Daily Reflection for Thursday, September 24, 2020
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Thursday’s readings at this link: Click Here
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:2-11
Responsorial: Psalm 90: 3-6, 12-14 and 17BC
Gospel: Luke 9:7-9
Our reflection on Thursday’s readings:
“In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.” Psalm 90:1
Right now our world is reeling from a global pandemic. Hundreds of thousands have died. Many are scared of getting sick and what that means for their families and loved ones. Millions have lost their jobs and are struggling to make ends meet. I imagine most of us miss the connection and company of our friends and family that we have been unable to see due to lockdowns and social isolation.
Our nation is also in the midst of one of the most contentious elections in decades. As a people, we seem to be arguing over everything, damaging life long relationships and, in general, making people more unpleasant.
On top of this, we’re also trying to come to terms with America’s original sin—racism—which only deepens the anxiety and animosity in our community.
It all seems too much at times. It’s easy to slip into despair or let the anger at the situation and those who disagree with us consume our souls. Yet, God reminds us in the first two readings from today that He is always there for us. He is “our refuge” in times of trial. He also reminds us that our fears and concerns are minor in the grand scheme of things because “it is all vanity.” What we are concerned with now will pass and be forgotten. The plagues and economic struggles of the past recede into memory and life goes on. This is not to minimize the pain and emotional turmoil these events are causing right now nor is it easy to remember in the moment when we’re feeling overwhelmed.
God reminds us in the scripture today, that He is in charge and our view of events is limited. He is there for us even if we do not see Him or hear Him. If you are feeling the anxiety and pain of this time, try taking the advice of the psalmist when he asks God “to teach us to number our days aright, so that we may gain wisdom of heart” and “fill us with kindness, that we may shout for joy.”
Through prayer and the grace of God, may you find that wisdom of heart and shout for joy. This is what we need to heal our broken and aching world.
How might you reflect and use your wisdom of heart to reach out and mend a strained relationship, support an organization using kindness and generosity as guides, or make a small change in your personal bubble to demonstrate kindness towards others.
Peace and blessings to you,
Pete Kuester