Making a Joyful Noise through Lent 03/21/2014

Making a Joyful Noise through Lent – 03/21/2014

“Before all else, the Gospel invites us to respond to the God of love who saves us, to see God in others and to go forth from ourselves to seek the good of others.” (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium: The Joy of the Gospel)

Pope Francis is always asking us to look beyond ourselves to others and as our scriptures point out that is not always easy. But if we are going to be people of joy then we have to let go of our envy, jealousy and self-centeredness and trust in what God thinks is best for us!

Our scriptures for today present us with two issues that we often face in life. They are jealousy and holding on to what we think is best and not what God thinks is best.

Certainly the familiar story of Joseph (Genesis 37: 3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a) and his brothers reminds us of what jealousy, what envy can do to us. How they can make us think and act toward others. Perhaps like the religious leaders of Jesus' time Joseph's brothers reflect only on the narrowness of their life rather than seeing the bigger picture. Rather than trusting in their father's love.

I think it is only human to want to be recognized, to want to be valued, to want to be loved. The story tells us that Israel loved his sons but that he had a special affection for Joseph because he was the last and the son of Israel's old age. How often do we hear the saying, "Mon and dad liked you best!" It happens, or it seems to happen. Mothers and fathers often have a special feeling for one of their children but it never means that they do not love the others. Yet, that human emotion of wanting attention, of wanting a special love can overwhelm us and make us do stupid things.

Thinking we know best is equally as troublesome. The religious leaders get a lesson in what they have done wrong from Jesus today (Matthew 21: 33-43, 45-46). How they have ignored God's way and walked down their own path. How they have ignored the presence of God in their life in order to hold on to their own power, authority and way of life. God is in their midst yet they fail to see. They fail to respond. They fail to grow!

What can we take away from our readings today perhaps that they are an opportunity to reflect on our own lives? How often do we look around and feel sorry for ourselves because God seems to love others more than us? How often does the presence of others make us uncomfortable even jealous because we think they have something we do not? Yet, we are all blessed by God, we are all created in the image and likeness of God. We all have a place, a purpose and meaning here in this world. God loves us all. The question is can we recognized, accept and live out that love. Can we believe and trust in God's love for us?

Finally are we willing to accept and buy into God's way or does it always have to be our way. In the midst of living life are we willing to see God's presence and grow in the presence? Can we recognize God when he is standing in our midst or do we have a better idea?

Have a great Friday everyone and don’t forget to make a joyful noise with your life today!

Daily Lenten Prayer: Almighty and ever living God, strengthen us on our journey through life today. Help us to be open to you presence in the many different ways you might walk into our life. Give us the wisdom to recognize you and the trust to follow your way. Bless us with the hope and joy that all things that come from you are gifts of your love. Forgive us for our moments of selfishness and envy. Enliven our hearts so that we will always be your joy and love in the world. Amen!

Runner's Thought: As we run today let us think of the impossible made possible through hard work, dedication and the prayer that we allow our runs to become.

Daily Blessing: Happy Friday everyone! I am sorry that I am a little late today but I have been working on a project lately and I was trying to get its first step finished this morning!

I hope your end of the work week is a good one and that you are looking forward to a great weekend with a little rest and relaxation! If things are busy today I hope it is a good busy. If not I hope you can make it through today and that tomorrow will be better.

My prayer of blessing this afternoon is a simple one that all continue to be blessed by God so that we can truly make a joyful noise on our journey through Lent and life. I pray that in some way we all will feel and experience God's blessing, God’s joy and God's love today! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul