Daily Reflection for Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Wednesday’s readings at this link:
http://usccb.org/bible/readings/081220.cfm
First Reading: Ezekiel 9: 1-7, 10: 18-22
Responsorial: Psalm 113: 1-6
Gospel: Matthew 18: 15-20
Our reflection on Wednesday’s readings:
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Matthew 18: 20
Have you walked into a place and felt the lingering of the Holy Spirit? Where two, three and more have gathered there "in His Name" so many times that the place feels holy? Churches, retreat locations, and centuries old shrines are near and dear to people's hearts because they experienced Christ there. There is a lingering of the Holy Spirit. There is more than wood, bricks and mortar there.
During a particularly rocky period of our marriage, Al and I had an opportunity to have a church sanctuary all to ourselves late one night. Our hour in the church followed a beautiful candlelit Mass. That alone left a lingering spirit-filled space for us. However, it seemed the atmosphere of the 100-year old church was charged with the presence of Christ’s spirit throughout the years. The joyful celebrations of weddings and baptisms mingled with the tears of grief and funerals. As we sat together fearful of what the future would hold, the awesome Peace of Christ surrounded us.
Have you felt a special bond to people with whom you have prayed? How about the feelings you have towards those with whom you experienced the presence of Christ? There is more than people there.
We have some dear friends who have been with us through many of life’s traumas and joys. Their love, support and prayers transformed our experiences. Our friends are generous and prayerful. They open their home and hearts to everyone in their lives, especially those in need of a comforting place during painful times. God is in the midst of every gathering, in times of tears, joy, solitude and fun. Whenever we gather, Jesus is in our midst. We can feel the Spirit of the Lord wherever we are with them.
What a gift Jesus left us, His presence among us. Thank you, Jesus, for the promise that where two or three are gathered in your name, you are among us.
Blessings to you,
Ruth Mytty