Daily Thoughts: Last weekend I
was in Sierra Madre, California at the Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center
giving a married couples retreat. When I arrived at the Retreat Center Friday
around noon I encounter a sign that said “Beware of Wildlife.” There were
pictures of a mountain lion, some coyotes, a bear, a rattle snake and a few
other animals I was sure that I didn’t want to meet. The Retreat Center is in
the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and at times the wildlife from the
mountains makes its way on to the property so the retreat staff makes sure
everyone know what they might encounter.
As I got settled in my room I wondered
just what was is store for me on this weekend. I had been looking forward to
the warm weather and some time outdoors, but how was I going to take walks
fearing for my life? How was I going to enjoy the retreat if I feared what
might greet me around every corner? I have to admit I am not a good wilderness
person.
The Gospel today tells us that Jesus was
driven out into the wilderness, the desert by the Spirit. Once out there he
encounters wild beasts, Satan and probably a lot of other not too kind things.
Yet it was the wilderness, the desert where Jesus was able to pause and put the
journey of his life into perspective. It was the wilderness, the desert where
Jesus is able to prepare himself for the journey ahead of him to Calvary.
Jesus entered the wilderness, the desert
and came out a stronger, more determined, more powerful proclaimer of God’s
Good News. He came out of the wilderness, the desert knowing that it was now
his time of fulfilment. Jesus came out of the wilderness, the desert ready to
proclaim the kingdom of God. Ready to challenge anyone who would listen to
repent and believe in the Gospel.
Yes, sometimes the wilderness, the
desert can be a scary place. A place to be aware of wildlife, devils and many
other things. It can also be a place of quiet, prayer, aloneness and God. It
can be a place to gather strength, energize our life and prepare to live the
Good News.
I had a wonderful weekend with 43
married couples at the edge of the wilderness. We prayed, reflected, sought
God’s forgiveness, found ourselves in God’s presence and listened to the Good
News. All of us are afraid of the things we often find in our own wildernesses
but we also know that God is always with us, taking care of us, loving us and
helping us to keep moving because each new day is our time of fulfilment.
Last Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, we enter
the wilderness, the desert of Lent and were pushed into it by the Spirit. There
can be a lot of wildlife to be aware of and there can be temptations by devils
in the wilderness of Lent. However there are also be times of prayer, of
forgiveness and God’s loving presence that help us to change our life, believe
in the Gospel and make our way to the kingdom!
Have a great Sunday afternoon and
evening everyone! Also have a blessed and holy Lent – and may the love of
Christ’s Passion be always in your heart!
Daily Prayer: God of Life, be
with us in our journey through Lent and life. Remind us of the story of your
love each day that we may truly believe in our hearts that you are our God. In
our moments of choice and decision help us to choose wisely. Have mercy on us
when we don't. Remind us in the midst of our struggles to always call upon your
name for help. Enrich us with your gift of hope that will enable us to always
remember your love and with joy choose life and blessing. Amen!
A Runner's Thoughts: As we run let
us look purposefully for signs of God's presence and give praise and be
thankful. During our run let us become one of the many voice in nature that
give thanks and praise!
Daily Blessing: Sunday afternoon
greetings and blessings everyone! I am very blessed to be here at the Our Lady
of Loreto Parish, in Waterbury, CT to celebrate a time of mission. This is a
wonderful faith community and I kicked of the mission this last night and today
by preaching all the masses. There were not a lot of people at the masses
because of the snow storm yesterday and last night here in Waterbury but the
weather at least snow wise looks clear for the mission Monday, Tuesday and
Wednesday. There is a wonderful spirit here. I am hoping the mission the next
three day will be an added gift to the life of the spirit here.
I hope your weekend is going well and
you have had at least a little time to rest. It is nice to see the sun here
this afternoon and feel a little warmth though I am told it will get very cold
again tomorrow but this little respite even just for an afternoon is nice!
Blessings upon your Sunday afternoon and
evening – blessings upon the work week ahead and may God bless us all with a
relaxing and enjoying afternoon and evening along with a peaceful and restful
night. Please know you will be in my prayers as I celebrate a time of mission
here in Waterbury and I ask your prayers for the faith community here and their
preacher. Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
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