Daily Reflection for Friday, October 23, 2020
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners!
We encourage you to reflect on Friday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102320.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6
Responsorial: Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
Gospel: Luke 12:54-59
Our reflection on Friday’s readings:
“…I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love,” (Ephesians 4:1-2)
“Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.” Today’s Psalm is so on target with how I am feeling. I so long to see His face. His face in the midst of the turmoil, unrest, anxiety, dissatisfaction and general unhappiness I am seeing and feeling around me.
Perhaps we are a bit like the Israelites that Moses led out of slavery and Egypt. The journey became long, the people grew tired, cranky, and restless and they began to complain. So it is today with having to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Is it not over already? How much longer will we need to continue these practices which keep us from living the life we think we deserve and have become accustomed to as well?
I feel as though I should print out today’s first reading from Ephesians and place it in conspicuous areas in my life so that I am often reminded of my call. God calls all of us. We each have a purpose and a reason for being right where we are, in our lives, in our families, in our communities.
I happened upon some words from Henri Nouwen recently that fill me with a sense of calm and direction. “We have been called to be fruitful – not successful, not productive, not accomplished. Success comes from strength, stress, and human effort. Fruitfulness comes from vulnerability and the admission of our own weakness.”
Being vulnerable may be harder in our current environment as does the reminder of our weaknesses. To admit that we cannot do this alone may be just the wisdom we seek. To bear with one another through love helps us live in the right manner and way to understand and follow God’s call for us.
Lord, help me be fruitful and ever reliant on you for direction.
In Heartfelt Joy,
Lynne Brennan