Daily Reflection for Tuesday, October 05, 2021
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Tuesday’s readings at this link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100521.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Jonah 3:1-10
Responsorial: Psalm 130:1b-2, 3-4ab, 7-8
Gospel: Luke 10:38-42
Our reflection on Tuesday’s readings:
Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her. Luke 10:38-42
Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it. Luke 11:28
I recently had the blessing to hear Father Eric Johnson, the vicar for clergy of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, present to the Deacons and their wives for a continuing education session. I admit I was not enthusiastic and even hesitant to lose a beautiful Fall weather Saturday. However, Father Eric had touched my heart earlier in the pandemic when he assisted the Archbishop with his beautiful chanting in the streamed Sunday Masses from the Cathedral. I had found those Masses to be a light in the dark days of pandemic fear last year.
At that Saturday session, Father Eric stressed the Liturgy of the Hours prayers' importance for us and reminded us of our promise to pray. He shared that when a Priest was struggling or considering leaving the priesthood, the bishop would ask them, "When did you stop praying the Liturgy of the Hours?"
In today's reading, Martha and Mary represent one of our complex challenges. Martha has a servant's heart but is anxious and worried about many things. Mary is sitting at the feet of Our Lord Jesus and hearing the Word of God. For all of us in this world, it is difficult to listen to the Word of God when we are busy and worried about many things. Prayer time is our opportunity to be like Mary.
As a Deacon, morning prayer and evening prayer are part of my daily Liturgy of the Hours duties. However, I find the addition of the short Night Prayer a special blessing that brings me peace and comfort.
Lord, help us to hear your word and observe it through our daily prayers.
Peace and Blessings,
Deacon John McShea