Today we’re happy to introduce to you a new St. Monica writer, Ed Parada! Welcome, Ed!
Daily Reflection for Tuesday, November 22, 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/112222.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Revelation 14:14-19
Responsorial: Psalm 96:10-13
Gospel: Luke 21:5-11
Our reflection on Tuesday’s readings:
Greetings everyone, Ed Parada here - long time reader, first time contributor to St. Monica’s Daily Scripture Reflections. My wife and I were married at St. Monica in 2000 and have three wonderful (and trying) teenagers. I was humbled and honored to be asked to contribute to this ministry until I read the Gospel reading for today. WOW, stick the new guy with the world-is-ending scripture!
Today is also the feast of St. Cecilia, patron saint of music and musicians. As I write this reflection, I am recalling how many times music has awoken me from my slumber (both literally and figuratively) and has helped to connect me to community, to love, and to God.
As I grow older my musical tastes have shifted from music that is heavy, loud, and angry to music that inspires me, lifts me up, and connects me to the mystery that is outside of myself. Before I begin my day, part of my morning routine is to listen to this type of music as it helps to remind me that I am loved by God, that I am loved by others, and that I am called to love.
The scriptures today seem bleak and depressing. Revelation has the great wine press of God’s fury, the Psalm tells us that the Lord is coming to judge the earth, and Luke’s Gospel mentions wars, insurrections, earthquakes, famines, and plagues. I read all this and think this sounds a lot like what’s going on in the world today: genuine animosity between the political parties in American politics, the war in Ukraine, Hurricane Ian, etc.
I don’t think the scriptures are trying to scare me. As I read them, I think they are trying to wake me from my slumber, to remind me that despite the negativity in the world, that amid the trials and tribulations of life, there is hope and joy to be found. They are reminding me to connect to what is important: community, God, and love.
How do you connect to community, God, and love? Music? Nature? Quiet time? Prayer? Take 5 minutes today to connect and remember that you are loved!
Blessings!
Ed Parada