Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners!

We encourage you to reflect on Monday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102819.cfm

If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading:  Ephesians 2:19-22
Responsorial:  Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5
Gospel:  Luke 6:12-16

Our reflection on Monday’s readings:
“Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God.” (Luke 6:12)

Today is the feasts of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles.  This gospel is very appropriate as it is the story of the selection of the 12 disciples--how Jesus chose 12 men from those beginning to follow him on his spiritual journey and from those He invited to “come and follow Him.” 

This gospel is also so much more.  From this simple reading I hear 3 very clear messages.  1. When making a big decision, take time out of your ordinary in which to consider that decision (Jesus chose to go to the mountain).  2. Pray. and 3. Talk to God.

Setting time aside to spend in quiet reflection becomes harder and harder in our noisy world.  Being intentional about creating that time and space is even harder.  With the invention of the internet and connecting this technology to our cell phones, the world comes with us wherever we go.  Even 2000 years ago, Jesus understood and shared His witness with us, that it is important to seek silence and separation from all that can distract us from hearing the voice of God from within. 

Praying sounds simple enough and yet how much time do I actually spend in prayer daily, weekly, or monthly?  Saying the words of grace before a meal or taking time to seek God’s help in daily challenges, while technically being prayer, aren’t always entered into from the perspective of openness and awareness.  Sometimes I do these things just because they are “baked in,” meaning I have been doing them since I was a child and I almost don’t know how to not do them.  I find ever increasing value in praying intentionally.  For me, this means seeking the space, time and environment where I can take some carefully thought out questions and sit with them in silence and reflection. 

Talking to God is also something that takes intentionality for most of us.  It is easy perhaps to think of Jesus our Lord, or Mary His mother, or other saints to whom we have an established connection.  Remembering to seek God, the Father may not be quiet as natural for some of us.  I made note that Jesus said he prayed all night to God.  Considering he was in discernment for the men who would walk closely with him during his 3 years of earthly ministry, I appreciate that He sought the wisdom and counsel of His Father.  Might there be times, when I too, should go directly to my Heavenly Father?

What in your life needs to be taken to the mountain in prayer to our God?

In Heartfelt Joy,
Lynne Brennan