Daily Reflection for Monday, June 08, 2020
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners!
We encourage you to reflect on Monday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/060820.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: 1 Kings 17:1-6
Responsorial: Psalm 121:1BC-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
Our reflection on Monday’s readings:
“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven." Matthew 5:12
I treasure the Psalm from today, “Our help is from the Lord who made Heaven and Earth.” (Psalm 121:2) It is one to have stored within me and present as “background music” as I read the Gospel, for today we hear the Beatitudes being shared with us by Jesus.
Leaning into the help that only God can give serves as an amazing anchor in the troubled, rather out-of-control times in which we find ourselves currently.
Matthew states that Jesus walked up the mountainside and sat down. Once his disciples arrived, He began to teach them. I think the context is important as are the words with which He teaches us. Both speak to a new norm; a new way of looking at and reacting to life. 2000 plus years later, I feel as though we are in a similar spot; being called to look at and react to life differently.
His posture and His words are gentle and yet direct. The beatitudes present a trait followed by a spiritual reward obtained by exhibiting that trait in our lives. Jesus is sitting down when he presents these pearls of wisdom to us. Is this perhaps in direct opposition to others who might choose a spotlight appearance to preach in a booming voice? Does His posture and manner invite us to listen more deeply and intently? Do we feel more inclined to relax and sit in His presence, such as we might do with a special friend or advisor?
I invite you to sit with me and listen to His words and let them sink into your NOW. What is he saying to you today?
- ¬Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. - ¬Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted. - ¬Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land. - ¬Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied. - ¬Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy. - ¬Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God. - ¬Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called the children of God. - ¬Blessed are they who are persecuted for the of sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. - ¬Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter
every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
In Heartfelt Joy,
Lynne Brennan