“Seeing in a New Light” Reflection for February 28, 2010; 2nd Sunday of Lent
Today’s Scripture: Genesis 15: 1-18; Philippians 3: 17- 4:1; Luke 9: 28-36 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab
Seeing in a New Light
Most of us can probably remember special “Aha!” moments when we’ve seen life in a new way. A feeling of connection with the wider universe, an awareness of life’s fragility, or a sense of deeper insight can mark such moments. People often comment that such times have been moments of transformation.
God’s Word today reminds us of significant moments that give new insights into who we are and who God is.
Abram, a symbol of all who try to be in relationship with God, experiences God’s presence in his life (Genesis).
Peter, James and John see Jesus at a time of transformation; they become aware of God’s love within Jesus (Luke).
Like the apostles who accompanied Jesus, we do not stay in the experience, we return to daily life: “after the ecstasy, the laundry”, according to an ancient saying.
While experiences of God are important, God’s Word today challenges us to let these deeper insights touch the way we live (Philippians).
To think about: What have been some special moments of insight that I remember?
How have they touched or influenced my life?
Is there a relationship in my life that needs transformation - one that I need to see in a new way?
What does my use of time, talents, and treasure show about my priorities and values?
Do I spend time with my family and try to see goodness in those who are close to me?
Do I express appreciation to others for simple actions?
To do: Help someone to experience life’s beauty with a call, a visit, a note, a smile.
Thank someone who has helped you see things in a new way, with new insights.
Affirm a talent or gift that you see in another person.
Be aware of the way that you use earth’s resources this week.
Thank God for the ordinary blessings of your life.
If you are “wedded” to one view of a person or group of people, take time to consider your willingness to be changed by new insights.
To pray: Hear Jesus saying to you, “You are my chosen one”(Luke).
Next week: 3rd Sunday of Lent: Exodus 3: 2-12; 1 Corinthians 10: 1-12; Luke 13: 1-9
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
"Traveling With Jesus: A Journey to Renewed Life"
"Traveling With Jesus: A Journey to Renewed Life" : Reflection for February 21, 2010, 1st Sunday of Lent
Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 26: 1-11; Romans 10: 8-13; Luke 4: 1-13 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab
Traveling can certainly be very stressful. In fact, sometimes people even return from vacations more exhausted than before the trip!
As we begin this Lenten time, God’s Word presents us with images of journeys.
We hear of the Israelites who, in the midst of their own journey to the Land of Promise, recall their family history and the journey of their ancestors (Deuteronomy).
We also hear of Jesus’ journey into the desert where he faces challenges and struggles (Luke).
As all travelers know, journeys can provide new insights and greater awareness.
God's Word today challenges us to consider Lent as a journey time: a time for new insights and greater awareness, a time to consider the direction in which one’s life is heading, as well as changes or adjustments that might make life’s voyage more meaningful.
To think about: How willing am I to include Jesus in my life journey, letting His influence touch my life?
Does my life reflect any awareness that “The Word is near you, on your lips and in your heart”(Romans)?
For a journey to begin, one must leave some things behind and take that first step. What do I need to leave behind if I want to travel with new awareness of God in my life?
Can I change one way that I use my time, talents, or treasure so that my life journey is renewed?
To do: Be aware of how your lips and heart reflect God’s Presence; let “Thanks” be often on your lips and in your heart.
Speak up in the face of injustice; replace a word of ridicule or sarcasm with a word of direct acknowledgement.
Call or visit someone who is experiencing difficulty on their life journey.
Simplify your life journey by buying less and using what you already have.
Move from the computer, TV, or newspaper and spend time with a family member or as quiet time to experience a small time of renewal!
To pray: Hear God saying to you, “ Do not be afraid, (insert your own name), I am with you”.
Next week: 2nd Sunday of Lent: Genesis 15: 1-18; Philippians 3: 17- 4:1; Luke 9: 28-36
Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 26: 1-11; Romans 10: 8-13; Luke 4: 1-13 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab
Traveling can certainly be very stressful. In fact, sometimes people even return from vacations more exhausted than before the trip!
As we begin this Lenten time, God’s Word presents us with images of journeys.
We hear of the Israelites who, in the midst of their own journey to the Land of Promise, recall their family history and the journey of their ancestors (Deuteronomy).
We also hear of Jesus’ journey into the desert where he faces challenges and struggles (Luke).
As all travelers know, journeys can provide new insights and greater awareness.
God's Word today challenges us to consider Lent as a journey time: a time for new insights and greater awareness, a time to consider the direction in which one’s life is heading, as well as changes or adjustments that might make life’s voyage more meaningful.
To think about: How willing am I to include Jesus in my life journey, letting His influence touch my life?
Does my life reflect any awareness that “The Word is near you, on your lips and in your heart”(Romans)?
For a journey to begin, one must leave some things behind and take that first step. What do I need to leave behind if I want to travel with new awareness of God in my life?
Can I change one way that I use my time, talents, or treasure so that my life journey is renewed?
To do: Be aware of how your lips and heart reflect God’s Presence; let “Thanks” be often on your lips and in your heart.
Speak up in the face of injustice; replace a word of ridicule or sarcasm with a word of direct acknowledgement.
Call or visit someone who is experiencing difficulty on their life journey.
Simplify your life journey by buying less and using what you already have.
Move from the computer, TV, or newspaper and spend time with a family member or as quiet time to experience a small time of renewal!
To pray: Hear God saying to you, “ Do not be afraid, (insert your own name), I am with you”.
Next week: 2nd Sunday of Lent: Genesis 15: 1-18; Philippians 3: 17- 4:1; Luke 9: 28-36
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