Daily Reflection for Friday, July 24, 2020
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Friday’s readings at this link:
http://usccb.org/bible/readings/072420.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Jeremiah 3: 14-17
Responsorial: Jeremiah 31: 10, 11 ABCD, 13
Gospel: Matthew 13: 18-23
Our reflection on Friday’s reading:
I will turn their mourning into joy, I will show them compassion and have them rejoice after their sorrow. Jeremiah 31: 13B.
Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance. Luke 8:15.
Although I have no basis for comparison because this is the only life I have known, I think it is a considerable understatement to write that these are challenging times. Threats from global climate change, a deadly pandemic, persistent and systemic racism, political division, economic upheaval, militarism, millions unemployed and even more uninsured, refugees and asylum seekers. Challenging times for children, adults, the aged, families, essential workers, communities, governments, nations, and all churches including the Catholic Church.
When will the mourning turn to joy? When will there be rejoicing? When will we be compassionate?
Today, I was outside and briefly talked with a neighbor. Of course, the primary topics were the coronavirus pandemic and the political division in this country. We were both complaining that we often hear commercials, news stories and social media messages reminding us that “we are all in this together” and “we’ll get through this together,” when we know that is not how we’re living and acting.
This is a perfect time for the world to come together, for nations, peoples, communities to truly work together. Work together for a vaccine that can be quickly and inexpensively distributed worldwide. Work together to produce and distribute masks and other protective equipment so everyone has an adequate supply. Act as though the pandemic and climate threats are opportunities to show we are all in this together. All of us.
Or so it seems to two privileged, retired white guys who are both in good health and live in a safe, secure and well-maintained neighborhood.
How do I exemplify a generous heart and will I persevere to generate a harvest? Sometimes I struggle with this and want to close myself from others and give up.
Please Lord, help me to be generous, compassionate, and joyful and share in the rejoicing you have planned for us.
Peace and blessings,
Al Mytty