Family Reunion: A Time to Remember and Reconnect:
Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; 1John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12
Scripture can be read at http//www.usccb.com/nab.
Family reunions can be wonderful ways to develop and foster a sense of connection with the past and present. People in photos take on new life; people in family stories assume a new reality; beloved memories resurface.
This weekend we celebrate our connection to those who have died. As we remember members of our own family, we also remember the greater extended family of God, including saints who are known to the universal church family and the countless saints who are known only to their local church or personal family. And as we remember, we once again acknowledge that death is part of life; death is the door that one enters to a new way of living.
Today God’s Word reminds us that there is life after this life (Revelation). As we remember those who now live in a new and fuller way, we can recall the love, care, and service that many of these people showed in their lives as they tried to live the message of Jesus (Matthew).
In turn, we can be encouraged by the promise of reunion (1 John) and be renewed in our desire to live a truly meaningful life that shows that each of us is a child of God.
To think about:
Who are some of the truly holy people I have known? What qualities of these people do I admire and remember?
How do I keep the memory of these people alive in my own life?
Have my views of death grown and changed as I mature and age?
Do I let a view of life beyond this life influence my priorities?
How do I keep the memory of a loved one alive? How do I want to be remembered by others? How does belief in God’s love affect my view of life and death?
To do:
Remember loved ones who have died by taking out pictures or telling stories about them. Consider a way that one person who has died touched your life and do something that reflects the person’s life.
Thank God for people who have been part of your life.
Call or visit someone who has recently experienced the loss of a loved one.
To pray: Hear Jesus say to you: “Rejoice and be glad. Blessed are you!"
Next week: 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: 1Kings 17:10-16; Hebrews 9: 24-28; Matthew 12: 38-44
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
"Need More Light?": Reflection for Sunday October 25, 2009; 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Jeremiah 31: 7-9; Hebrews 5: 1-6; Mark 10: 46-52
Scripture for today can be found at http://www.usccb.org/nab
Although the time to “fall back” to Standard Time isn’t until next week, we’ve already experienced the decrease in light each day. Most of us almost wince at the thought of darkness that will continue to become part of our lives for the next few months. How much we miss the light!
God’s Word today reminds us of the need for light in many areas of our lives, especially those that are enveloped in darkness (Jeremiah, Mark). However, often one whose sight is impaired develops an ability to see beyond the physical; sometimes that person may see more clearly than the sighted person.
God’s Word today also reminds us that we all carry areas of blindness within us, especially in the ways that we view God, self, or others.
This Word then challenges us to turn toward Jesus so that we will not only see reality with new eyes but that we will then let that new awareness touch the way we live (Hebrews). It's all about putting the Word into practice!
To think about:
What do I usually look for and notice in others: goodness and talents or faults and failings?
How do I treat those who do not see things as I see them?
Do I always think that my view is the superior view?
What do I do when I notice judgmental, prejudicial or stereotypical views?
How many of my views are the views of Jesus?
How do I try to alleviate the blindness caused by poverty or lack of education?
To do:
Notice goodness, talents and abilities in yourself and in others; thank God for these gifts.
Speak up when prejudicial or stereotypical views are expressed.
Try to listen attentively to someone who cannot see life’s fullness because of loneliness or sadness.
Thank someone who has helped you or a loved one to see life with new/renewed vision.
Take a walk and notice the beauties of nature.
And finally, please let me know if you have read this blog and if it has brought you any “light”. I’m trying to decide if I should continue this. You can email me at lightlady09@gmail.com or leave a comment. Thanks!
To pray: “Lord, that I may see” or “Open my eyes to the wonder of this moment”.
Next week: Solemnity of All Saints: Revelation 7: 2-4, 9-14; 1John 3: 1-3; Matthew 5: 1-12
Scripture for today can be found at http://www.usccb.org/nab
Although the time to “fall back” to Standard Time isn’t until next week, we’ve already experienced the decrease in light each day. Most of us almost wince at the thought of darkness that will continue to become part of our lives for the next few months. How much we miss the light!
God’s Word today reminds us of the need for light in many areas of our lives, especially those that are enveloped in darkness (Jeremiah, Mark). However, often one whose sight is impaired develops an ability to see beyond the physical; sometimes that person may see more clearly than the sighted person.
God’s Word today also reminds us that we all carry areas of blindness within us, especially in the ways that we view God, self, or others.
This Word then challenges us to turn toward Jesus so that we will not only see reality with new eyes but that we will then let that new awareness touch the way we live (Hebrews). It's all about putting the Word into practice!
To think about:
What do I usually look for and notice in others: goodness and talents or faults and failings?
How do I treat those who do not see things as I see them?
Do I always think that my view is the superior view?
What do I do when I notice judgmental, prejudicial or stereotypical views?
How many of my views are the views of Jesus?
