Daily Thoughts: In the Gospel (Mark
8:11-13) today Jesus gives us an example of patient perseverance. He is once
again tested and challenged by the religious leaders. They want a sign. Now
Jesus could have engaged the Pharisees in a heated argument. He could have
performed a miracle for them, but he didn’t. Jesus just asked them a question.
Why do you need a sign? Why can’t you just believe? Why can’t you recognize God
in your midst?
Throughout Jesus’ ministry he was
challenged, frustrated and questioned. Each time he confronted the situation
differently drawing upon a wide range of human emotions. In today’s story it is
the emotion of patience. He feels sorrow for the Pharisees. He is frustrated,
but he takes a deep breath and simply asked them to think for a moment.
Perhaps today’s challenge in the Gospel is
that being patient and persevering is good food for thought for us. Can we be
patient with those around us, with ourselves and with God? Can we persevere in
this journey of life?
Have a great Monday everyone!
Daily Prayer: Loving God, teach us to
have patient hearts and give us the grace to open our hearts to you so that we
may persevere in our journey of faith today and always. Be our protector, our
stronghold and guide us with your love. Amen!
A Runner’s Thoughts: Remember the little
miracles of God that we encounter during a run are not because we finish but
are because we find the courage to begin!
Daily Blessing: I send Monday greetings and
blessings to everyone! I hope your day will start off well and that you will not
be fighting nasty weather. Hopefully you will be getting a chance to enjoy this
holiday of Presidents Day. If not and you will be heading to work I hope the
day is going smoothly.
As for me it is a little after 3 am West
Coast time and I am pulling my things together and will soon be heading out for
LAX and my flight home which will take me to Raleigh/Durham first and then on
to New York. It is going to be a long day of traveling for me. I will miss the
West Coast, mostly I will miss the sunny, warm days!
I had a wonderful weekend with the
married couples. Our retreat ended around 1 pm yesterday so I had one last
afternoon and evening to enjoy the beautiful of Sierra Madre and watch the sunset.
As
I travel and wait in airports today I will keep you all in my prayers as you
journey through your day. My prayer of blessing for you as I begin this day is
that your day will be rich in what matters to God. That every encounter, every
journey, every experience and every person you meet will be blessed with God’s
presence. I pray that you will have moments of peace that will help you to
hear, feel and know that presence of God that is within you. Travel safe, smile
often and know that you are a gift today and always! May you have many
blessings throughout the day. Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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