Daily Reflection for Friday, September 24, 2021
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners!
We encourage you to reflect on Friday’s readings at this link:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092421.cfm
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Haggai 2:1-9
Responsorial: Psalm 43:1, 2, 3, 4
Gospel: Luke 9:18-22
Our reflection on Friday’s readings:
Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” (Luke 9:20)
Who do you say that I am? How do we answer that question right now?
As I place myself in the disciples’ shoes in this story, I find myself conflicted. In one moment, I find I am elated and overjoyed to know that everything I have been feeling in my heart and experiencing with my eyes, is verified and true; Jesus IS the Messiah! In another moment, I am anxious and afraid. How can this possibly be true and why is He asking me to keep quiet about His real identity?
Bringing myself back to present time, I recognize that our lives of faith are based on the fact that we have confessed to this truth of Jesus as our Messiah. Having been born and baptized into this faith, I can look back and see where God has worked in my life. This hindsight serves as a great reminder to seek Him in the present as well, for He is here. His goodness and strength are here for me now.
We find repeated stories in the Gospels of Jesus choosing to pray. He often took moments to pray before going on about His ministry. At times, His disciples even rebuked Him for going away to pray, leaving them alone. Then, as needs or issues arose, the disciples had to go looking for Jesus so he could address the need that had been brought to their attention.
First, pray, then minister. I can take a chapter from this “prayer book.” Prayer at the beginning and prayer at the center of all that I do. Prayer connects me to the core of my faith. Prayer reminds me that Jesus is Lord. Prayer helps me with my unbelief.
Today, I find myself asking for the grace to know Jesus better so that I accept him lovingly as the Messiah, sent from God for me.
In Heartfelt Joy,
Lynne Brennan