Daily Thoughts - 09/09/2016

Daily Thoughts: “No one can grow if he [or she] does not accept his [or her] smallness.” (Pope Francis) With this thought Pope Francis seems to get at the heart of what Jesus is saying in the Gospel today. If we don’t deal with our own faults and failings, if we cannot see our own humanness how are we ever going to be able to grow into the person God has created us to be and help others.

We cannot just look at others faults and failings we need to start with our own. If we do we will have a better, more compassionate understanding and view of the world. We will truly be able to help not hurt others. The starting point for looking at and dealing with the problems, struggles and sinfulness of the world is always ourselves. When we can proclaim our faults, failings and our need for help, our need for forgiveness we are on our way to being able to help and forgive others.

St. Augustine perhaps put the focus of our Gospel today a little differently when he said, “God is always trying to give good things to us, but our hands are too full to receive them.” So let’s put down what fills up our hands in this world, anger, resentment, the faults and failings of others and receive the grace that God offers us and live in the joy and love of God today!

Have a blessed Friday everyone.

Daily Prayer: God of life, there are days when the burdens we carry chafe our shoulders and wear us down; when the road seems dreary and endless, the skies gray and threatening; when our lives have no music in them and our hearts are lonely, and our souls have lost their courage. Flood the path with your light, we pray; turn our eyes to where the skies are full of promise and where music fills our life. Amen (Adapted from a prayer by St. Augustine of Hippo)

A Runner’s Thoughts: My effort in the race didn’t result in a record or an award. It didn’t feel good. But it gave me the chance to feel good about myself. (Jonathan Beverly)

Daily Blessing: Friday greetings and blessings to all! I hope your day has started off well. It is a bit cloudy here in Pelham and there might be some rain in the forecast for later in the day. It was a warm and muggy night and I expect it will be a hot and humid day.

There is much going on today as we make out way to our first taping day in our new place next Friday. The painting was finishing up yesterday and the new sanctuary carpet goes in today. We are still waiting on the new altar and a few other things but progress is being made however most of my nights are still sleepless!

I hope you will have a great Friday and that you encounter many blessings today and much peace. My prayer for all of you today is that you may be graced by God in whatever you do and may you will bring God’s grace to whomever you meet! Work, pray, travel, study, laugh, cry, talk, be silent, be intense or relaxed today rich in the blessing and presence of God. Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul