Daily Reflection for Monday, April 04, 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Monday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/040422.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62
Responsorial: Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
Gospel: Jn 8:12-20
Our reflection on Monday’s readings:
Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side. Psalm 23:4
I am not a cradle Catholic. I was reared in the Baptist church. When I was five years old, the Sunday School children put on a program for the adults in the main sanctuary on Easter Sunday. I was in the program and had one line of scripture to recite. The Saturday before the program I rehearsed with the other children, and everything went fine. As best as I can recall, I was looking forward to this opportunity to be in the program.
That Sunday I stood in line waiting to step into the pulpit to say my memorized line. I felt absolutely no apprehension. When it was my turn, I walked out to the preassigned spot. I looked out into the congregation and saw a sea of faces silently staring back at me and I was immediately terrified.
I threw my hands in front of my face and blurted out in supersonic speed, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” And with hands still covering my face I ran out of the pulpit as boisterous laughter exploded throughout the church.
When I was eight, I wanted to make a public profession of my faith in Christ, but the Easter Sunday experience had left me traumatized. But God was with me. I physically felt His hands on me, guiding me to the place in the front of the church to give my profession of faith. As I waited to be questioned, I felt that peace that passes all understanding. And when it was time for me to speak, I professed my faith clearly, without hesitation and without fear.
From that day to this, public speaking is something I enjoy and embrace. The 23rd Psalm is my comfort and my joy because whenever I have walked in dark places, the Lord has always been at my side.
May you have the peace that passes all understanding as the Lord of all creation walks at your side in the light and in the dark.
Pease and blessings, dear friends in Christ.
Melissa Kittrell