Daily
Thoughts:
“What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can [we] compare it?” We might stay
that these questions have been asked over and over again down through history.
We are always trying to figure out what the Kingdom of God is like. What does
Heaven look like?
We
are always trying to compare it to what we know. Even Jesus does it today in
the Gospel (Luke 13: 18-21). Jesus uses two images out of nature to teach us
about the Kingdom of God. He compares the Kingdom to a mustard seed and yeast
not exactly what I would compare the Kingdom to but Jesus has a reason for
picking these two examples. He compares the Kingdom to a mustard seed and yeast
because they are things in nature that are alive. They are growing, ever
changing. The Kingdom of God is ever alive going and changing. Paul tells us in
the first reading (Romans 8:18-25) that the Kingdom is not just humans it is
for everything. All creation glories in the Kingdom! That is why it is so
important to respect the gift of God’s creation because on the last day all
creation will be transformed into the Kingdom of God.
Our
challenge today is to look around at the people, places and things of God’s
creation that are a part of our lives and be thankful for them. When we ask the
question what is the Kingdom of God like, to what can we compare it? All we
need to do is look around because the Kingdom of God in alive in our life.
Perhaps
Fr. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ said it well when he wrote: “By means of all
created things, without exception, the divine assails us, penetrates us, and
molds us. We imagined it as distant and inaccessible, when in fact we live
steeped in its burning layers”
Or
maybe Thomas Merton said it a little differently when he wrote: “When we are
alone on a starlit night, when by chance we see the migrating birds in autumn
descending on a grove of junipers to rest and eat; when we see children in a
moment when they are really children, when we know love in our own hearts; or
when, like the Japanese poet, Basho, we hear an old frog land in a quiet pond
with a solitary splash - at such times the awakening, the turning inside out of
all values, the "newness," the emptiness and the purity of vision
that make themselves evident, all these provide a glimpse of the cosmic dance
[a glimpse of the Kingdom].”
Have
a great Tuesday everyone!
Daily
Prayer:
God, Loving Creator, grace us with the wisdom to embrace your Kingdom that is
all around us so that someday, after trying to master the winds, the waves, the
tides and gravity, we shall harness for you the energies of love, and then, for
a second time in the history of the world, we will have discovered fire – your
unconditional love. Amen! (Adapted from
the words of Fr. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ)
A Runner’s
Thoughts:
“People sometimes sneer at those who run every day, claiming they'll go to any
length to live longer. But I don't think that's the reason most people run.
Most runners run not because they want to live longer, but because they want to
live life to the fullest. If you're going to while away the years, it's far
better to live them with clear goals and fully alive then in a fog, and I
believe running helps you to do that. Exerting yourself to the fullest within
your individual limits: that's the essence of running, and a metaphor for life
[and a metaphor for faith]” (Haruki Murakami and [me])
Daily
Blessing:
I hope this finds everyone having a good day if not hang in there it will get
better! It is a cool but sunny day here in Pelham and the colors of fall are
all around. It is one of those days that says get out there and enjoy what God
has created!
My
prayer of blessing today – Loving God bless us with a steadfast heart, which no
unworthy affection may drag downwards; bless us with an unconquered heart,
which no tribulation can wear out; bless us with an upright heart, which no
unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bless us with the understanding to know you,
bless us with diligence to seek you, bless us with the wisdom to find you, and
bless us with a faithfulness will help us to embrace your love in our life. I
pray this blessing for all my family and friends and anyone in need this day
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! Have a great day. Peace in Christ’s
Passion…Fr. Paul
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