Daily Lenten Thoughts - 03/17/2013

Daily Thoughts: For me the interesting thing about our Gospel story today has always been that it is only the woman who is brought before Jesus. She was caught in the act of adultery so there had to be a man there but only the woman is dragged before Jesus. It gives you a sense of the injustice that was present in society at that time. Women were pieces of property along with children, not treated in an equal way.

Jesus however has a different way of looking at life and society. Perhaps he sees the injustice and responds to it, or perhaps Jesus just sees every person as someone created in the image and likeness of God. Perhaps he sees someone who has made a mistake yet deserves another chance. Perhaps Jesus sees life were the crowd sees death. Perhaps Jesus sees the possibility for change and newness of life and the crowd sees only the law and punishment.

Over this past week Pope Francis has asked us to look at things differently by his words and actions. His picking of the name Francis reflects a different way of thinking about, seeing and living life. His humility and care for others reflects a different way of thinking about, seeing and living life. His putting of people first, his care for the poor, his desire for peace reflects a different way of think about, seeing and living life.

Our challenge as people of faith is to always see and live life through the lens of faith. We are to think of life not death. We are to see the others first rather than just ourselves. We are to live compassionate lives of justice and peace.

Daily Lenten Prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen

Runner’s Thought: As you run imagine God is at your side, running along with you. Imagine how God would look with kindness into the faces of all whom the two of you meet. Imagine how God would fine good in everyone you encounter. Look for good in everyone. Look for good in yourself! (From Roger Joslin – Running the Spiritual Path)

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone! I hope you are celebrating a little because you know there is a little Irish in everyone even if it is just your smile, so celebrate a little. I am celebrating in a number of ways today. The mission here at Good Shepherd Parish in Brooklyn has gotten off to a great start. Everyone has been so friendly and hospitable. A great group of priest here and you can feel it in the community. I am looking forward to the next three days. The pastor is throwing a little St. Patrick’s Day party for some of his priest friends so it should be a great evening and perhaps I can get some future jobs. All thinking ahead!

The St. Louis University Billikens won the Atlantic 10 Tournament this afternoon and will be headed for the NCAA Basketball Tournament anyone out there want to join Billiken Nation? Go Billikens! And if you want to know what a billiken is stay tuned!

So have a great evening everyone. Many blessings as you begin a new work week. May it be one that runs smoothly and peacefully with many graced moments! And remember a few prayers for the faith community here at Good Shepherd Parish and their preacher will be greatly appreciated. Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul