Daily Thoughts: “Do not be
afraid.” Jesus’ words toward the end of today’s Gospel. At first glance, this
passage from Luke’s Gospel (Luke 12: 1-7) today it is a bit confusing. Jesus
first talks about who to fear. We are to fear the one who can take eternal life
from us. But then Jesus tells us not to fear because God is with us, God cares,
God has our back!
I could not help but think about St.
Paul’s words from the eighth chapter of Roman when he says, “If God is for us
who can be against us!” I have often said we should right this down and keep it
next to our bed and read it when we wake up each morning and before we close
our eyes each night. “If God is for us who can be against us!” What a wonderful
thought. Perhaps Jesus is saying the same thing when he tells us we are worth
far more than many sparrows.
God know us intimately, he knows every
hair on our head. God has our back so even though life presents us with many
reasons to be afraid Jesus remains us not to be because, to paraphrase the
words of Thomas Merton, God will never leave us to face our perils and fears
alone!
Have a blessed Friday everyone!
Daily Prayer:
Loving God,
We sometimes feel like we are crossing a
barren desert but we know you will not let us die of thirst. We sometimes
wander far in safety though often we do not know the way. We speak your words,
O God, sometimes in foreign lands and we pray people will understand. We hope
to see the face of God and live.So Lord, we will not be afraid because you
always go before us, we will come and follow you because we know you will give
us rest!
Sometimes it feels as if we are passing
through raging waters in life, that we are in the sea, but we trust you will
not let us drown. We know that if we walk amidst the burning flames of life you
will not let us be harmed. And if we stand before the power of hell and death
is at our side we know that you are always with us through it all. So Lord, we
will not be afraid because you always go before us, we will come and follow you
because we know you will give us rest!
Lord, blessed are the poor, for you told
us the Kingdom will be theirs. Blessed are all of us who weep and mourn because
one day we shall laugh. And if hurtful people insult and hate us because of you
may we to be blessed. So Lord, we will not be afraid because you always go
before us, we will come and follow you because we know you will give us rest.
Amen!
(Adapted from the song “Be Not Afraid”
by Bob Dufford, S.J.)
A Runner’s Thoughts: Remember that
if during our runs we have the desire to run and pray then our runs can
transform the simplest moments into divine encounters!
Daily Blessing: Happy Friday
everyone! Yes, we are at the end of another work week and in a few hours our
weekend will begin. Now I am aware that for some this is not the end of a work
week and that a weekend is often a time of work so for those who face work
these next few days hang in there your “weekend,” your “time off” will come!
But for those who find themselves at the end of their work week and who are
looking forward to the weekend ahead for a little rest and relaxation, TGIF!
This is a special weekend for
Passionists as we celebrate the Feast of St. Paul of the Cross. St. Paul of the
Cross’ feast is actually Sunday October 19th but in the United States October
19th when not a Sunday is the Feast of the North American Martyrs so St. Paul’s
feast is transferred to Monday October 20th. So today we begin a triduum of
prayer to prepare for the feast of our founder. If you have a chance please
enter into this time of prayer with us and ask St. Paul of the Cross to touch
the hearts of your women and men so that his vision and dream may continue!
In the Gospel (Luke 12: 1-7)) today, as
I said earlier, Jesus tells his disciples, “Do not be afraid.” So as a
hopefully a faithful disciple and preacher I ask God to bless all of you with
the courage and strength to not be afraid as you go through your day and life. I
ask God’s blessing on all who find themselves sick and or struggling in some
way may this blessing bring you healing and peace! But most importantly I ask
God’s blessing upon all of you that you will always know that you are never
alone that God is standing with you and will never leave you to face your
perils, to face life alone! All of you are worth much more than many sparrows! Have
a great Friday and a wonderful weekend everyone! Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr.
Paul
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