Daily
Thoughts:
There is a thread running through our two readings today it is the thread of intimacy
and relationship. In the first reading from Isaiah we hear almost Advent like
images of how God enters our life and help us to make the journey home. We hear
how much God desires a relationship with us and how far God is willing to go
for that relationship. There is the famous image in the reading about the child
in the mother’s womb and even if that mother were to forget about the child God
will not forget about the child and us.
In
the Gospel it is John’s image of the relationship between the Father and the
Son. Throughout John’s entire Gospel we constantly hear about the intimate
relationship that Jesus has with the Father. If you see Jesus you are looking
at the Father. The two are inseparable, they work together. They know each
other’s thoughts, words and actions. We are invited to have this same kind of
relationship with Jesus and the Father.
Intimacy
is something we all want, something we all need but it is something many of us
find difficult because of what it demands of us. It demands commitment, time,
energy and a willingness to be truthful and honest. It demands a willingness to
see the good in others and to understand their struggles, their faults and
failings. Intimacy means we are willing to stand by the other even when it is
not easy, even when it is not popular.
Much
talk time and print space has been given to celibacy and chastity in recent
years, some of it positive and much of it negative. Being one who has tried to
live this vow I know that the most difficult part is intimacy and I am not just
talking about physical intimacy. I think we all have a great need, desire,
longing for and deep connection with another, a person to share our joys, fears,
sadness, struggles, triumphs, feelings and love. We want that soul friend who
knows us, understands us, values us, forgives us and loves us no matter what
and yet whether celibate or not this friend is hard to find.
Many
of the great saints talk about finding this relationship after a long struggle
with God. I am not a great saint so my struggle for intimacy goes on. It is a
great need in everyone’s life and sometimes it is a life-long search. For me
there is always sadness when I see this intimacy devalued or absent. When I see
a mother or a father forget their child, either through abuse, neglect or when
their life become so self-centered they don’t make the connection. I am also
encouraged and hopeful when I see the wonderful gift of intimacy at work in the
lives of people, when they don’t forget!
Throughout
Lent we have been reminded that living a life of faith demands looking beyond
ourselves, it demands being other oriented. Relationships and intimacy are the
way we can keep ourselves focus on others, focused on God. Let us live the
journey of life today open to the gifts that others can bring to our lives!
Daily
Lenten Prayer:
O God, you call us to be in love with you just as you are in love with us. Give
us the grace to not be afraid of your gifts of love and mercy in our lives.
Help us not to fear your invitation to intimacy and may we never hesitate to
share your love with another. Grant us the strength to never forget the
tenderness of your loving presence and to trust that you will bring us home.
Amen!
Runner’s
Thought: Today,
finish your run with a burst of speed no matter how far you have run. As you
run all out those last few steps imagine receiving a greeting from God. God
embraces you and holds you as you catch your breath. God offers a few good
words to welcomes you home.
Happy
Wednesday, “Hump Day” everyone or as the TV people are calling it “Super
Tuesday of the Conclave,” I am not sure why a Wednesday becomes a Super Tuesday
rather than a “Super Wednesday” but then I don’t work for the media. All I know
is that I have not received any calls as of yet, I even checked my phone this
morning to make sure it was still working. I certainly don’t want to hold
things up because they can’t get a hold of me!
I
hope you are having a good day. I know some of you probably have one eye on
your work and the other eye on the chimney at the corner of the TV screen. I
forgot to check whether someone has invented and app for the phone so that you
know whether is it white or black smoke without watching TV. I am not worried,
for once in my life, I am just waiting for the call.
Well
enough dreaming back to work. We had a nice closing celebration of the mission
this morning and now I am waiting to celebrate the closing mass this evening, I
will head home tonight and have a couple of days at home before heading out on Saturday
again to begin a new mission in Brooklyn. My prayers are with everyone today
that you all have many blessings today and a day without too much stress! Peace
in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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