Daily
Thoughts:
For a little more than a week now we have been making our way through the sixth
chapter of John’s Gospel. This chapter
is central to John’s revelation of the mystery of the Eucharist.
In
yesterday’s Gospel, Jesus declares his that his flesh and blood is in the
Eucharist. Today, the disciples remark
that Jesus’ words are a “hard saying.”
Jesus does not soften his words because he is looking for faith. Faith is trusting when we do not
understand. The basis of faith is not
belief in a mystery but belief in the person of Jesus.
We are
faced with the same challenge as the disciples.
Theological mysteries have been revealed to us which we do not
intellectually understand but which we accept because we trust the person of
Jesus. There may be circumstances and
situations in our lives which we cannot understand and for which trust in Jesus
is also necessary. Just as Jesus was
moving the disciples to another level of faith, so are we invited to grow in
faith. In order to do so we need to ask
ourselves a question. “Are we willing to trust in Jesus to take us to the next level?
Jesus’ questioning
of the disciples about staying or going also applies to us. Perhaps, Peter speaks for all of us, “Lord,
to whom shall we go? You have the words
of eternal life.” Are we willing to stay
and let Jesus gives ultimate meaning to our lives?
Have a
great Saturday everyone!
Daily
Prayer:
God the Father, bless me; Christ guard me; Holy Spirit, enlighten me, all the
days of my life! Lord, be the defender and guardian of my soul and our body,
now and always, world without end. The right hand of the Lord preserve me
always to old age! The grace of Christ perpetually defend me from the enemy!
Direct, Lord, my heart into the way of peace. Lord God, deliver and help me.
Amen. (A prayer in the Book of Cerne)
A Runner’s
Thoughts:
“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.” (An Old Irish Blessing)
Daily
Blessing: Saturday
greetings and blessings to all! I hope your day has started off well, with a
little sunshine and warmer temperatures. If not I pray the morning setbacks are
only temporary and things will be humming along by the afternoon.
I am
sorry for not posting the last couple of days but they became busier than I
first anticipated and I didn’t get moving as early as I wanted to each more.
Wednesday evening after finishing the mission at Sacred Heart in Mount Holly I
was asked to visit some people in Hospice and then I had dinner with good
friends who live in the parish. So I stayed the night in Mount Holly and drove
home on Thursday. My Thursday was full with commitments and preparation for
Friday which was our monthly taping day for the Sunday Mass. So in the midst of
my busyness I just didn’t get the chance to share a few thoughts with you.
I would
also like to tell you that it was announced yesterday that I have been made
Executive Producer of the Sunday Mass. Fr. Edward Beck, C.P. is stepping down
as the Executive Producer after eight years and I have been named by the
provincial to take his place. I will be the on air host of the Sunday Mass and
have the responsibility of shepherding this ministry into the future. I am very
excited but also scared so I would ask your prayers. More about this new
direction in my life later.
Today in
a few hours I will be giving a Day of Recollection for a group of Passionist
Associates. I would ask your prayers for the women and men who will be making
the day and also for their preacher.
May you
all have a great Saturday filled with many blessings and graced with many
moments that put a smile on your face. Please know that you are in my prayers
today and always. Blessings upon your journeys today, upon your encounters with
other, upon your quiet moments and upon whatever this day brings into your life.
Peace in Christ’s Passion and Hope in the Risen Lord…Fr. Paul
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