Daily Thoughts: That day in
Capernaum, which we hear about in today's Gospel, (Mark 1: 21-28), Jesus taught
as one having authority, in fact he taught every day that way. Perhaps that is
the problem today that often those teaching really do not teach with authority.
They think they do but they don't.
Authority comes from living an authentic
life. We cannot say one thing and then do another and expect to have authority.
We cannot say life is important and then only value life at the time of birth.
We cannot say children, women and men are created in the image and likeness of
God and then protect people who hurt them. We cannot talk about freedom and
then limit it for certain people. We cannot talk about shepherding and service
then live as one who is privileged and entitled. We cannot say human life is
most important and then treat inanimate objects with more reverence than
people. We cannot say community is important and then restrict the
participation of the community.
In the Gospel we are reminded that Jesus
lived an authentic life. A life focused on others, a life of authority! We long
for teaching with authority today but everywhere we turn it seems to be
missing. Jesus knew what he was talking about. He knew that people were more
important than things. He knew that boundaries could be crossed if it meant
life. He knew that people were more important than ritual, dress and
mystery. Jesus offered all who listened
to him the chance to allow God to change and shape their hearts into a new way
of life. If we listen to Jesus and follow his way we will come to know true
authority, we will come to live an authentic life!
Have a great Tuesday everyone!
Daily Prayer: O God, your
gift of courage is one of the greatest favors you have given us. It would be
wrong for us to behave like cowards or to fear anything except not being true
to you. So once again grant us the courage to live authentic lives that reflect
your greatest gift to us, Love! Bestow on us this day your kindness and peace
that we might bring them to all we meet! Amen!
(Adapted
in part from the words of St. Teresa of Avila)
A Runner's Thoughts: I have two
thoughts for you today – As you run today take with you whatever image of God
that is most important to you and allow that image to accompany you on your
run. – And as you run today look for goodness in everyone you encounter. Look
for goodness in yourself!
Daily Blessing: Tuesday
greetings to everyone. I hope your Tuesday has started off well and if not I
pray that it will get better as the day goes on. We seem to have settled into,
at least for the moment, uneventful winter days. Yet, I know these moderate
temperatures will not go on forever and there will still be challenges ahead,
however it is nice to just be in winter for a few moments! I hope you are
making it through these winter days and finding a little calm and peace at the
moment.
I had an enjoyable evening last night in
Manhattan at the stage reading of Sweetened
Water a play by our very own Fr. Edward Beck, C.P. It is a fine play and
there seemed to be very good feedback from the all most 200 people who were
there. Who knows you might be hearing
about this play on Broadway in the not too distant future. Kudos to Fr. Edward!
I have to say that my journey into Manhattan
last night was a much more enjoyable evening than sitting in front of the TV
for the newest Super Bowl or should I say the College Super Bowl. I guess I should say congrats to The Ohio
State University! I was much happier when college football ended on New Year’s
Day but then what do I know!
My prayer of blessing for us today is a
simple litany asking God help us along the way – Loving God, we pray for your
blessing today in the midst of our busy life. If we find ourselves under the
weather touch us with your healing presence. If we are busy guide us to a
moment of peace. If we are frustrated grace us with an acknowledgement of the
gift that you are. If we find ourselves angry today help us to let it go. If we
find ourselves alone embrace us so that we know that are not. O God, bless us
with what we need to live our life this day! Have a great Tuesday everyone.
Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
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