Daily Thoughts: Today provides us with two wonderful readings.
The first from Isaiah, within it we find a wonderful image, a world where
everything is about life. A world were every obstacle is overcome. My favorite
part of this reading is, "A highway will be there called the holy way...It
is for those with a journey to make, and on it the redeemed will walk."
Once again, Isaiah provides us with the gift of hope. Not too long ago I watched
the movie "The Way" with Martin Sheen. I have seen it several times
but I always enjoy watching because it is a journey that started out as a
struggle but ended with redemption. It like Isaiah's reflection today is about
faith and hope made possible by God's mercy and gracious love.
The Gospel presents us with a two part story. One Jesus'
struggle with the religious leadership and the other is the graced story of the
man who cannot walk and his friends bring him to Jesus. They cannot get to
Jesus because of the crowded house so the open up a hole in the roof and lower
the man in so that he might be healed by Jesus. The great gift of the second
part of the story is that the man is healed because of the faith of his
friends.
We might say that these two reading work together for us
today. The image of Isaiah's wonderful world is hopeful only if we work
together, only if we journey together. Community, friendships, relationships
bring about life and help us overcome what is not life. They often make healing
and forgiveness possible.
Perhaps today we might get a little closer to the world of
Isaiah if we get on the holy way and bring someone else with us so that we can
make the journey to God's love together!
Have a great Monday everyone.
Daily Prayer: O God of power and mercy, open our hearts to
welcome friends on this holy journey. Help us remove what hinders the way so
that we may bring others and ourselves into your forgiving and healing
presence. Bring our deserts to life. Open our eyes, our ears, our mouths and
enable to leap with joy along the highway to you our God! Amen!
A Runner's Thoughts: Bring someone on your run today, perhaps not physically but spiritually. Bring them to God for healing, forgiveness. Make
your run a holy way today!
Daily Blessing: Monday greetings and blessings to all. I hope
this finds you well and off to a good start on this Monday. In a little while I
will be heading to St. Peter the Apostle Church in Naples, FL to help Fr.
Edward celebrate the life and death of his father. I would ask you to keep all
who gather for this very solemn occasion in your prayers today. It has been a
difficult few days for Fr. Edward and his family. May our prayers today bring
them peace and comfort.
We also remember the events of 1941 today. We remember all who lost their lives in the bombing of Pearl Harbor. May events like that one never happen anywhere again.
We also remember the events of 1941 today. We remember all who lost their lives in the bombing of Pearl Harbor. May events like that one never happen anywhere again.
My prayer of blessing today is – Loving God, through the
gift of your presence during this new day in our lives help us as we walk amid
passing things to always love the things of heaven and hold fast to what
endures. Bless us all with your gift of hope that we may bring your presence to
whomever we meet and to every place we go! Amen!
Have a grace filled Monday everyone. Blessings on all
journeys, all work and all friendships today! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr.
Paul
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