Daily Reflection for Friday, September 6, 2019
| Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners, We encourage you to reflect on Friday’s readings at this link: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/090619.cfm If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are: First Reading: Colossians 1: 15-20 Responsorial: Psalm 100: 1B-2, 3, 4, 5 Gospel: Luke 5: 33-39 Our reflection on Friday’s readings: “Rather, new wine must be poured into fresh wineskins.” Luke 5: 38 I feel blessed that I enjoy praying with scripture, because it is this practice of prayer that has expanded my heart and mind granting new wineskins and new wine to fill it. By nature, I dislike change. I’d rather stick with the old because it is comfortable, so I easily relate to the last line in scripture today, “The old is good.” This rigidity influences all areas of my life. God is good and has been diligent in showing me the areas of my life that need fresh wineskins or a change of heart. Gradually and reluctantly, I have worked to change those areas of my life needing a major overhaul or just a minor tune up. In addition, the Holy Spirit has blessed me with curiosity and compassion for another’s point of view. This new wine has been encouraged by my small faith sharing group. We are mostly Catholic Christians who gather to reflect on the upcoming readings at Mass, but we have different points of view on some subjects and a collective commonality on others. Instead of crossing my arms and rejecting what another person’s opinion is and perhaps even the person, I am curious as to why they feel as they do. I now recognize that we are both individuals with the common goal of creating and participating in an environment that is good and loving, rather than only seeing someone who doesn’t agree with me. This approach encourages me to allow the space to hear them and to discover where we diverge, while at the same time, keeping focus on the truth that God has revealed and will continue to reveal in our lives. Where is God asking you to create new wineskins so new wine can be received? Blessings for the journey! Paula Paul |