How often have we asked God for
something and yet it doesn’t happen, we don’t get it, we have to settle for
life as it is not as we want it to be? How often are we called to speak or we
feel compelled to speak because of our faith but the words just will not come
out because we are afraid of the consequences?
Living by faith is no easy task, it wasn’t
in Paul’s time, and it wasn’t in Jesus’ time. The world is often a cruel place,
a place where words and actions can cause us pain, sorrow and problems even if
they are true and right. The feelings and emotions of the mob are usually what
rules. The Gospel message is not for the weak or afraid because many leave it
at the church door on Sunday, if they have heard at all.
Our faith tells us that God is with us.
That whatever we ask in Jesus’ name we will be given, then why is there so much
sickness, death, pain and sorrow in the world? Why were three young women held
hostage for over 10 years, did no one ask for their return in Jesus’ name?
It is easy to say that we are Christian
and call ourselves Catholic but living out our faith is never easy. In some way
God is always there, God always responds to us, God always gives us what we
need, God always stands beside us when we speak the truth. However the world
always makes it hard to hear, feel, see and know God’s presence in our life.
As you live today, as you wonder through
this life trying to believe, trying to speak, trying to trust in God remember
love casts out fear. It makes us able to speak even in the most difficult times
and it makes present the most profound gifts that God gives to us!
Daily Prayer: Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my
memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all I have and call my own. You
have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with
it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace that is
enough for me. (St. Ignatius of
Loyola)
Runner’s Thought: As runners in
faith, if we embark on the path of praying while we run we can expect
surprises, missteps, and perhaps great leaps toward a personal relationship
with God. We might think of running as our escape from the struggles, tensions,
problems and issues of life but through prayer it can also be a moment, a time,
when God will reach out to us in unique ways!
TGIF everyone! The sun has returned to
Pelham and it looks and feels like it is going to be a beautiful warm day. I
hope that is true where ever you are too! In a few hours the weekend will officially
begin and I pray you are looking forward to a restful and fun filled weekend.
On a sad note, I found out last night
that a favorite watering hole of mind for many years has closed. The Greentree
Bar and Restaurant located in the Riverdale section of the Bronx closed its
doors on April 30th. I spent many hours there over the last 18 years
often with a beer in hand enjoying the fireplace, the food and the fine people
I met there. The Greentree’s closing closes a chapter in the book of my life,
with the retreat house gone which was a great love of my life and now the
Greentree there is little to bring me back to that section of New York. To all my Greentree friends I say thanks for
your friendship and the memories. Blessing to all of you wherever you are and
wherever you go!
And blessings to all of you on this
Friday in May enjoy the rest of your day and have a great weekend! Peace in
Christ’s Passion and Hope in the Risen Lord…Fr. Paul
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