Daily
Thoughts:
When I read the accounts in today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles
about the things that happened after St. Stephen’s death. I am always caught by
the fact that even though Saul was hell bent on destroying the Church God was
able to change his heart and lead him to become the great Apostle Paul. It
gives me hope that someone so focused on the negative, so wanting to destroy,
so against the presence of some people in the world was able to become a person
of joy, of peace, of love and of hope.
God did
not fight Saul’s attack on his Church with vengeance, with force, with power,
with war. God did not seek to destroy Saul. God did not seek to judge Saul. No
God dealt with Saul’s attack through truth, compassion, love and with an invitation
to be a part of the community. Somehow with words of kindness, with words of
compassion, with words and gestures of love God turned Saul’s heart and created
someone new Paul.
Often as
we encounter our world and all its problems we think we must fight, we think
that we must eliminate our enemies. We think that making fun of them, that
degrading them with our words, that attacking them with half-truths, cartoons
and witty jokes we will overcome them. We think that pointing to their faults
and failings, that being hurtful we are doing God’s will and that we will win
the battle and the war.
Yet, God
has always showed us that power, vengeance and war never works. These are not
the solutions to our problems or the avenues to peace. In Saul’s case God
invited him to become part of the community. God invited Saul to see God in his
life in a different way. God invited Saul to choose life not death. God invited
Saul to a change of heart. God invited Saul to be a man of hope and love. God
turn Saul’s energy of violence and hate into an energy of love, compassion,
hope, mercy, joy and peace.
If we
truly want our world, our culture, our society to change then perhaps rather
than waging war, rather than fearing those we see as enemies, rather than
attacking, rather than dismissing or making fun of those we don’t like, we
should invite them into the conversation. We should extend the hand of
friendship. We should invite them to be part of the community. We should show
them the value of faith, hope and love. We should help them to see the light of
life!
Have a
great Wednesday everyone!
Daily
Prayer:
O God, bless us this day with a faith that can move mole hills and mountains,
that has an unseen healing touch, that lives everyday stories, celebrates
simple suppers and helps us carry the crosses of life so that they turn into
hope filled resurrections. Help us to see the goodness in ourselves and others.
Grace us with your loving presence and enliven us with hope so that we can
share your presence with everyone we meet. Keep us ever mindful today of those
who are in need of prayer because they are struggling with life in some way.
Help us to live this day alive in joy, faith, hope, mercy and love for all who
struggle, for all who carry crosses, for all who seek your peace! Amen!
A
Runner’s Thoughts: “There are no standards and no possible victories except
the joy you are living while dancing your run… you are not running for some
future reward—the real reward is now!” (Fred Rohe)
Daily
Blessing:
Wednesday greetings and blessings to all. I hope and pray you are having a good
day. We had a wonderful second day of mission yesterday here at Sacred Heart. Today
is our third and final day of mission so please keep the faith community here
at Sacred Heart in your prayers and if you have the opportunity to offer a
little prayer for their preacher it would be greatly appreciated!
After the
closing this evening I will head back to Pelham because I have a Thursday and
Friday this week. Especially on Friday and we have our monthly taping day for
the Sunday Mass.
I pray
for God’s blessings upon all of you today were ever you are, upon whatever you
are or will be doing and upon whomever you meet. May you be gifted with a blessed,
holy and faith filled day rich in the presence and grace of God and with this
richness may you all make a joyful noise today! Peace in Christ’s Passion and
Hope in the Risen Christ…Fr. Paul
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