Daily Reflection for Thursday, September 5, 2019
| Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners, We encourage you to reflect on Thursday's readings at this link: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/090519.cfm If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are: First Reading: Colossians 1:9-14 Responsorial: Psalm 98:2-3AB, 3CD-4, 5-6 Gospel: Luke 5:1-11 Our reflection on Thursday’s readings: While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God… (Luke 5:1) I read this first line the Gospel today and I could not let it go. It has been an interesting couple of months and at times I have felt the crowd pressing in and getting too close. While I would never claim that it is because people wanted to listen to me as they wanted to listen to Jesus, I have felt the pressure of people pressing in with their demands, their need for care and attention, and their need for compassion. However, there have been times I have just felt pressed in and just wanted to find a boat myself and or a way to escape from the responsibility and from the pressure. However Jesus did not escape, he just wanted to get some space and rejuvenate. I read this today with a sense of connection with Jesus that I have not felt before. The pressure to meet the demands of others can get overwhelming and at times I want to stop, quit and drop commitments just long enough to breathe. But then a sense of guilt takes over and a voice says, “Stay with it and be available, rest can wait.” This is however not what Jesus teaches us today. He showed me today that taking a break, resting, and finding some distance from the demands of others is a healthy response. Amazing though, is that Jesus, even in his “resting,” found ways to preach and to be present to others. I just want to run and get away from it all. I have so much to learn to not be overconsumed with busy-ness and with work demands. Jesus has given me an example. I think I will go fishing! May you find a space to rest and breathe in your service to others, Margarita Solis-Deal |