Daily
Thoughts: “My
mother and my brothers [and my sisters] are those who hear the word of God and
act on it [live it].” (Luke 8:21) I added the word live to Jesus’ words today
because I truly believe that is what he means.
The
picture that the Gospel (Luke 8:19-21) paints today often creates concern and
questions. Why would Jesus treat his family this way? Why would Jesus treat his
mother this way? Isn’t family first? However, if we think about today’s Gospel
in these terms we are missing the point. Jesus loved his mother greatly. Jesus
was a good member of the family. But in the Gospel today Jesus shows all the
boundless amounts of God’s love. We are all mothers and fathers, sisters and
brothers in Christ. There are no exclusive places, no special privileges.
Today’s
Gospel is a Gospel of hope. We are reminded of God’s great, unconditional love.
Today’s Gospel gives us great comfort in knowing that God awaits all of us,
accepts all of us. We can all be part of the family; we are called to be part
of the body of Christ. All it takes is hearing the word of God and living it!
That is
what Jesus is calling those gathered around him today to, that is what Jesus is
calling us to. Do you hear the voice of Pope Francis in the Gospel today?
Have a
great Tuesday everyone.
Daily
Prayer:
Loving
God, we pause for a moment and ask you hear and accept our prayers of praise
for you today…
Be
praised, loving God, through all your creatures, especially through my Brother
Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And Brother Sun is
beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the
likeness.
Be praised,
loving God, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made
them, precious and beautiful.
Be
praised, loving God, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and
all the weather, through which you give your creatures sustenance.
Be
praised, loving God, through Sister Water; she is very useful, and humble, and
precious, and pure.
Be
praised, loving God, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten the night.
He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.
Be
praised, loving God, through our sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules
us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Be
praised, loving God, through those who forgive for love of you; through those
who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, for they will
be crowned; happy are we today for in hearing your word you call us all to be
sisters and brothers in you. Amen! (Adapted
from a prayer by St. Francis of Assisi)
A
Runner’s Thoughts: “To me, there is no greater way to achieve clarity than to
run alone, or share miles with a trusted friend. Epiphany comes as we sweat it
out, or if epiphany is out of reach — then peace.” (Kristin Armstrong, "Bless Your Heart," Mile Markers column,
RunnersWorld.com)
What a
wonderful reflection about running and the spiritual life. We need solitude and
community as people of faith. We need that time alone with God and we need that
time with God in the midst of community, family and friends.
The
definition for epiphany is: 1. a revelatory manifestation of a divine being; 2.
a sudden manifestation of the essence or meaning of something; 3. a
comprehension or perception of reality by means of a sudden intuitive
realization.
In the
spiritual life, like in running, our epiphanies come when we sweat it out, when
we struggle and discover who we are and what we are made of. Even when the
light doesn’t seem to go on when God seems out of reach, yet we believe that
God is with us so there is peace.
Daily
Blessing:
Happy Tuesday everyone! I am sorry that my reflections are late today! There are
three reasons why. First of all, I am now on Mountain Day Light Time, which
means if you are in the east I am two hours behind you. Secondly it was a very
long day yesterday so I am not moving too fast this morning and thirdly I have
technical difficulties with my computer which has made for a frustrating
morning so far. I trust your day has started better than mine!
As I
mentioned it was a rather long day yesterday. It started at 3 am Eastern Time
and I finally turned the light off last night at 10 pm Mountain Time. However,
I did make it to Kanab, Utah. I arrived about four hour later than I had
planned, due to weather and a mistake on my part at the rental car counter. But
I made it. I am hoping to do a little exploring today but also to rest and just
relax.
It looks
to be a cloudy day here and they are talking about rain so I hope your weather
is a little better than mine. I have to say the drive from Las Vegas to Kanab
was just beautiful especially when I began to climb into the foot hills. There
is read rock everywhere and stunning natural monuments carved out by water and
wind over the centuries everywhere you look. Kanab is a western town, John
Wayne, The Lone Ranger, Clint Eastwood everywhere you turn! It should be an
interesting week before the race.
My prayer
of blessing (all but a little late today) is that God’s blessings will be upon
all of you today. May today be rich in the gift of family, friendship and
peace. May you find the road today flat, smooth and easy to travel. May you
find the gift and grace of God in everyone you meet and in everything you do.
Most importantly may you find the gift of God within you as you live your life
today! More adventures from Kanab and beyond tomorrow. Peace in Christ’s
Passion…Fr. Paul
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