Daily Reflection for Monday, November 16, 2020
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Monday’s readings at this link:
www.usccb.org/bible/readings/111620.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5
Responsorial: Psalm 1:1-4, 6
Gospel: Luke 18:35-43
Our reflection on Monday’s readings:
“Moreover, you have endurance and have suffered for my name, and you have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. Realize how far you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first.” Revelation 2:3-5
We are entering the final two weeks of the liturgical year and the final two months of the calendar year. I rarely wish time away. Whether I’m anticipating something wonderful or trudging through something painful, I strive to savor the experience and be present to every moment. But I’m ready to turn the page on 2020.
My family has not suffered as much as others this year, and I’ve been able to find plenty of blessings in this time of unrest and uncertainty. But I’ve lost love and fallen away from God.
As is often the case when relationships crumble, there wasn’t a definitive incident I can point to that led to the separation. Of course, the pandemic created strain, but initially, it brought us closer instead of driving a wedge between us. Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months, and I gently let go of the simple routines and loving gestures that kept me close to God.
In Ignatian spirituality, this drifting away from God is referred to as a state of desolation. In The Inner Compass, Margaret Silf says desolation makes us turn in on ourselves, spiral deeper into our own negativity, and covers up all the important landmarks of our journey with God.
I don’t think it’s surprising that I, or anyone else, might feel this way after such a profoundly unusual year. The landmarks of daily life have been disturbed, and I allowed my “God landmarks” to fade away with them.
Turning away from my sins and moving toward a state of consolation feels like a tall order, but it’s not impossible. The first step is recognizing where I am and asking God for help. Picturing times I felt energized and connected to God is a good start to finding my way back.
Prayerfully notice today whether you are in a state of consolation (“an interior joy that invites and attracts all that is heavenly”) or desolation (“darkness of soul, turmoil of spirit, inclination to what is low and earthly”). Rest in the comfort of knowing that no matter where you are, God is there too.
May God’s Peace Be with You,
Trina Wurst