Friday, August 20, 2010

"Broadening Our Vision": Reflection for August 22,2010, 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

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



Some people seem to delight in determining the "in" group and the "out" group. To some extent, people may use the same idea in viewing the way that God treats human beings. Without getting into political implications, I'll just stay with a few reflections or ideas on how today's Scripture can relate to everyday life.

Sometimes people may think in terms of entitlement to God's love as something earned for faithful observance of certain rules and practices, God's Word today reminds us that God gathers people of all nations and all tongues (Isaiah). It may be easy to take pride in observance of certain laws (Luke) and to look with disdain on those who do not live as we do or as we think that they should.
However, judging people and comparing oneself to others can keep one from experiencing the "peacefulness" and "healing" to which the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews refers.

We need to remind ourselves that all people are members of God's Family. Then we need to find ways to put that realization into practice.

This week one thing I will try to do is to be more aware of the way that I might classify or judge people. Perhaps race or ethnicity affects me more than I might realize.
I will also try to reach out in some way to people I might usually ignore.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

"Looking for a Guide?": Reflection for the Feast of the Assumption, August 15, 2010

Today's Scripture : Revelation 12: 1-6; 1 Corinthians 15: 20-27; Luke 1: 39-56 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab

When traveling to new or unfamiliar places, people often hire guides for the trip. Not only will a guide help a traveler reach the desired destination, a guide may also help with some the difficulties of the trip.
On life’s journey most people have looked to others at one time or another for some guidance or direction. Among the many guides along the way, Mary has, since early Christian times, been seen as one who can show us how to live with awareness of life’s destiny (1 Corinthians).
The Feast of Mary’s Assumption, established by Pope Pius XII in 1950, reaffirms that Mary is a guide for all who seek to live in relation to God and find meaningful ways to bring God’s Presence to others.
Mary can help us with the “dragons” in our lives (Revelation), the elements that cause us to forget our identity and our destiny.
In our everyday life, we too have the opportunity to make a difference through the ways that, like Mary, we use our time, talents and treasure (Luke).

To think about: In what direction is my life heading?
Are there some changes I need to make in order to remember my final destination? Who are some “guides”, models of lived faith, for me and for my family?
What are some of the “dragons” of today’s society that I think affect people’s lives?
How do I and my family try to make a difference with the reality of these “dragons”?
To whom have I tried to bring joy this week?
How do I, like Mary, work to help the poor or oppressed?

To do: Take some quiet time – even a few minutes- and evaluate the direction in which you see your life going. Then decide on one small change you can make to bring deeper awareness to your life.
Write your own Magnificat, your prayer of praise and thanks for all the blessings of your life. Take a stand against one of today’s “dragons”, especially those that affect the weak or powerless. Use your time, talent, or treasure with awareness of others.

To pray: “My spirit rejoices in God.”(Luke)

Saturday, August 7, 2010

"How's Your Portfolio?": Reflection for August 8, 2010, 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Financial investing involves decisions, as well as awareness of risks, goals, dividends and expected returns. Experienced investors know that short-term rewards do not last forever, and that long-term goals can take to show a good return.
God's Word today reminds us of the need to invest our lives - our time, energy, passion, and abilities- for a meaningful return! Both Abraham and the early hebrews invested their lives in God's promises. They know that God was with them on their life journey.
Jesus' words to "provide money bags that do not wear out" and the reminder that "Where your treasure is, there is your heart also" (Luke) challenge us to consider what is important to each of us as we invest our everyday lives.
Pray: "What you do to the least of my people, you do to Me" as you invest your time and energy this week.