Daily
Thought: The
readings today, especially the first one from Deuteronomy and the Gospel,
present us with a contrast. In Deuteronomy Moses is reminding the people from
where they have come and all that God has done for them. Not spoken is this
section but still present is all that the Israelites have done, much of which
was to grumble, build a golden idol and turn away from God. Yet, as Moses says
God has stayed with them. God has remained faithful.
The
contrast is in the fact that all of the temptations in the desert that Jesus
does not give in to, are exactly what the Israelites do give in to. Jesus is
tested in the desert just like the Israelites but he does not let history
repeat itself. Jesus chooses instead to make God's word, God's promise, his priority.
St. Paul
tells us that what we believe must be spoken but also held in our hearts so
that as we live we too might make the right choices. If we believe with our
hearts in the promises of God, if we believe with our hearts in Jesus, if we
believe with our hearts that Jesus when through his passion, death and
resurrection for us then our lives must show this gift, this presence. Our
choices must be made reflecting the grace, wisdom and love of God.
This is
not easy. The road of life is full of temptations that challenge us with
choices. Thus, it becomes profoundly important that we know the story and hold
it our hearts. Let us this Lent remember the story of God's love and choose
wisely as we live life!
Have a blessed and holy Sunday everyone and don't forget to give God a little time today.
Have a blessed and holy Sunday everyone and don't forget to give God a little time today.
Daily
Prayer: God
of Life, be with us in our journey through Lent and life. Remind us of the
story of your love each day that we may truly believe in our hearts that you
are our God. In our moments of choice and decision help us to choose wisely.
Have mercy on us when we don't. Remind us in the midst of our struggles to
always call upon your name for help. Enrich us with your gift of hope that will
enable us to always remember your love. Amen!
A
Runner's Thoughts: As we run let us look purposefully for signs of God's
presence and give praise and be thankful. During our run let us become one of
the many voice in nature that give thanks and praise!
Daily
Blessing:
Sunday greetings and blessings to all and Happy Valentine's Day to all. It is a very cold Sunday morning and I
guess we have to endure this cold at least one more day before it begins to
warm up again. So if you live in an area affected by the cold be careful today
if you are out and about.
I hope
your Sunday has started off well and that weekend is a good one despite the
cold. I hope you have had at least a little time to rest and relax. It will be
a long Sunday for me as I have six masses to preach and then after the 5 pm
mass this evening I will be giving a presentation to the Youth Group of the
parish. So it will be a long day of talking and running between two churches. I
would ask that you keep the faith community of St. Raphael/Holy Angels Parish
in your prayers today and throughout the next three days and if you could add a
prayer for their preacher it would be greatly appreciated.
Blessings
upon your Sunday – May you find the richness of God’s presence as you go about
your Sunday. Blessings upon the work week ahead and may God bless us all with a
relaxing and enjoyable day along with a peaceful and restful night. Please know
you will be in my prayers as I celebrate a time of mission here in Hamilton, NJ.
Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
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