Daily
Thoughts:
At times if we are not paying attention we can miss the power and presence of
women that our scripture often offer us. In two of today’s readings we are
present with simple yet powerful examples of women on the journey of faith.
In
our first reading from the First Book of Kings we might be tempted to focus on
the gift that Elijah leaves widow and her son, a never ending jar of floor and
jug of oil. However if we only focus on the end of the story we miss its
profound message. This poor widow from Zarephath is at the end of her jar of
floor and jug of oil. We might even say that she and her son are at the end of
their lives. Yet does she complain, does she protest, does she refuse Elijah’s
request for food and drink? No instead she looks him straight in the eye and
does not say no. She sees clearly the presence of God that confronts her at
that moment and puts her faith and trust in the presence.
The
poor widow in the Mark’s Gospel today also carries that simplicity of life with
her as she goes to the temple to pray. All that she is and all that she has she
carries with her as an offering to God. We might say she looks God right in the
eye and does not say no. Instead she gives God her whole livelihood.
These
two women in today scriptures remind us that simplicity of life always enables
us to be more present, more focused, more aware of the presence of God in our
life. Real poverty, is certainly dehumanizing on so many levels, however like
the women in our stories it can allow us to see clearly and to know of our
dependence on God. Spiritual poverty, which can lead us to a deeper freedom in
a world where “the one who has the most toys wins.” Spiritual poverty leads us
to a place of trust. Poverty, that is spiritual, leads us to who and what we
really need. It is the difference between asking, “Give me more! And "Yes,
Lord you will not leave me to face my perils alone."
The
two poor widows today live out of the simplicity of their poverty, the clear
vision of God’s presence and their trust in God’s mercy. Unlike the wise and
clever scribes - who strive for a righteousness but don’t have compassion or
care for those in need who – “Devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext,
recite lengthy prayers." (Mark 12:40) They has no simplicity, no vision
and no trust in the God they proclaim to believe in.
Perhaps
as we journey through this Sunday we might ask ourselves what clutters our
hearts so much that we only give out of surplus not out of our livelihood, our
whole self? What clouds our vision that so that we do not trust in the presence
of God in our lives?
Have
a blessed Sunday everyone.
Daily
Prayer:
Loving God, grants us peace, goodness; and blessing, life grace and kindness;
justice and mercy. Father, bless us all together with the light of your
presence, for in the light of your presence you give us truth and life, love
and kindness, justice and mercy, blessing and peace. And in your eyes it is
good to bless your people with great strength and peace. Blessed are you, O
God, who blesses your people with peace. Amen (Adapted from a Traditional Jewish Prayer)
A
Runner’s Thoughts: “Setting goals requires gazing way out at the horizon
of your life. But once you set your course, most of the time your awareness
should be on the trail under your feet.” (Lauren
Fleshman) So to in the spiritual life…
Daily
Blessing:
Sunday greetings and blessings to all. I hope your Sunday has started off well.
It is a beautiful sunny and cool day here in Pelham. I hope the weather by you
has you energized to live this new day.
I have
a quiet Sunday planned as it has been a busy ten days and I have no commitments
today so I am just going to relax and enjoy the gift of the Lord’s day. I hope
you will get a chance at some point today to do the same and remember to give
God a little time today!
My
prayer of blessing today is that whatever you are doing this weekend, relaxing,
watching football, working, traveling, getting ready for the week ahead or just
being I pray that God’s blessing will be upon your Sunday filling it with the
richness of joy, hope and the goodness of God’s presence. May the presence of
God bring joy to your heart today! Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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