Daily Reflection for Thursday, September 01, 2022
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Thursday's readings at this link:
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/090122.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Responsorial: Psalm 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
Gospel: Luke 5:1-11
Our reflection on Thursday’s readings:
“The Lord's are the earth and its fullness;” Psalm 24:1
Our apartment’s little deck faces a wooded area. In the summer, the green leaves cover the landscape, and there is no hope of seeing beyond the trees until the leaves transform in color and make their way to the ground below them. I have grown an appreciation for this small land of woods and its changing views from one season to the next.
I have been surprised how the solitude of the woods have offered me connection to the fullness of God. Just last night, I spotted four deer enjoying the feast of leaves from the low-hanging branches. A groundhog, I call Gus, visits often in the summer and so do squirrels and the many species of birds that find home in Philadelphia.
I start the reflection this way as I connect with today’s Psalm – “The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness.” While I have always enjoyed the natural environment, being around these trees and urban wild things on a daily basis has connected me to God in surprising ways. This little strip of wooded area has been my urban sanctuary, offering me the natural sounds of the earth in the morning and again at night as I return from a busy day at work. The calmness has entered my soul gently and in a subtle way. This connection has given me the healing balm I have needed lately, and I sit in gratefulness for the presence of God that I sense when as I experience this natural sanctuary on a daily basis.
The reading from Psalm helps me remember that God is in all things. The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. I am grateful for the constant reminder of this on a daily basis.
May you sense God’s presence in earth’s goodness today,
Margarita Solis Deal