Daily
Thoughts:
On the day in Capernaum, which we hear about in today's Gospel, (Mark 1:
21-28), Jesus taught as one having authority, in fact he taught every day that
way. Perhaps that is the problem today that often those teaching really do not
teach with authority. They think they do but they don't.
Authority
comes from living an authentic life. We cannot say one thing and then do
another and expect to have authority. We cannot say life is important and then
only value life at the time of birth. We cannot say children, women and men are
created in the image and likeness of God and then protect people who hurt them.
We cannot talk about freedom and then limit it for certain people. We cannot
talk about shepherding and service then live as one who is privileged and
entitled. We cannot say human life is most important and then treat inanimate
objects with more reverence than people. We cannot say community is important
and then restrict the participation of the community.
In the
Gospel we are reminded that Jesus lived an authentic life. A life focused on
others, a life of authority! We long for teaching with authority today but
everywhere we turn it seems to be missing. Jesus knew what he was talking
about. He knew that people were more important than things. He knew that
boundaries could be crossed if it meant life. He knew that people were more
important than ritual, dress and mystery.
Jesus offered all who listened to him the chance to allow God to change
and shape their hearts into a new way of life. If we listen to Jesus and follow
his way we will come to know true authority, we will come to live an authentic
life!
Have a
great Tuesday everyone!
Daily
Prayer:
O God, your gift of courage is one of the greatest favors you have given us. It
would be wrong for us to behave like cowards or to fear anything except not
being true to you. So once again grant us the courage to live authentic lives
that reflect your greatest gift to us, Love! Bestow on us this day your
kindness and peace that we might bring them to all we meet! Amen! (Adapted in part from the words of St.
Teresa of Avila)
A
Runner's Thoughts: I have two thoughts for you today – As you run today take
with you whatever image of God that is most important to you and allow that
image to accompany you on your run. – And as you run today look for goodness in
everyone you encounter. Look for goodness in yourself!
Daily
Blessing:
Tuesday greetings to everyone. I hope your Tuesday has started off well and if
not I pray that it will get better as the day goes on. I am off early this
morning to have my car serviced. I have a 7:00 am appointment so I will be
sitting around the first part of this day waiting hopefully not too long. I
will take a little reading material with me to pass the time. I hope the start
of your day is not too eventful and if you are hitting the road running
hopefully it is for the best of reasons.
I would
also like to send a shout out to my wonderful sister, Bernadette today because
she is celebrating her birthday. Best wishes Bernadette and may this day and
everyday be rich in God’s blessings!
My prayer
of blessing for us today is a simple litany asking God help us along the way –
Loving God, we pray for your blessing today in the midst of our busy life. If
we find ourselves under the weather touch us with your healing presence. If we
are busy guide us to a moment of peace. If we are frustrated grace us with an
acknowledgement of the gift that you are. If we find ourselves angry today help
us to let it go. If we find ourselves alone embrace us so that we know that we are
not. O God, bless us with what we need to live our life this day! Have a great
Tuesday everyone. Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
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