Daily Reflection for Wednesday, June 15 2022
Peace and Blessing, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Wednesday’s readings at this link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061522.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First reading: 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14
Responsorial: Psalm 31:20, 21, 24
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Our reflection on Wednesday’s readings:
And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:4b
Here's a funny story about my late mother-in-law. Betty was attending a movie. As she entered the darkened theater and reached the row where she would be sitting, she stopped and genuflected before entering the row. This caused her a good deal of embarrassment but was entertaining to those who were with her.
Many of us have developed private habits of piety that ground us and support us in our daily lives. I remember starting a new job at a local mental health center. I was to be a co-therapist for a daily group in an intensive outpatient setting. My co-therapist had been working by herself for six months and upon my arrival took a prolong sabbatical. On my second day as solo therapist, a group member had a grand mal seizure. As everyone looked to me to handle the situation, I spontaneously and internally began to pray, "Holy Spirit be present, I pray.” I was given the calm and resources to aid our stricken group member and to bring a sense of calm and safety to those in the room.
I have prayed this prayer many, many times since that day, and it has been a source of peace and reassurance. In today's gospel, Jesus is not trying to discourage our piety or generosity. Rather He seeks to help us understand how our acts of piety and reverence can be most helpful to us and others as we seek the blessings of the Lord. Making the sign of the cross at a respectful or difficult time, a Hail Mary when we are unsure of what else to do, repeating the serenity prayer as often as it takes; all of these are tools, gifts of our faith that provide for us ways to cope and to be connected with our Lord as we travel the valleys and mountains of our lives.
The Lord is with us! May our prayers and good deeds, our acts of piety and caring be a reflection of God's faithfulness and love all for His people.
Prayer:
Lord, be present with and for us today. Teach us to love and trust you in all our experiences. Amen.
The Lord be with you,
Ed Mitchell