How do I try to alleviate the blindness caused by poverty or lack of education?
To do:
Notice goodness, talents and abilities in yourself and in others; thank God for these gifts.
Speak up when prejudicial or stereotypical views are expressed.
Try to listen attentively to someone who cannot see life’s fullness because of loneliness or sadness.
Thank someone who has helped you or a loved one to see life with new/renewed vision.
Take a walk and notice the beauties of nature.
And finally, please let me know if you have read this blog and if it has brought you any “light”. I’m trying to decide if I should continue this. You can email me at lightlady09@gmail.com or leave a comment. Thanks!
To pray: “Lord, that I may see” or “Open my eyes to the wonder of this moment”.
Next week: Solemnity of All Saints: Revelation 7: 2-4, 9-14; 1John 3: 1-3; Matthew 5: 1-12
Friday, October 16, 2009
"Seeking the Spotlight":Reflection for October 18, 2009: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Isaiah 53: 10-11; Hebrews 4: 14-16; Mark 10: 35-45
Today's Scripture can be found at http:www.uscb.org/nab
Seeking the Spotlight
Images of well-known media personalities can flood our lives. Seeing people who “shine” and receive attention from others - even if only fo ra few minutes- can tend to affect one's attitudes and behavior.
While we may periodically yearn to be “in the spotlight”(Mark), God’s Word today reminds us of the significance of faithful attention to the quiet, unsung details our lives (Hebrews).
Our struggles, difficulties and sufferings may take on different appearances, and we may at times even feel overwhelmed by aspects of our lives (Isaiah).
Yet, God’s Word can strengthen us as we look away from the spotlight to live in service to others.
To think about:
How often do I seek the spotlight?
Am I faithful to my responsibilities even when I am not noticed?
Am I willing to serve others even when that service is not acknowledged?
Do I look for and acknowledge goodness and potential in others?
Do I see leadership as a chance to dominate others or to serve others?
Do I take time to thank those who serve others as volunteers?
To do: Thank someone who serves in a capacity that helps others – in church, school activities, sports or community activities.
Thank someone whose employment involves serving others in some capacity.
Do a “random act” of kindness or service for someone every day this week.
Serve someone in the wider human family by giving time to a local service organization. Perhaps your church bulletin contains ideas for involvement.
To pray: “To be your bread now, be your wine now, Lord, come and change us to be a sign of your love.”
Next week: 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Jeremiah 31: 7-9; Hebrews 5: 1-6; Mark 10: 46-52
Today's Scripture can be found at http:www.uscb.org/nab
Seeking the Spotlight
Images of well-known media personalities can flood our lives. Seeing people who “shine” and receive attention from others - even if only fo ra few minutes- can tend to affect one's attitudes and behavior.
While we may periodically yearn to be “in the spotlight”(Mark), God’s Word today reminds us of the significance of faithful attention to the quiet, unsung details our lives (Hebrews).
Our struggles, difficulties and sufferings may take on different appearances, and we may at times even feel overwhelmed by aspects of our lives (Isaiah).
Yet, God’s Word can strengthen us as we look away from the spotlight to live in service to others.
To think about:
How often do I seek the spotlight?
Am I faithful to my responsibilities even when I am not noticed?
Am I willing to serve others even when that service is not acknowledged?
Do I look for and acknowledge goodness and potential in others?
Do I see leadership as a chance to dominate others or to serve others?
Do I take time to thank those who serve others as volunteers?
To do: Thank someone who serves in a capacity that helps others – in church, school activities, sports or community activities.
Thank someone whose employment involves serving others in some capacity.
Do a “random act” of kindness or service for someone every day this week.
Serve someone in the wider human family by giving time to a local service organization. Perhaps your church bulletin contains ideas for involvement.
To pray: “To be your bread now, be your wine now, Lord, come and change us to be a sign of your love.”
Next week: 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Jeremiah 31: 7-9; Hebrews 5: 1-6; Mark 10: 46-52
Friday, October 9, 2009
"The Search for Happiness": Reflection for October 11, 2009, 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Wisdom 7: 7-11; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10: 17-30
Today's Scripture can be found at http://www.usccb.org/nab
Throughout history people have tried to satisfy the basic human quest for happiness and fulfillment in many ways. Increased material possessions, power, leisure or recreational activities have often been used to fulfill this quest. Indeed, the search continues as people seek new items.
Yet, as God’s Word today reminds us, somehow none of these items has ever brought lasting happiness (Mark). Human beings need something more (Wisdom), something that gives true life to one's inner spirit (Hebrews). True happiness comes with this wisdom, as one learns to value what is really important in life.
God’s Word challenges us to evaluate our expectations of happiness and to consider the ways that we seek to fulfill our longing for happiness. After that challenge, we face the challenge to make a change or two in our lives.
