Daily
Thoughts:
While the section of the Book of Leviticus which is our first reading today
seems to be a list of what to do and not do. Perhaps more importantly it is a
reminder of how to be a Christian, a Catholic. These commands that Moses offers
the people today are all about being a compassionate and loving person. Yes,
they say what to do and not do, mostly what not to do, but if we think about
not doing things like stealing, lying, swearing falsely, using profanity,
making fun of people with disabilities, not acting dishonestly, not gossiping,
not living with hate we can begin to see a life enriched by the presence of
God. We can begin to see a life were we love our neighbor rather than hate our
neighbor.
The
advancement in technology and social media is a wonderful thing. It gives us
information in an instant. It makes it possible to communicate across vast
miles in a second. It brings people and experiences into our homes at the
instants they happen. But it also enables us to be very non-Christian without
even thinking about it. We can slander, berate, gossip, hurt and even hate
others without even leaving our homes. It is like playing a video game and yet
our words, our thoughts put down on Facebook, Twitter and all the other forms
of social media can sometimes be profoundly hurtful and un-Christian.
The first
reading reminds us today that whether we are standing in front of a person or
thousands of miles away we still have a responsibility to be a person of faith,
a person of God and that means being loving not hateful and destructive.
Jesus
continues this theme in the Gospel with the very famous phrase, "whatever
you did to one of the least brothers [or sisters] of mine, you did to me."
Our words and actions whether in the midst of people or over the internet have
consequences. If we are kind, loving and compassionate to whomever we
encounter, wherever we encounter them we will be welcome in the Kingdom!
Have a
blessed Monday everyone!
Daily
Prayer:
Help us O God, to be the people you have created us to be today. Help us to
think before we speak especially when our words are directed towards others.
Help us to think before we write especially when we are writing about others.
Help us to act, respond and live as people committed to compassion, life and
love. Make us aware of your presence in everyone we meet, make us aware of your
presence in ourselves. Fill us with words and actions today that bring about
your Spirit of life! Amen!
A
Runner's Thoughts: Remember God does not wait at home or at the finish line,
God is constantly with us in all things and all people. As we run, as we live,
our task is simply to recognize that fact and hold it with us and run with God!
Daily
Blessing:
Monday greetings and blessings to all and Happy President’s Day. I hope your Monday
has started off well, whether you are enjoying a day off or at work, if not
hang in there Tuesday will be here tomorrow! I am hoping it will be a little
warmer today though I think we are to expect snow here in the Trenton/Hamilton
area later today. Hopefully it will not be a lot.
Our
mission here at St. Raphael/Holy Angels Parish got off to a good start. I
preached the eight masses over the weekend and then gave a presentation to the
Teen Life Group last night. In a little while I will be headed to the 7:30 am
mass and the first mission presentation after mass. Please keep the faith
community here at St. Raphael/Holy Angels Parish in your prayers and if you
could add an extra prayer for their preacher it would be greatly appreciated.
I pray
this morning is for all of you out there beginning a new work week, celebrating
the holiday, beginning new school week, or just living the journey of a new
Monday. May God’s blessing be with you in whatever you encounter today, in
whomever you encounter today and wherever your day takes you. May God bless you
with the grace of joy to live this day willing to meet God wherever you go and
in whomever you meet including yourself! Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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