Daily
Thoughts:
In our Gospel today (Matthew 25: 1-13),
I know that Jesus is focused on the end time, whether it is his final coming or
the day that God calls each of us individually. And his point is that we need
to be awake and we need to be ready like the five wise virgins because not
being ready, not being awake has dreadful consequences, (see wailing and grinding
of teeth from yesterday).
However,
I believe Jesus’ story of the ten virgins can be looked at another way. Jesus
might not be just talking about the end time or the day God calls each of us
home, he might also be talking about this moment and what we are missing if we
are not prepared. What graces? What joys? What blessings? What experiences of
God’s presence are we missing if we are not prepared, if we are not ready?
It is not
always about the negative, about the end time, about wailing and grinding of
teeth. It is also about the opportunities we miss each day, each moment of our
life because God is trying to give us good things but we are more concerned
about what is going on around us. We are prepared, we are focused on God, we cut
corners and the oil runs out!
Are you
prepared? Do you have enough oil in your lamp? Or are you going to miss the
wedding feast?
Have a
great Friday!
Daily
Prayer:
Loving God, you have called us to be one, to live in unity and harmony and yet
we are divided. O Lord, break down the walls that separate us, tear down the
fences of indifference and hatred, forgive us the sins that divide us, free us from
pride and self-seeking, help us overcome our prejudices and fears, give us
courage to open ourselves to others; by the power of your Holy Spirit, make us
one. Amen (Adapted from a prayer by the
World Council of Churches – 1983)
A
Runner’s Thoughts: “Everyone who has run knows that its most important value
is in removing tension and allowing a release from whatever other cares the day
may bring.” (Jimmy Carter) So too in
the spiritual life when we are talking about prayer…
Daily
Blessings:
Friday greetings and blessings to all! It is the beginning of a beautiful
morning here in Long Beach however the humidity has returned and it is going to
be a hot one. In a few moments I will head to Church for the 8:00 am mass. I
hope your day has started off well and will only get better.
My prayer
of blessing for all you today is that our Loving God, the giver of all good
gifts, will bless you today with hearts that love you, so that by deepening
your sense of respect and reverence for yourself you may nurture within
yourselves and others only what is good. May God bless you with a watchful care
throughout this day so that wherever you go and whatever you do it will be in,
and through and with God. May God bring you home safe to those you love that you
might celebrate the gift of family, of friendship, of community, of your love
so that your sleep will be restful and you will be energized to welcome
tomorrow! May God offer you much grace and many blessings as you journey
through this day! Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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