy Vega and headed east from St. Louis to Philadelphia
to begin my journey into religious life and priesthood. At the time it seemed
freeing, liberating. Yet not long after arriving in Philadelphia did the doubts
and struggles started, the challenges of letting go of people, possessions and
a way of life.
And to make matters more challenging
throughout these 34 plus years there have been amazing moments when I have
paused and said, “Why am I here? Depart from me, Lord, I don’t deserve this, I
am a sinful man!” It is the ebb and flow of life that makes who I am, who any
person of faith is a challenge. One moment we are in the midst of everyday
life, doing what is expected, doing what we always do and then God seems to
step in, in a profound way and we feel humbled, we feel undeserving.
I had one of those moments this past
week as I held my little grandniece in my arms for a few moments. Encountering
the gift of life, of creation, the gift of love and the gift of family is a humbling
experience. Sometimes it can be a challenging and a struggling experience for
someone like me who can only experience this kind of love and intimacy from a
distance. But then someone places a little child in your arms and you recognize
the profound presence of God just like Peter did. And you think to yourself “I
don’t deserve this, I am a sinful man!”
However even though undeserving like
Peter and the rest of the crew on the seashore that day each morning I rise and
follow Jesus once again. If you happened to encounter God in a profound way
today and have that feeling that you don’t deserve it remember you are in good
company!
Have a great day everyone…
Daily Prayer: Loving Jesus,
you are the love that gives love. You are higher than the highest star, you are
deeper than the deepest sea; you cherish us as your own family; you embrace us
as your own spouse; you grace us as your own people; you welcome us as your
dearest friends. Let us and all the world praise you today! Amen. (Adapted from
a prayer by St. Hildegard of Bingen)
A Runner’s Thoughts: The battles
that count aren't the ones for gold medals, the struggles within yourself – the
invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us – that’s where it's at. (Jesse
Owens) So to in the spiritual life…
Daily Blessing: Thursday
greetings and blessing to all! I hope the beginning of this new day finds you
well and energized for a new adventure! I seems from all reports that today
going to be a very hot and humid day here in Belleville, IL just across the
Great Mississippi River from St. Louis. It is just how I remember summer
weather from my years in this area many years ago. I cannot complain now as this
summer has not been a hot one and the retreat house is air conditioned so I
should be able to survive with little discomfort. If it is hot today by you I
hope you have an oasis too!
We enter our third full day of retreat.
It will interrupted a little as the Oblates will head over to their shine, Our
Lady of the Snows, not far from here this afternoon to celebrate the jubilees
of a number of their men. I will give two talks this morning and then this
afternoon they will celebrate jubilee and then return this evening for our
healing service. A little different rhythm to the day but it should be another
nice retreat day. Please keep the brothers and priests on retreat in your
prayers and if you can spare an extra prayer please offer it for the preacher!
My prayer of blessing for you today is
the like Peter in today gospel God will bless you with a profound experience of
his presence and if it makes you consider your unworthiness that God will give
you the strength and courage to continue on! May God bless you day with the
richness of love, hope and joy! Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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