Daily
Thoughts:
Our scriptures for today present us with two issues that we often face in life.
They are jealousy and holding on to what we think is best and not what God
thinks is best.
Certainly
the familiar story of Joseph and his brothers reminds us of what jealousy, what
envy can do to us. How they can make us think and act toward others, even
people we love. Perhaps like the religious leaders of Jesus' time Joseph's
brothers reflect only on the narrowness of their life rather than seeing the
bigger picture. Rather than trusting in their father's love.
I think
it is only human to want to be recognized, to want to be valued, to want to be
loved. The story tells us that Israel loved his sons but that he had a special
affection for Joseph because he was the last and the son of Israel's old age.
How often do we hear the saying, "Mon and dad liked you best!" It
happens, or it seems to happen. Mothers and fathers often have a special feeling
for one of their children but it never means that they do not love the others.
Yet, that human emotion of wanting attention, of wanting a special love can
overwhelm us and make us do stupid things.
Thinking
we know best is equally as troublesome. The religious leaders get a lesson in
what they have done wrong from Jesus today. How they have ignored God's ways
and walked down their own path. How they have ignored the presence of God in
their life in order to hold on to their own power, authority and way of life.
God is in their midst yet they fail to see. They fail to respond. They fail to
grow!
What can
we take away from our readings today perhaps that they are an opportunity to
reflect on our own lives? How often do we look around and feel sorry for ourselves
because God seems to love others more than us? How often does the presence of
others make us uncomfortable even jealous because we think they have something
we do not? Yet, we are all blessed by God; we are all created in the image and
likeness of God. We all have a place, a purpose and meaning here in this world.
God loves us all. The question is can we recognized, accept and live out that
love. Can we believe and trust in God's love for us?
Finally,
are we willing to accept and buy into God's way or does it always have to be
our way. In the midst of living life are we willing to see God's presence and
grow in the presence? Can we recognize God standing in our midst or do we have
a better idea?
Have a great
Friday everyone!
Daily
Prayer:
Almighty and ever living God, strengthen us on our journey through life today.
Help us to be open to your presence in the many different ways you might walk
into our life. Give us the wisdom to recognize you and the trust to follow your
way. Bless us with the hope and joy that all things that come from you are
gifts of your love. Forgive us for our moments of selfishness and envy. Enliven
our hearts so that we will always be your joy and love in the world. Amen!
A
Runner's Thoughts: “Every major decision I’ve made in the last eight years
has been prefaced by a run. Where else do you get those uninterrupted hours to
do nothing but think?” (Casey Neistat) So as we run today let us think of the
impossible made possible through hard work, dedication and the prayer that we
allow our runs to become.
Daily
Blessing:
Friday greetings and blessings to all. I am up early this morning just trying
to enjoy a little peace and quiet before my day actually begins. Not that I
have a very busy day ahead but sometime I just like to be up with the house is
quiet before the sun comes up. There is a peacefulness to this time of the day.
Later this morning I will be headed out to the Wartburg Home for mass again but
that will be the busiest part of my Friday.
I hope
your Friday has started off well. I hope your end of the work week is a good
one and that you are looking forward to a great weekend with a little rest and
relaxation! If things are busy today I hope it is a good busy. If not, I hope
you can make it through today and that tomorrow will be better.
My prayer
of blessing today is a simple one that all continue to be blessed by God so
that we can truly be people of God’s mercy on our journey through Lent and
life. I pray that in some way we all will feel and experience God's blessing,
God’s joy, God’s mercy and God's love today! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr.
Paul
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