Daily Reflection for Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Peace and Blessing, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Wednesday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102120.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First reading: Ephesians 3:2-12
Responsorial: Isaiah 12:2-6
Gospel: Luke 12:39-48
Our reflection on Wednesday's reading:
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior. Isaiah 12:2
These words from the prophet Isaiah are powerful encouragement in the face of difficult and uncertain times. And in true prophetic manner, they call us followers of Jesus to account for where we put our real faith and trust.
I had the privilege last week of attending an extended silent retreat at the Jesuit Spiritual Center in Milford, Ohio. Day after day of silence, holy reading, journaling and spiritual direction creates a strong formula for revealing oneself in an exacting way. Fortunately, such an experience also reveals the truth of God's love and mercy.
I was introduced to a Jesuit saying: "a long loving look at the true." It resonated with me as my defenses began to a erode in that environment. My shortcomings, my fears and my sins became very clear to me, especially without the defenses and distractions of the habits and routines that normally dominate my awareness.
In the face of such exposure I was graced to have a spiritual director who gently but firmly reminded me that this God revealed to me in Jesus has seen me clearly all along, from my mother’s womb until now. I am known, with all my faults and weaknesses, with all my gifts and blessings. And I am loved and encouraged just as I am… with no need to hide or close the door on my past. My Lord is guiding me now, if I will be quiet and humble enough to listen. In this stillness is the presence that reminds us all, God is indeed our savior. We can be confident and unafraid, no matter what we face, as individuals, as a church, and as a nation. All that we perceive in ourselves and in our world is in the hands of a loving and merciful creator who, through Jesus, keeps us close.
Prayer:
Lord, lead me into the silence that hears your voice, feels your love, and reminds us we belong to you forever. Amen.
Ed Mitchell