Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners!
We encourage you to reflect on Monday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092319.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Ezra 1:1-6
Responsorial: Psalm 126:1-6
Gospel: Luke 8:16-18
Our reflection on Monday’s readings:
“For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.” (Luke 8:17)
These words quoted from the Gospel of Luke are both reassuring and scary at the same time. Have you ever carried around something that you did or said that you really didn’t want others to know about? Perhaps it was something you thought was a good idea initially, but as you executed that idea or said the words, you came to realize that they were not such a good idea. The knowledge that nothing will remain hidden certainly calls me to a greater level of self-awareness. It calls me to examine my own conscence and to seek forgiveness as needed rather than waiting for judgment day.
Today’s readings are all about letting our light shine and sharing with others the gifts we have been given for the glory of God. The first reading from Ezra speaks of God’s call to build a home for Him in Jerusalem. It describes the way the people of that time pitched in to ensure that this would happen according to God’s plan and directive.
The Gospel echoes the theme of making your light present for others to see: to strive to do good and to promote kindness and justice in our world. As I reflected on these thoughts, I was overwhelmed with the concept of what this practice could potentially look like and promote in our world today. If we could view our thoughts, words and actions before they moved from the realm of hidden to not-hidden, might we live with a kinder and more outward focus than is our norm?
Learning to be more transparent in our community and supporting the gifts God has so generously provided each of us might result in making our world better sooner than would otherwise be possible. I truly believe and have witnessed within our community that we have what is needed if everyone shares the gifts they have been given. Sometimes we think what we have is not enough. Perhaps on its own it is not but when combined with others, it is more than enough.
What remains hidden for you? Might that light be needed today?
In Heartfelt Joy,
Lynne Brennan