Daily Thoughts: I think today’s
Gospel (Matt 7:6, 12-14) is about reverence, and respect. Jesus seems to
indicate that the road to reverence and respect is a narrow one that is a
difficult journey but certainly one that is worth the struggle.
There are always people out in the world
that find it easy to disrespect us. As Jesus seems to indicate the road of
selfishness and “me first” is wide and has many travelers.
Perhaps the focus of today’s Gospel
rests in these words by Thomas Merton:
“To be grateful is to recognize the Love
of God in everything He has given us - and He has given us everything. Every
breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for
it brings with it immense graces from Him.
Gratitude therefore takes nothing for
granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to
praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good,
not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.”
If we recognize the Love of God in
ourselves and in others we will be on the right road!
Have a great day everyone!
Daily Prayer:
O God, we thank you for the gift of this
day.
Give us the energy we need to face our
work; with the attentiveness we need to do it well.
Give us the self-discipline we need to
finish it even if no one sees and no one praises us.
Give us the self-respect which will
inspire us not to produce anything which is less than our best.
Give us the courtesy and the
considerateness which will make us easy to live and work with.
Help us to live today so that we will
make the world a happier more hopeful place wherever we go. Amen! (Adapted from
a prayer by William Barclay)
A Runner’s Thoughts: A smile as we
run can help us remain focused, it often causes others to smile back which can
be uplifting and perhaps most importantly it can remind us that that we have
been graced by God. So as we run today let’s put a smile on our face!
Daily Blessing: Tuesday
greetings and blessings to all! I also send greetings from the hallowed halls
of the University of Notre Dame. Yes, I am here at Notre Dame attending a
conference on preaching. Even though I did not go to Notre Dame there is
something special about being here and having the chance to walk the ground and
sort of soak in the history and tradition. This morning I went out for my run
around the famed lake. I have to say it was a very pleasant run this morning!
The early morning was just beautiful
with the sun coming up and there was a coolness to the air. That will be short
lived and we are to have a hot muggy day here in South Bend today. I hope these
early days of summer as going well for you though I think many of us have the
hot and muggy days!
I pray that your day is starting off
well and that you are energized and ready to give it your all. I hope that you will
have a great day! May it be one filled with the presence of God so that you
will encounter many blessings, much hope, a little peace, much laughter and a
little shade! Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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