Daily Reflection for Wednesday, August 05, 2020
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Wednesday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/080520.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Jeremiah 31:1-7
Responsorial: Jeremiah 31: 10, 11-12ab, 13
Gospel: Matthew 15: 21-28
Our reflection on Wednesday’s readings:
. . . “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that hour. Matthew 15:28
In Matthew’s gospel, we read of how great was the faith of the Canaanite woman in Christ Jesus. Her faith in Christ healing her daughter came to pass. This woman’s unwavering faith showed trust and patience.
As we go about our day-to-day routines in today’s pandemic, we must have faith. Catherine Pulsifer, an inspirational writer, wrote: “Faith is unseen but felt, faith is strength when we feel we have none, faith is hope when all seems lost.”
Having faith for strength and feeling God’s protection is exactly what I (Dorothy) needed when approaching JoAnn Fabrics to buy novelty printed fabric and notions to make masks for elementary school students. A fear of catching the virus was overwhelming! Even taking all precautions—wearing a mask and gloves, using hand sanitizer, cleaning the shopping cart, and touching the needed items with caution—I still felt fearful of not being in a risk-free environment, especially since the infection rate is rising in our new state of Arizona.
Being fearful brings me to the point of trusting God, being patient, and praying more. Mornings and evenings always, but praying just prior to venturing out in public where germs may be everywhere. Especially we pray for the shield of God’s love. Because of God’s love for us, we pray to not worry about tomorrow and pray for faith to endure whatever comes our way.
The lyrics of “Day by Day” from Godspell offer a good reminder: “Three things I pray: To see thee more clearly; love thee more dearly; follow thee more nearly …”
Please God, help us through these times, and teach us to live and love you day by day. “The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.” (Jeremiah 31: 10d)
Prayerfully,
Dorothy and Carlos Alexander