Daily
Thoughts:
In reflecting on the readings today a couple pf themes struck me about our
faith. The first is that we do not always see in the same way as God does and
God often chooses the unexpected. In the story we read today from the First
Book of Samuel, God’s choice of David in unexpected. Samuel is sure that it is
the first, second or third son of Jesse but God surprises him and us. God tells
Samuel, “Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature…. Not as
[humankind] sees does God see…. [God] looks into the heart.” We are reminded
that God looks beyond human appearance, status and stature, God looks into the
heart and soul of a person. This is a
consistent theme throughout scripture. God is about quality not quantity. God
is about substance and appearance.
Another theme
in our readings today is that of change. If something is alive that also means
change. Jesus in the Gospel to the horror of the Pharisees indicates that
things are not always going to remain the same. Change is in the air. The
Sabbath was made for humankind, not humankind for the Sabbath. Jesus is asking
people to look at their faith differently. The Sabbath came into being to help
humankind take time to focus on God. But the Sabbath is not greater than the
needs of people. In other words, the actions, the rituals, the customs, the
reality of the Sabbath is not what is most important, it is people and their
relationship with God. On a side note I wish we might understand that about our
own rituals and practices.
Life
means changes and as we go through life the things that connect us with God are
going to change, take on different forms and different importance. But remember
God always looks at things differently. God does not make decisions on
appearance but on what is in our heart. Two of God's great gifts to us Life and
Hope are always guiding us, always nourishing us so may they always be in our
hearts.
Have a
great Tuesday everyone!
Daily
Prayer:
O God of eternal hope, help us to see things as you see thing. Help us to put
our hope and faith in substance not glitz and glitter. Help us to see into the
heart and soul of ourselves and others. Guide us through this ever changing
life with your gifts of courage, strength, mercy and grace so that we might
help to build a world of justice and peace for all. Amen!
A
Runner's Thoughts: As you run remember with each plant of your foot you feel
firmness under you that is the presence of God running with you!
Daily
Blessing:
Tuesday greetings and blessings to all. I hope your day has started off well.
The sun is out here in Pelham but like yesterday it is bitterly cold especially
with the wind. May you find warmth especially if you have to be out and about
today.
My prayer
of blessing for us today is a simple litany asking God help us along the way –
Loving God, we pray for your blessing today in the midst of our busy life. If
we find ourselves under the weather touch us with your healing presence. If we
are busy guide us to a moment of peace. If we are frustrated grace us with an
acknowledgement of the gift that you are. If we find ourselves angry today help
us to let it go. If we find ourselves alone embrace us so that we know that are
not. If we find ourselves chilled touch us with the warmth of your love. O God,
bless us with what we need to live our life this day!
Have a
great Tuesday everyone. If you were off yesterday I hope you had a relaxing day
or a day that helped you to catch up in this busy life. Be well today, stay
warm and may you encounter many blessings as you live this day! Peace in
Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
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