Daily Reflection for Tuesday, June 07, 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Tuesday’s readings at this link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/060722.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: 1 Kings 17:7-16
Responsorial: Psalm 4:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8
Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16
Our reflection on Tuesday’s readings:
“…your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16
As you may know, Msgr. Rev. Paul Koetter passed away last month from Lou Gehrig’s disease complications. Father Paul was an excellent example of what Jesus asked us to become in today’s Gospel. His light shined brightly through his words and deeds. When Father Paul proclaimed the Gospel, scripture came alive. Father Paul’s homilies were both instructive and inspiring. The experience of Mass with him opened me up to feel God’s presence and the blessings from the Holy Spirit.
Father Paul welcomed us back into the Catholic Church some twenty-four years ago. He heard my first confession in decades, blessed our marriage, baptized our children, and fed our souls. For this, I am eternally grateful.
Father Paul’s light shone brightly on our Parish and family. But like Jesus, he did not just shine as a lone beacon. Father Paul called us to be engaged and active in our faith. He invited us to join a small church community that blessed our family for decades. He encouraged us to attend Christ Renews His Parish, which helped me become more engaged in service at St Monica. I do not think that I would be a Deacon today if not for those invitations to engage in my faith, and I am grateful for them.
Jesus said that our light must shine for others. Inspired by Father Paul’s example, how am I letting my light shine for others so that they can also serve and glorify God?
Peace and Blessings,
Deacon John McShea