Daily
Thoughts:
The readings (Exodus 32:7-14 and John 5:31-47) seem to have a common theme: the
inclination for us to trade what God offers us for something of less value and
splendor. At times I have heard the term “laudable exchange” used in reference
to giving up the things of earth for the things of heaven. Our scriptures warn
us that often we do just the opposite.
In the
Exodus reading today the people get focused on a molten calf as a god they
think will help them. They have bought into the world, the culture, around
them. No matter what God has done for them they think a calf statue can do
better. They have given up on the living God and replaced him with a god they
made with their own hands. These are the very people who have seen wondrous things
from God, these are the very people who were freed by their journey through the
Red Sea at the hand of God. Yet, somehow they miss the fact that God loves them
and cares for them. They seem to think that God is distant and they wanted
something that they can see and touch. Like we often do, they made a god to
suit their specifications, to do what they think needs to be done. The outcome
of all this stupidity is that they truly anger God.
The psalm
for today’s mass (Psalm 106:19-20, 21-22, 23) points out their folly. “They exchanged
their glory for the image of a grass-eating bullock.” They exchanged the glory
of God for the glory for a human made calf. We are reminded that the only glory
that we humans will ever have is the glory that comes from God, the glory that
essentially is God. We have been created in the image and likeness of this merciful
God and what a disrespect of God when we exchange our love of God for some
creation of our own hands.
The Gospel
today is a very dense section of John and it is difficult to do it justice with
my little reflection. The religious leaders reject Jesus and exchange his
testimony, his life, for that of others. For a time, they like John the Baptist
but grow tired of him. If others come tooting their own horns, they listen to
them. They are able to accept anybody and everybody but Jesus. They love Moses,
or so they say. A question one might ask would be if they were alive at the
time of Moses would they have followed Moses or been right in there with
everyone else helping to make a god out of pieces of gold?
There is
truth in the term “laudable exchange” to give up the things of this earth and
embrace God. During Lent we do certain things in the hope that doing without
will keep us focused on God. We sometimes do positive things or spend a little
extra time in prayer with the same hope. These are wonderful practices, however,
we must constantly remind ourselves that what we do doing Lent should help us
to focus on God. If we remain focused on these things, then how am I any
different than the people in the days of Moses who exchanged a thing for God?
Let us be
focused today on God, let us lift our eyes to and see the things that are of
God today!
Have a
great Thursday everyone!
Daily Prayer: Compassionate God, at
times our hearts get out of focus. When this happens everything becomes an
effort, life is difficult and we struggle to be faithful. In these moments
remind me of Your Son’s words “For human beings it is impossible, but not for
God. All things are possible for God” Do not let us be afraid and thus give in
to life’s troubles and create our own molten calf. Rather help us, stay close
to you, by reaching out to others, doing something creative with passion, and
always living the fullness of life. Enliven us always in Your Holy Spirit of
hope, so that we may live life with Passion together. And may the Passion of
Jesus Christ be always in our hearts! Amen.
A
Runner’s Thoughts: “You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there.
Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it
always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a
sense of achievement.” (Steve
Prefontaine)
Daily
Blessing:
Thursday greetings and blessings to all. It looks like the beginning of a
beautiful sunny day however I think there is rain in the forecast. At least it
is warm. When I arrived home last night around 10:45 pm it was 67 degrees. I
hope the day and the weather have started off well for you too!
We had a
very spirited closing to the mission last night. The mission seemed to go very
well. I would ask you to say one last prayer for the faith community at Our
Lady of Perpetual Help as many people asked me to remember them or someone they
love in my prayers.
My prayer
of blessing today is that all of us remain focused on our faith, on our
relationship with and on all the wonderful things God has done for us. May we
never give in to hopelessness and look elsewhere to a god the world creates.
Many blessing to all today, success in your endeavors, safety in your travels
and many experiences of God’s presence throughout the day! Peace in Christ’s
Passion…Fr. Paul
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