Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners
We encourage you to reflect on Thursday’s readings at this link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102920.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20
Responsorial: Psalm 144:1B, 2, 9-10
Gospel: Luke 13:32-35
Our reflection on Thursday’s readings:
…our struggle is not with flesh and blood… (Ephesians 6:12)
Today’s first reading reminds us that we are perpetually at war with an enemy that is not easily discerned. The devil and his spiritual forces of darkness remind me of a Magic Eye puzzle.
The first time I ever saw one of these puzzles was at a minority business fair where a good friend of mine and I, along with a few dozen others, were exhibiting our products and services to potential corporate clients. One of the exhibitors near-by set up an easel with a large non-descript picture made up of seemingly random gray and green patterns. Before the fair got underway, my friend and I studied the picture at length but saw nothing more than the random patterns. Throughout the day, the exhibitor invited potential clients as well as other exhibitors to look at this unremarkable picture and see what was hidden within the patterns.
Right before the lunch break our attention was drawn to the exhibitor’s booth when we heard someone cry out with excitement, “I see it!” More and more people began to see what was hidden. My friend and I were now determined to see it for ourselves. He saw it first. With eyes wide he proclaimed, “I see it!” I will never forget staring at that ridiculous picture trying to see what was causing such excitement and wonder. Then suddenly my focus shifted, and I saw the smiling 3-D dinosaur hidden within the picture.
If you think your enemies are flesh and blood, maybe you need to shift your focus and see that the powers of darkness are behind every evil word and deed. Do you see the real enemy, or have you perhaps mistaken for an enemy someone who has fallen victim to evil and is in urgent need of your prayers?
In these times of turmoil and upheaval, always remember that Christ has said he will never leave us or forsake us and he will help us to see.
Peace be with you my friends.
Melissa Kittrell