Daily Thoughts: I have always
been a bit jealous of the scribe in today's Gospel because Jesus says at the
end of the exchange that the scribe is not far from the Kingdom of God. For me
it would be a comfort to know that I was not far from the Kingdom. It is one of
my greatest worries. I try to live a good and faithful life but there are times
when I look around and wonder if I have missed the boat! I listen to people
talk about their faith, I see their actions, I am aware of what they think is
important and valuable in terms of faith, church, belief and religion and I
wonder if I have taken the wrong path.
Sometimes I wonder if what I believe
brings me close to the Kingdom? The Church as it stands today seems a far cry
from the Church that Jesus seems to be putting together as we read the Gospel.
Our religious leaders often, not always, seem to be closer to the scribes and
Pharisees than to the disciples of Jesus. The institution we call Church often
seems closer to the institution that Jesus often challenged and confronted
during his ministry.
We seem to take some words in the
scriptures at face value but others are glossed over and interpreted in ways
other than what they say. We seem to be absolutely sure of what Jesus said,
meant or wanted in certain situations and yet we discount or ignore other
things because they don't seem to fit into the institution.
I pray. I try to love whomever I meet. I
truly value my relationship with God. I care about people no matter who they
are and what they have done. I try to find God in all people. I value life in
all forms. I want to be of help to people who struggle. I want to be a
welcoming, forgiving person, religious and priest. I want to help people know
and believe in God. Yet at times I am not sure whether I am on the right path.
I don't always pray in traditional ways. I am more willing to accept a person
where they are even if they don't fit into the laws of the institution. I want
to dialog. I want to find a way for all to be close to the Kingdom. I don't
want to judge. I don't want to be self-righteous and I certainly don't have all
the answers.
I want to live Hosea's words today, I
want to return to the Lord, but I am not always sure the institution takes me
in that direction. I live to be a man of faith, I live to be a man of hope and
I live to be a man of love. I pray that like the scribe I am a man close to the
Kingdom of God!
Have a blessed Friday everyone!
Daily Prayer: O God of all
good gifts, fill our hearts with your loving presence. Grace us with the wisdom
to recognize the way to your Kingdom. Enliven us with your word, your spirit
that we may walk the path you have set before us. Give us the understanding to
live your commandments of love with joy. Help us to get beyond ourselves and
value the gift of others. May we always be a people who seek your Kingdom by
living in the hope of your joy and love. Amen!
A Runner's Thoughts: Remember running
can give us spiritual focus. When we run we have the time to be a person of
prayer. It can be a prayer of few or many words. It can be one prayer or many
prayers. It can be a simple breath that brings God into our being and it can be
the exhaustion of give all to God as we finish our run.
Daily Blessing: TGIF to all
today! I hope you have had a good week. I am in the midst of getting caught up
on mail and paperwork that have crossed my desk in the last week. There are
always things to do. I always seem to be looking ahead preparing for missions,
retreat and other commitments down the road. It is hard to stay in the moment.
Tomorrow I head out for Hainsport, NJ
and Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish. I also get a chance to attend a high school
friend’s celebration of life on Saturday evening because the dinner and party
is near to where I will be. It is a nice extra benefit to the coming week and
mission.
I continue to ask you to pray for the
young college student. Prayers are need so that he gets back on the right path
and trusts his gifts and talents. The image and likeness of God which he offers,
his intelligence, energy and love is much needed in our world!
I would also like to send a special
shout out to Pope Francis on this the second anniversary of his election as
pope. I would like to thank him for his spirit, his energy, his faithfulness,
his compassion, his care and concern for all of us but especially those in
need. I would like to ask that God’s blessing be upon him giving him strength,
energy and life so as to continue this life giving renewal of our Church and
our world. God’s blessings Pope Francis!
My blessing prayer today is that God
will bless all of you with a peaceful end to this work week and the joy of a
weekend with family, friends and many good experiences. Be well and safe
friends, have a great day and a wonderful weekend wherever you are and whatever
you are doing. Please remember me and the people who will have to put up with
me in the coming week’s mission in your prayers! God’s blessings upon all today
and always! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
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