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." As merciful people we are called to 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 great
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 looks to be a sunny day here
in Pelham and I in a little while I will pack my bags once again and head out this
afternoon to Lindenhurst, NY and Our Lady Perpetual Help Parish. 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 OLPH 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.
I would
also like to send a shout out to my nephew, Paul, who celebrates his birthday
today - Happy Birthday, Paul! Hopefully you will get a nice present from your
Dayton Flyers today, who seem to be playing well, as they take on VCU at home,
perhaps you are even going to the game. Once again, Happy Birthday and many
blessings today and always! Have a great day. Go Flyers! (I really didn't say
that). And blessings great sensei!
Well
friends I must now be busy about many things 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 and remember to
give God a little time this weekend. Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
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