Daily Thoughts: In today's
Gospel (Luke 18:9-14) we are reminded that it is not the quantity or style of
our prayer. It is not the position we hold or all the things we can point to
that we do. It is the quality of our prayer and how we live our life that
counts.
The Pharisee had all the right words,
all the right actions but not the right intention. He knew the law but the not
the spirit. The tax collector on the other hand certainly struggled in his life
but when it came to prayer, when it came to speaking with God he was right on.
Humility is a valuable gift yet one that
not many people have. We grow up trying to develop our self-confidence; we try
to be independent, self-assured and self-reliant. We are often told that we
must promote ourselves in order to get anywhere. Yet, humility can help us
recognize God, in ourselves and others. Humility can help us recognize the
presence of God in the living of life.
The response to the responsoral psalm
today is "It is mercy I desire, and not sacrifice." I have a merciful
person we must be humble. We must realize that we are not perfect we are human,
with faults and failings just like everyone else. If we are willing enough and
humble enough to seek God's mercy then we will be able to offer mercy and
compassion to others.
As St. John Chrysostom put it, "We
cannot be saved by seeking just our own individual salvation. We need to look
first to the good of others."
Have a blessed Saturday everyone!
Daily Prayer: Loving God,
help us to live as humble, compassionate, joyful people today and always. May
we always pray with openness to your mercy and love just like the tax
collector. Grace us with hearts that recognize your gifts in our lives and an
openness to share joyfully these gifts with others. Amen!
A Runner's Thoughts: Running is a
lot like life, sometimes it is energizing and sometimes it isn't but it always
has meaning!
Daily Blessing: Saturday
greetings and blessings to everyone! It is a rainy day here in Pelham and I am
in the process of packing once again to head out later today for Our Lady Queen
of Peace Parish in Hainesport, NJ. That is where I will call home for the next
five days as I begin another Lenten Mission. I once again ask that you keep the
faith community at Our Lady Queen of Peace in your prayers during these days of
mission and if you have a little extra time could you include their preacher in
your prayers too.
An added bonus for me today in that I
will be able to attend a long time friend’s celebration of life this evening as
it will take place near to where I am celebrating the mission so after the
Saturday evening mass I will wander over to the party for a while. It is nice
to be able to connect with people who have been part of my life since high
school at least for an evening!
Well friends I need to be busy about
many things this morning so I send you greetings and blessings this day and
prayers that you will have a good Saturday. May God bless you with a restful
Saturday, may it be gifted with the presence of people you love and may it be
rich in the presence of God! If it happens to be a busy one may you find the
gift of God’s blessing within your busyness. And may you be blessed with a
little warmth in your life. Blessings to all. Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr.
Paul
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