Sunday, March 13, 2016

Daily Thoughts - 03/13/2016


Daily Thoughts: For me the interesting thing about our Gospel story today has always been that it is only the woman who is brought before Jesus. She was caught in the act of adultery so there had to be a man there but only the woman is dragged before Jesus. It gives you a sense of the injustice that was present in society at that time. Women were pieces of property along with children, not treated in an equal way.



Jesus however has a different way of looking at life and society. Perhaps he sees the injustice and responds to it, or perhaps Jesus just sees every person as someone created in the image and likeness of God. Perhaps he sees someone who has made a mistake yet deserves another chance. Perhaps Jesus sees life were the crowd sees death. Perhaps Jesus sees the possibility for change and newness of life and the crowd sees only the law and punishment.



Pope Francis constantly challenges us to look at things differently by his words and actions. His picking of the name Francis reflects a different way of thinking about, seeing and living life. His humility and care for others reflects a different way of thinking about, seeing and living life. His putting of people first, his care for the poor, his desire for peace reflects a different way of thinking about, seeing and living life.



Our challenge as people of faith is to always see and live life through the lens of faith. We are to think of life not death. We are to see others first rather than just ourselves. We are to live compassionate lives of justice and peace.



Have a great Sunday!



Daily Prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen



A Runner’s Thought: As you run imagine God is at your side, running along with you. Imagine how God would look with kindness into the faces of all whom the two of you meet. Imagine how God would fine good in everyone you encounter. Look for good in everyone. Look for good in yourself! (From Roger Joslin – Running the Spiritual Path)



Daily Blessing: Sunday greetings and blessings to all. I hope you set your clocks ahead one-hour last night before heading to bed. If not chances are you are going to be late as you journey through your Sunday!



The weather people say that it is going to be a cloudy but mild day here in Garden City however I am not quite sure because the sun hasn’t risen just yet. Yes, I am reflecting and praying early today as it will be a busy day as I will be preaching at seven masses today. I hope you will have a great Sunday that isn’t quite as busy as mine.



I ask your prayers for the faith community here at St. Joseph’s Parish. My preaching got off to a good start last night and as I mentioned above I have a full day of preaching today in the hope that we will have a great mission this week. If you have a little chance to offer a prayer for the preacher it would be greatly appreciated.



I ask God’s blessing on all of us that as we journey through this Fifth Sunday of Lent it may be a peaceful, restful and life giving day. May God bless us with the richness of family, friends, and a day touched by God’s loving presence.  May God bless all of us as we ready ourselves to begin a new work week. May the week ahead be one that runs smoothly and peacefully with many graced moments! Have a wonderful graced filled day everyone. Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul

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