Daily Thoughts: In the book,
Thoughts in Solitude, Thomas Merton writes, “If our life is poured out in
useless words, we will never hear anything, never become anything, and in the
end, because we have said everything before we had anything to say, we shall be
left speechless at the moment of our greatest decision.”
Merton’s words remind me of the chief
priests and elders in the Gospel today. They always had a lot to say to and
about Jesus. They constantly questioned him, trying to catch him in a “slip of
the tongue.” Yet, in today’s Gospel they were left speechless.
I have always thought these religious
leaders were not bad people. They were just fearful people. They were people
afraid to stop long enough to listen, to hear and to recognize God’s gift in
their midst because it might mean they would have to change.
Perhaps our reflection today might be to
ask ourselves if we are willing to stop and listen. Each day we encounter God
in many ways. Are we like the chief priests and elders afraid to listen to, and
acknowledge God’s presence? Are we afraid that if we do we might have to
change?
Advent can be a busy time, lots of
things to do before Christmas. Do we dare stop the rush and take some time to
listen, to hear, to recognize God’s presence? Let’s hope so because if we do
this just might be one of the greatest moments in our life!
Have a great day everyone!
Daily Prayer: Loving God,
teach us to take the time listen today. Help us to recognize your presence in
our life. Guide us in your way of truth and love always. Amen!
A Runner’s Thoughts: “If we push on,
we begin to feel a vague, tingling sense of who, or what, we really are. It's a
powerful feeling, strong enough to have us coming back for more, again and
again.” (Adharanand Finn) Doesn’t this quote speak about life and faith also?
Doesn't speak to God’s presence in our life?
Daily Blessing: Monday blessings to all! Just 10 days until Christmas - let's make it 10 days of wonder rather than 10 days of worry and stress!
I hope this
finds you all well and energized for a new day. If not hang in there and I will
pray that things get better as the day goes on. I will be heading up to St.
John and St. Mary Parish in Chappaqua, NY to help with confession this
afternoon and evening. This is Reconciliation Monday in the Archdiocese of New
York and all the parishes are offering confessions from 4 – 8 pm today. If you
are in the Chappaqua area stop in and I assure you, you will have a
compassionate confessor. For everyone else remember reconciliation can be a
great way to pause and put our life into perspective. It is an outward sign of God’s
presence, flowing from the life of Christ, giving us grace! It is worth the
time.
At mass this morning I was struck by the
closing prayer and so I will adapt it as our blessing today – Loving God,
through the gift of your presence during this new day in our lives help us as
we walk amid passing things to always love the things of heaven and hold fast
to what endures. Bless us all with your gift of hope that we may bring your
presence to whomever we meet and to every place we go! Amen! Blessings to all
today, travel safely and enjoy the gift of this day. Peace in Christ’s
Passion…Fr. Paul
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