Daily Reflection for Monday, October 14, 2019
| Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners! We encourage you to reflect on Monday’s readings at this link: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/101419.cfm If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are: First Reading: Romans 1:1-7 Responsorial: Psalm 98:1-4 Gospel: Luke 11:29-32 Our reflection on Monday’s readings: “Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.” (Luke 11:30) I think of all the ways that “signs” impact my life. The term sign can refer to the basic, very evident ones, such as billboards along the side of the highway or markers on a door or building. This term can also refer to images or experiences that we have which result in us finding deeper meaning. Paying attention to and being aware of signs in my life is significant in pointing to the presence of our Savior in my generation. We are in the midst of autumn. As with any change of season, there are many signs that point to the shifts occurring, especially in nature. Having enjoyed some quiet time on my back deck each morning through the spring, summer, and early fall it is with great reluctance that I move indoors now as temperatures decline and sunlight arrives later and later. As I observe nature's changes, I can’t help but reflect on myself in the midst of change. I, too, find myself in the autumn of life. It took some signs given to me repeatedly for me to actually recognize them as the presence of God beckoning to me. Around me and inside me I am experiencing small “deaths” that signal a change of season. The Son of Man came into our world to give us eternal life; thereby taking away the sting of these earthly “deaths.” Yet, I need to become aware of them and the presence of God in them to truly experience the completeness of this stage of my journey. Being in my spiritual and life autumn means that as I experience the changes around and in me, I stop to recognize all the physical season changes I have experienced in my life. I need to look and be reminded of all the ways that God has been present with me through it all. Seeing leaves fall is a sign of the way that process makes room for new life in the spring. Letting go of habits or practices that result in little bits of me dying allows room for more of God in me, too. Turning to the stories and parables in scripture are good reminders of the many ways God reveals Himself to me in any season. Learning to reflect more deeply on the ordinary experiences in my daily life helps me to see His signs more often. How will you let the signs you see and experience today point you to the Son of Man? In Heartfelt Joy, Lynne Brennan |