Daily Reflection for Monday, May 10, 2021
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Monday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051021.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Acts 16: 11-15
Responsorial: Psalm 149: 1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a, and 9b
Gospel: John 15:26-16:4a
Our reflection on Monday’s readings:
“We sat and spoke with the women gathered there.” Acts 16: 13b.
The first reading in Acts giving an account of the Apostles journey – sailing from Troas, making a straight run for Samothrace, on the next day to Neapolis, from there to Philippi, in the district of Macedonia – seems quite timely for me. Al and I are on a post vaccination journey, meeting with and visiting family, friends, and many others along the way.
I am writing this reflection at Mom’s dining room table in Nebraska. There is a road atlas nearby to chart the next leg of our journey to Colorado, Arizona, California, through Utah, back to Nebraska and on to stops in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana, before heading to Florida.
Like the disciples, we don’t know exactly how this trip will unfold or with whom we will interact. So, what message from today’s scripture can we take with us on this journey?
One thing we know, is that the disciples went to the people wherever they were physically and spiritually. We will be traveling to a variety of people, young and old, visiting them where they live. Our task will be understanding and loving them where they are spiritually at this moment in time.
When Paul spoke with Lydia, the woman working her trade of selling cloth, we witness that the soul can be developed at any time – at work, play, or worship. We see from this scripture account that following the way of Jesus should be true in our business dealings as well as other times in our lives.
Mom, who is 91, and I have had time to talk about Jesus in the world and events of today. I have been able to minister to her few health needs and accompany her to doctor visits, water aerobics, and visits with friends. My hope is that all the people I have interacted with feel a bit of the love and acceptance Jesus has for them.
I pray the same is true for our adult children, grandchildren, siblings, and the friends we encounter on the remainder of this journey. May God’s grace lead them closer to the Father through Christ Jesus. May they experience a speck of God’s acceptance and love for them through me.
Blessings to you,
Ruth Mytty