Daily Thoughts: As I prepared
for the 7:00 am mass very early this morning I had a couple of thoughts about
our readings today. First off, I think we have all been where Jesus seems to be
today. It might take place within family, friends, the place where we work, the
neighborhood or our faith community, but we have been in those situations when
we look at people and their struggles and our “hearts go out to them!” We see
them overwhelmed by life and we wonder how they will survive, how they will
make it. At time we even feel helpless because the struggle, the problem, the
issue just seem so overwhelming.
In the midst of Jesus’ ministry, even
though he is healing everyone in sight he looks around and it is overwhelming.
He sees the struggles of life, of health, of emotions, of faith and he wonders
how are they going to make it. His heart goes out to them!
However, Jesus also sees a great
harvest. He sees possibilities, he sees gifts, talents, abilities. He sees hope
and a future but he knows people cannot do it alone the whole community must
work at it. Sometimes we think this
passage just refers to vocations. If we just get enough priests everything will
be fine. Vocations are only a piece of the challenge that Jesus presents to us
today. The challenge is for the whole community to be involved. The whole
community needs to work together to bring in the harvest, not just a so called
chosen few.
If the community does not work together
we see the outcome in our first reading by Hosea, the harvest is lost. The
harvest of faith, hope and love is the responsibility of the community. We are
in the journey together and we all have something to add, to give so that the
full rich harvest of God’s presence can be realized and make present.
Have a great day everyone and don’t
forget to make a joyful noise with your life today!
(Daily Readings http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/070814.cfm)
Daily Prayer: We give you
heartfelt thanks, O Loving God, for the rest of the past night and for the gift
of a new day, with all its opportunities of pleasing you. Grant that as we live
the hours of this day we will do so with joy, faith, hope and love in service
of you. So that when evening comes upon us we will again give thanks to you for
your many gifts that enriched us throughout the day. We make this prayer
through Christ our Lord. Amen! (Adapted from Daybreak prayer of the Eastern
Church)
A Runner’s Thoughts: “Every run is a
work of art, a drawing on each day's canvas. Some runs are shouts and some runs
are whispers. Some runs are eulogies and others celebrations. When you're
angry, a run can be a sharp slap in the face. When happy, a run is your song.
And when your running progresses enough to become the chrysalis through which
your life is viewed, motivation is almost beside the point. Rather, it's
running that motivates you for everything else the day holds.” (From the Runner’s
World Daily Kick in the Butt by Dagny Scott Barrios)
And as a friend and brother in the
Passion often says – “So to in the spiritual life!”
Daily Blessing: Tuesday
blessing to all! I hope your day has gotten off to a good start and that you
are prepared to face the heat that seems to be upon us at least here in Mount
Holly, NJ.
My week is going well with early
mornings, as I have a 7:00 am and 8:30 am mass each day, productive days that
are helping me get caught up on paperwork and relaxing evenings with friends.
It is a nice mix in which to celebrate these early July days of summer!
We are challenged in the Gospel today to
help the harvest master to bring in the great harvest so my prayer of blessing
for you today is that you will be blessed by God with the energy, enthusiasm,
faith, hope and joy to work in the field of life today and bring the gift of
God’s presence to all you meet. My you be blessed with the courage and strength
to share your gift thus make a joyful noise in life today. Blessing upon all
you do, every place you go and upon everyone you meet! Peace in Christ’s
Passion…Fr. Paul
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