Daily Thought: Our readings
today talk about expectations. We all have expectations for our life, for
experiences we enter into, for our relationships, for our jobs and ministries,
for the world around us. Sometimes our expectations are met even exceeded,
however sometimes we are disappointed. At times our expectations can be
unrealistic and there is no way they can be met. At other times our
expectations cloud our ability to enter into a situation and get the best out
of it. Our expectations of people, place, things and experiences can at times
hold us back from realizing the graces or blessings of a particular experience
or moment.
This is the case in our readings today.
Naaman seeks healing for his leprosy from Elisha the prophet. When told to go
to the Jordan River and wash seven times he becomes indignant. He thinks Elisha
should do something spectacular, that there should be a great event that brings
about his healing. Naaman is finally convinced to let go of his expectations
and healing comes.
The people of Nazareth have certain
expectations for Jesus. They think they know him. They think they know what to
expect from him. Thus they make it difficult for Jesus to be the healing,
loving forgiving person he is everywhere else. The people of Nazareth cannot
let go of their expectations and Jesus must move on.
Our scriptures remind us today that God
works in mysterious ways. If we have expectations for God, for Jesus, for the
Holy Spirit, then we might be disappointed, however if like Naaman we can put
aside our expectations, if we can let go and let God, then great things can
happen. Most importantly we will be able to recognize God's presence in our
life when we most need it.
Have a blessed Monday everyone!
Daily Prayer: Loving God,
open our hearts to the endless possibilities of your love and your presence in
our lives today. Help us to let go of our expectations and be open to the many
mysterious ways you touch our lives. Grace us with the strength to let go and
let you guide and direct us today. Heal us with your love and grant us the
wisdom to recognize you today and always. Amen!
A Runner's Thoughts: Remember, as we
run, it is not as if God is waiting at the finish line, or the end of the block
or back in the driveway or at the side door. Rather, each step takes us closer
to the realization that God's presence - God's grace - is with us already, and
we need only to pay attention to that presence. In other words, let us let go
of our expectations today as we run and let God! (Adapted from Running the
Spiritual Path by Roger Joslin)
Daily Blessing: Monday greetings
and blessings to everyone! I know Monday's are not always easy but hopefully
you can ease into today without too much struggle, however if today you are
having a difficult beginning to Monday and this new work week please know my
prayers are with you!
I would like to send a shout out to Fr.
Paul Ruttle, C.P. on this his birthday – Happy Birthday Paul! Fr. Paul and I
share the same age though for a few months now he will be older! I am hoping
his day in Mandeville, Jamaica where he lives and ministers will be a blessed
one and that he will at least celebrate a little!
In about an hour I will open the mission
here at St. Ignatius Martyr Parish in Long Beach, NY. My preaching at all the
masses over the weekend seems to have gone well. The faith community here is
very friendly and I am looking forward to the three days and evenings of
mission. Once again I ask your prayers for the faith community here at St. Ignatius
and their preacher during these days of mission!
I offer my prayer of blessing for all of
you as we begin this new work week together. May God bless this day and week
and may it be one filled with many blessings for you, your loved ones and all
the people you encounter on your journey through this day and week. In those
moments of struggle this week take a deep breath and know that God is with you
because God is with you always. Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
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