“Something very deep and mysterious, very holy and sacred, is taking place in our lives right where we are, and the more attentive we become the more we will begin to see and hear it. The more our spiritual sensitivities come to the surface of our daily lives, the more we will discover—uncover—a new presence in our lives”. Henri Nouwen
I was intrigued by this passage several days ago. Can this be true even amidst the numerous tragedies happening in our country? Yes. It is true. One of the most powerful testaments to this comes from Deuteronomy in today’s readings. [“Israel” and “Egypt” have been replaced with “America” for effect.]
Dt10:12-13, 16-21 “And now, America, what does the LORD, your God, ask of you but to fear the LORD, your God, and follow his ways exactly, to love and serve the LORD, your God, with all your heart and all your soul, to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD that I am commanding you today for your own well-being?… Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and be no longer stiff-necked. For the LORD, your God, is the God of gods, the LORD of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who has no favorites, accepts no bribes; who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and befriends the alien, feeding and clothing him. So you too must befriend the alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of America. The LORD, your God, shall you fear, and him shall you serve; hold fast to him and by his name you shall swear”.
These words written long ago call to us, asking us to be attentive to what is going on in our lives today. I believe we are being called to look at the ten commandments with fresh eyes and re-evaluate own moral focus and virtues. It is time to take notice of our families, communities, and nation. Look at the scene around you; Are the individuals treated in the manner in which you expect, in the way you want your loved ones to be treated?
The Gospel acclamation today states that “God has called you through the Gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2Thes 2:14).
As you continue this day, I want to leave you with a Franciscan Benediction. Please consider asking for these blessings to help in your future actions and reflections.
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children, and the poor. Amen.
Beth is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She brings a unique depth of experience to the group due to her time spent in education, parish ministries, sales and the service industry over the last 25 yrs. She is a practicing spiritual director as well as a Secular Franciscan (OFS). Beth is quick to offer a laugh, a prayer or smile to all she comes in contact with. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.
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