Making a Joyful Noise through Lent 03/24/2014

Making a Joyful Noise through Lent – 03/24/2014

 “Moreover…faithful who accompany their brothers and sisters in faith or on a journey of openness to God must always remember…. without detracting from the evangelical ideal, they need to accompany with mercy and patience the eventual stages of personal growth as these progressively occur…. A small step, in the midst of great human limitations, can be more pleasing to God than a life which appears outwardly in order but moves through the day without confronting great difficulties. Everyone needs to be touched by the comfort and attraction of God’s saving love, which is mysteriously at work in each person, above and beyond their faults and failings.” (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium: The Joy of the Gospel)

Pope Francis’ words today talk about his expectations for all of us as we journey in faith together. Everyone person no matter who they are, where they are or how they might be struggling in life need to encounter God’s mercy, patience and love. Everyone needs the chance to encounter the joy of the Gospel and often we are the ones who can help them have that encounter. We need to meet people where they are not place undue expectations on them.  We need to recognize God in our midst!

The readings today (2 Kings 5:1-15ab) and Luke 4: 24-30) talk about expectations. We all have expectations for our life, for experiences we enter into, for relationships we have, for our jobs and ministries, for the world around us. Sometimes our expectations are met even exceeded, however other times we are disappointed. Now at times our expectations can be unrealistic and there is no way they can be met. At other times our expectations cloud our ability to enter into a situation and get the best out of it. Our expectations of people, place, things and experiences can at times hold us back from realizing the graces or blessings of a particular experience or moment.

This is the case in our readings today. Naaman seeks healing for his leprosy from Elisha the prophet. When told to go to the Jordan River and wash seven times he becomes indignant. He thinks Elisha should do something spectacular, that there should be a great event that brings about his healing. Naaman is finally convinced to let go of his expectations and healing comes.

The people of Nazareth have certain expectations for Jesus. They think they know him. They think they know what to expect from him. Thus they make it difficult for Jesus to be the healing, loving forgiving person he is everywhere else. The people of Nazareth cannot let go of their expectations and Jesus must move on.

Our scriptures remind us today that God works in mysterious ways. If we have expectations for God, for Jesus, for the Holy Spirit, then we might be disappointed, however if like Naaman we can put aside our expectations, if we can let go and let God, then great things can happen. Most importantly we will be able to recognize God's presence in our life when we most need it.

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

Daily Lenten Prayer: Loving God, open our hearts to the endless possibilities of your love and your presence in our lives today. Help us to let go of our expectations and be open to the many mysterious ways you touch our lives. Grace us with the strength to let go and let you guide and direct us today. Heal us with your love and grant us the wisdom to recognize you today and always. Amen!

Runner’s Thoughts: “That's the thing about running: your greatest runs are rarely measured by racing success. They are moments in time when running allows you to see how wonderful your life is.” (Kara Goucher) or from Runner’s World Quote of the Day – “Life is short. Running makes it seem longer.” (Baron Hansen)

Daily Blessing: Welcome to Monday everyone! I know Monday's are not always easy but hopefully you can ease into today without too much struggle, however if today you are having a difficult beginning to Monday and this new work week please know my prayers are with you!

In about two hours I will open the mission here at St. Patrick’s Parish in Yorktown Heights, NY. My preaching at all the masses over the weekend seems to have gone well. The faith community here is very friendly and I am looking forward to the four days and evenings of mission. Once again I ask your prayers for the faith community here at St. Patrick’s and their preacher during these days of mission!

I offer my prayer of blessing for all of you as we begin this new work week. May God bless this day and week and may it be one filled with many blessings for you, your loved ones and all the people you encounter on your journey through this day and week. In those moments of struggle this week take a deep breath and know that God is with you because God is with you always. Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul