I am
always struck in this story with the fact that Herod is moved by John, that he
likes to listen to him, yet he gives in to the worldly pressure around him. I
get the feeling Herod knows that John is right, but his power, his
self-importance; his ego will not let him say yes. Herod has surrounded himself
with people who push him in the wrong direction. We might say that he gives in
to the peer pressure of his time!
Perhaps
if Herod had heard St. Paul’s words to the Corinthians that we find in our
first reading today (1 Corinthians 2:1-5) he might have acted a bit different.
St. Paul reminds the Corinthians that his faith rest not in human wisdom but on
the power of God. In other words, St. Paul reminds them to put the focus on God
not on themselves.
There is
a great line in the Letter to the Hebrews that I reflect on often, "Do not
neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained
angels." It is great advice! Perhaps it is advice that Herod should have
heard or heeded. He certainly had one of God's angels, John the Baptist in his
presence.
We need
to be aware that God can come to us, be present to us in many ways. We need to
trust that God is with us always. We need to remember that we are a community
of faith not just individuals and we need to always be aware of the struggles
and joys of others because they can often bring God into our midst.
Today we
are reminded – “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of
righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” May St. John the Baptist
help us to see – God as our light and our salvation, and thus never fear!
Have a
great Monday everyone.
Daily
Prayer:
Loving
God,Enlighten what is dark within us…
Strengthen what is weak within us…
Mend what is broken within us…
Bind what is bruised within us…
Heal what is sick within us…
And lastly – revive whatever peace, joy and love that have died within us…
Amen!
A
Runner’s Thoughts: “Being a runner means you are now "free" to win
and lose and live life to its fullest.” (Bill
Rodgers)
Daily
Blessing:
Monday greetings and blessings to all. We find ourselves making our way through
the last days of August and getting ready to welcome September – my how time
flies when you are having fun. In just a week we will celebrate Labor Day, a
day some call the end of summer. I know many are already into the school mode
but for most in the New York area they get a reprieve until next week. Well
regardless of place, age or state of life summer is ending in the northern
hemisphere and perhaps if we can we should take some time to enjoy it.
I am
expecting a hot but less humid day here in Pelham. I did make it home yesterday
afternoon but it was a two-and-a-half-hour journey which should have taken only
about 45 minutes. Sometimes I long for a time when I don’t live in New York and
have to face the hassle of profound traffic. Some days I just feel beat up by
the place! Oh, I guess this too shall pass. In a little while I will be off to
my office in Rye Brook. I hope your Monday is starting off well and that you will
enjoy a good day weather wise and all other ways.
I pray
that God will bless all of you on this Monday. For some it is the beginning of
a new school year, for others it is the beginning of a new work week, for
others it may be the last week of your vacation and for still others it might
be just another day – nothing special. May God’s blessing be upon you wherever
you find yourself. May God bless you with the grace you need to live this day
and in living this day may you bring God’s presence to all you meet! Peace in
Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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