To think about:
Where do I experience fulfillment and happiness?
Do I and my family ever try to differentiate between “want” and “need”?
Have I tried to simplify my life by buying less or acquiring less?
Are there simple joys I fail to notice because I am already involved in some future moment?
To do: Grow in wisdom by “counting your blessings” as you are going to sleep. Have your child do this too.
Practice having less by giving money that you would have spent for yourself to a group that helps others.
Clean out one drawer or part of one closet and enjoy the “pleasure of less”. Listening to music or to an audiobook while you're doing this can make the task go faster!
To pray: “There is a longing in our hearts, O God, for you to reveal yourself to us.”
Next week: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Isaiah 53: 10-11; Hebrews 4: 14-16; Mark 10: 35-45
Today's Scripture can be found at http://www.usccb.org/nab
Throughout history people have tried to satisfy the basic human quest for happiness and fulfillment in many ways. Increased material possessions, power, leisure or recreational activities have often been used to fulfill this quest. Indeed, the search continues as people seek new items.
Yet, as God’s Word today reminds us, somehow none of these items has ever brought lasting happiness (Mark). Human beings need something more (Wisdom), something that gives true life to one's inner spirit (Hebrews). True happiness comes with this wisdom, as one learns to value what is really important in life.
God’s Word challenges us to evaluate our expectations of happiness and to consider the ways that we seek to fulfill our longing for happiness. After that challenge, we face the challenge to make a change or two in our lives.
To think about:
Where do I experience fulfillment and happiness?
Do I and my family ever try to differentiate between “want” and “need”?
Have I tried to simplify my life by buying less or acquiring less?
Are there simple joys I fail to notice because I am already involved in some future moment?
To do: Grow in wisdom by “counting your blessings” as you are going to sleep. Have your child do this too.
Practice having less by giving money that you would have spent for yourself to a group that helps others.
Clean out one drawer or part of one closet and enjoy the “pleasure of less”. Listening to music or to an audiobook while you're doing this can make the task go faster!
To pray: “There is a longing in our hearts, O God, for you to reveal yourself to us.”
Next week: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Isaiah 53: 10-11; Hebrews 4: 14-16; Mark 10: 35-45
Thursday, October 1, 2009
"Appreciating the People in Our Lives" : Reflection for October 4, 2009
27th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Genesis 2: 18-24; Hebrews 1: 1-4, 2: 5-12; Mark 10: 2-16
Today’s Scripture Readings can be found at http://www.usccb.org/nab
Appreciating the People in our Lives
How easy it often is to take the people in our lives for granted At times, in fact, we may not even notice someone’s good qualities until that person is no longer with us. At the same time, sharing the road of life with its joys and sorrows, drudgeries and delights, can sometimes be wearing!
While clearly reminding us today of our need for other people (Genesis), God’s Word also challenges us to notice how we value the people who are part of our lives (Mark).
Remembering that we are all children of God (Hebrew) can make a big difference in the way that we view people and treat them.
To think about:
What priority do I give to the people who are part of my life?
How might you respond if someone treated you the way that you treat another person? Do I treat others as children of God?
Do I brush past people because I am too self-focused?
Do I look beyond my immediate family to reach out to the wider human family?
To do:
Show appreciation for someone in your life through your words or actions.
Take time to picture someone you know as a child of God.
Look beyond your immediate family and reach out to someone in need.
Visit or call someone who does not have family members nearby, especially someone who is lonely or ill.
Ask God to help you see a person you may find difficult as God sees that person.
To pray: “We are one body in this one Lord.”
Next week: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Wisdom 7: 7-11; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10: 17-30
Today’s Scripture Readings can be found at http://www.usccb.org/nab
Appreciating the People in our Lives
How easy it often is to take the people in our lives for granted At times, in fact, we may not even notice someone’s good qualities until that person is no longer with us. At the same time, sharing the road of life with its joys and sorrows, drudgeries and delights, can sometimes be wearing!
While clearly reminding us today of our need for other people (Genesis), God’s Word also challenges us to notice how we value the people who are part of our lives (Mark).
Remembering that we are all children of God (Hebrew) can make a big difference in the way that we view people and treat them.
To think about:
What priority do I give to the people who are part of my life?
How might you respond if someone treated you the way that you treat another person? Do I treat others as children of God?
Do I brush past people because I am too self-focused?
Do I look beyond my immediate family to reach out to the wider human family?
To do:
Show appreciation for someone in your life through your words or actions.
Take time to picture someone you know as a child of God.
Look beyond your immediate family and reach out to someone in need.
Visit or call someone who does not have family members nearby, especially someone who is lonely or ill.
Ask God to help you see a person you may find difficult as God sees that person.
To pray: “We are one body in this one Lord.”
Next week: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Wisdom 7: 7-11; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10: 17-30
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)