Now
before I go any further with my reflection I would just like to say something
about this phrase “let go and let God.” I know I use it often and at times
people have commented that they don’t quite understand it. When I use the
phrase “let go and let God” what I am referring to is the human condition known
as being in control. We all like to be in control, to call the shots. We all
like to have a sense that we have got things covered, that we know best.
However,
if we pay close attention to Jesus in the Gospel we are reminded time and time
again that it is about God not about us. Jesus often asks the disciples to
trust, to not depend on themselves but the presence of God in their lives. It
is not easy and the disciples often fail. It is when they are able to let go of
their way and trust in God that they find themselves on the right path.
Letting
go and letting God simple means that life is not about “me” it is about God. It
is about letting go of the enticements of the world and letting God be present
to us as we journey through life.
This
theme of trust, of letting go has been an ongoing theme in our scriptures this
week. We have been reminded of God’s unrelenting, unconditional love for Israel
through the stories from the Book of Genesis. We have been told of the great
power that the disciples have been given in order to proclaim the Kingdom of
God in the Gospel. And we have been directed in many different ways through the
responsorial psalm that our focus in life should always be God.
Thomas
Merton wrote, “You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly
where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and
challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage,
faith and hope.” Jesus remind us today of exactly the same thing. It is through
the courage of our friendship with God that we will always be able to bring the
Kingdom of God to each moment of life.
So as we
make our way through this day let us have the courage to let go and let God
because we trust in God’s unrelenting love for us, a love that impels us to
proclaim the Kingdom of God because the Spirit of God speaks through us!
Have a
great Friday everyone!
Daily
Prayer:
Gracious and holy God, give us wisdom to perceive you, intelligence to
understand you, diligence to seek you, patience to wait for you, eyes to behold
you, a heart to meditate on you, and a life to proclaim you, through the power
of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! (St. Benedict)
A
Runner’s Thoughts: There is something magical about running; after a certain
distance, it transcends the body. Then a bit further, it transcends the mind. A
bit further yet, and what you have before you, laid bare, is the soul. (Kristin
Armstrong) – So to in the spiritual life…
Daily
Blessing:
Friday greetings and blessings to everyone! I hope and pray everyone’s day is
starting off well. It looks to be another sunny, hot and humid day here in
Pelham. I hope the weather is treating you a little kinder though I really
should not complain even with the heat today is much better than a day in the
middle of winter!
I would
like to remember all who have died over the last few days. I really wish this
violence would stop but violence begets violence unfortunately. We have to find
a way to see each other as people created in the image a likeness of God. It is
sad that human life must be lost time and time again because someone cannot see
past creed, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. It is sad when some thinks
the only way to deal with violence is more violence. It is sad when respect is
lost. Please God help us to find a way to peace!
If you
are traveling today, please travel safe. If you are working I hope it is a
light and easy day for you. If you are at home, I hope you are enjoying a
little peace and quiet or the gift of family. If you are on vacation I hope it
is a lazy day full of joy, fun and relaxation. If you are worried may those
worries be held in God’s compassionate hands. If you are struggling with life
may you find the strength to keep going. If you are finding faith difficult may
you know that God always loves, you. In other words, I hope everyone is having
a day richly blessed by God!
May God
bless the gift that you are today wherever you share your gift; with whomever
you share your gift. May you be blessed with faith, hope, joy and love
throughout this day and always! Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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