"It's Simple - We Are All Connected": Reflection for July 11,2010, 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Scripture can be read at www.usccb.org/nab

Life can really be simpler than we often think. In our search for meaning or our desire to find our place in the world we may go far and wide; yet we often return to the place where we began. Indeed, as God's Word reminds us today, "God's Word is close at hand... already in our hearts and minds.." (Deuteronomy)
Becoming aware of God's Presence within us and within others can be a challenge. And trying to live out that awareness in eveyday life, often especially with those who are "close at hand", can also be a challenge.
As we try to "love our neighbor as ourself" (Luke) we often realize how our lives need to change.
God's Word can encourage us with the reminder of God's loving presence while it challenges us to let our lives show God's love.

To Think About: Do I try to remember God's Presence within me - and within others?
Is there someone - including myself- that I might treat differently if I believed in God's Presence within that person?
How do I respond to people who are in need?

To Do: When you look into a mirror, remind yourself that God is present within you.
Remind yourself that God is present in others by consciously seeing one person as a temple of God. Can you do this everyday this week?
Notice someone you might usually ignore by treating that person with a little extra respect or kindness.
Do some "Good Samaritan" random acts of kindness this week.

To Pray: Hear Jesus saying to you ," (Insert your name), I am with you always."