Daily Thoughts: 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
and his brothers reminds us of what jealousy, what envy can do to us. How they
can make us think and act toward others, even people we love. 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. 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 standing in our midst or do we have a better idea?
Have a blessed Friday everyone!
Daily 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!
A Runner's Thoughts: 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: Friday
greetings and blessings to everyone! This morning was an early morning for me
as I had the 7:30 am Mass at Mount St. Michael’s High School in the Bronx. I
also had to clear off my car as I decided not to go out yesterday. So my car is
now clean and I am once again cold to the bone! I wish I had a dollar for every
time I clear my car of ice and snow this winter I would be a rich man!
I hope you day has started off better
than mine though I have to say it was made better with the celebration of mass
a little while ago. 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 today is a simple
one that all continue to be blessed by God so that we can truly be joyful people
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
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