Daily Reflection for Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Tuesday’s readings at this link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090120.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:10b-16
Responsorial: Psalm 145:8-14
Gospel: Luke 4:31-37
Our reflection on Tuesday’s readings:
“We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand the things freely given us by God.”
1 Corinthians 2:12
When initially reading today's scriptures, the meaning of the first reading challenged me. To better understand Saint Paul's message, I re-read the letter to the Corinthians from the beginning to gain contextual understanding.
In 1 Corinthians 2:9, Saint Paul paraphrases Isaiah Chapter 64:3 "What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him."
This was the diamond that I was seeking. My mind and heart heard the words written by Marty Haugen. This hymn as sung at Saint Monica: "What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard...what God has prepared for those who love him." That song has been playing in my mind for days now, and it uplifts my spirit. It brings me emotional joy and unburdens my heart, which is good, but it also opens my heart to the Spirit of God. Somehow I know in my heart that God's promise that comes through Isaiah and again from Saint Paul is no empty promise, and it gives me peace.
Saint Paul tells us that natural man doesn't get it, cannot comprehend or accept the teachings of spirit, the Good News of Jesus Christ.
To examine myself I ask: am I living as a natural man or as one with the mind of Christ? I still get angry at people and politicians that lie and am rattled by other frustrations of life. I desire that the Spirit of God leads, motivates, and shapes my words and actions.
Upon reflection, there are multiple motives for what I've done or said in the past. Will I be different in the future?
Remember, Saint Paul tells us: "But we have the mind of Christ."
I affirm to be part of that "we."
Love and Blessings,
Deacon John McShea