Daily
Thoughts:
“My mother and my brothers [and my sisters] are those who hear the word of God
and act on it [live it].” (Luke 8:21) I added the word live to Jesus’ words
today because I truly believe that is what he means.
The
picture that the Gospel (Luke 8:19-21) paints today often creates concern and
questions. Why would Jesus treat his family this way? Why would Jesus treat his
mother this way? Isn’t family first? However if we think about today’s Gospel
in these terms we are missing the point. Jesus loved his mother greatly. Jesus
was a good member of the family. But in the Gospel today Jesus shows all the
boundless amounts of God’s love. We are all mothers and fathers, sisters and
brothers in Christ. There are no exclusive places, no special privileges.
Today’s
Gospel is a Gospel of hope. We are reminded of God’s great, unconditional love.
Today’s Gospel gives us great comfort in knowing that God awaits all of us,
accepts all of us. We can all be part of the family; we are called to be part
of the body of Christ. All it takes is hearing the word of God and living it!
That
is what Jesus is calling those gathered around him today to, that is what Jesus
is calling us to. Do you hear the voice of Pope Francis in the Gospel today?
Have
a great Tuesday everyone.
Daily
Prayer:
Loving
God, we pause for a moment and ask you hear and accept our prayers of praise
for you today…
Be
praised, loving God, through all your creatures, especially through my Brother
Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And Brother Sun is
beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the
likeness.
Be
praised, loving God, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have
made them, precious and beautiful.
Be
praised, loving God, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and
all the weather, through which you give your creatures sustenance.
Be
praised, loving God, through Sister Water; she is very useful, and humble, and
precious, and pure.
Be
praised, loving God, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten the night.
He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.
Be
praised, loving God, through our sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules
us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Be
praised, loving God, through those who forgive for love of you; through those
who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, for they will
be crowned; happy are we today for in hearing your word you call us all to be
sisters and brothers in you. Amen! (Adapted
from a prayer by St. Francis of Assisi)
A Runner’s
Thoughts:
“To me, there is no greater way to achieve clarity than to run alone, or share
miles with a trusted friend. Epiphany comes as we sweat it out, or if epiphany
is out of reach — then peace.” (Kristin
Armstrong, "Bless Your Heart," Mile Markers column, RunnersWorld.com)
What
a wonderful reflection about running and the spiritual life. We need solitude
and community as people of faith. We need that time alone with God and we need
that time with God in the midst of community, family and friends.
The
definition for epiphany is: 1. a revelatory manifestation of a divine being; 2.
a sudden manifestation of the essence or meaning of something; 3. a
comprehension or perception of reality by means of a sudden intuitive
realization.
In
the spiritual life, like in running, our epiphanies come when we sweat it out,
when we struggle and discover who we are and what we are made of. Even when the
light doesn’t seem to go on when God seems out of reach, yet we believe that
God is with us so there is peace.
Daily
Blessing: Happy
Tuesday everyone! I hope your day has started off well, if not hang in there I
pray that it will get better. It looks to be a cloudy day here in Tarrytown. I
am not sure whether these are all day clouds or just morning clouds. Perhaps we
are in for a little rain today but I am not sure. This is the last full day of
summer but I have to say fall is certainly in the air. I hope your weather will
enable you to enjoy your day in some way.
We
are into our second full day of retreat here at Marymount Convent. I would ask
your continued prayers for the sisters on retreat and if you could say a little
extra prayer for their preacher it would be greatly appreciated. Let us also
continue to pray for Pope Francis as he finishes his visit to Cuba and comes to
the United States. May he continue to have safe travels and may we truly be
touched by his spirit!
I pray
for God’s blessings upon all of you today. May today be rich in the gift of
family, friendship and peace. May you find the road today flat, smooth and easy
to travel. May you find the gift and grace of God in everyone you meet and in
everything you do. Most importantly may you find the gift of God within you as
you live your life today! Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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