Scripture Reflection . . .
First Reading: Malachi 3:19-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98
Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Gospel: Luke 21:5-19
The Readings are difficult today, yet there is a stream of hope running through. It may help to put the Readings in context. The Gospel was written just after the destruction of the temple and most of Jerusalem and after periods of persecution under Roman emperors. St. Paul’s letter is written to those who feel the end is near and have therefore eased engagement in the work of life.
Life is trying at times. Perhaps we struggle to believe God is with us in our personal situations or in national and global conflicts. We do hear of violence and war, natural disasters and injustice in these our own times. We may feel the weight of the world on our shoulders as we seek answers and wonder, “What can I really do anyway?”
In the midst of this sense of gloom and doom in past times and our present situations, we read in the First Reading and Responsorial Psalm of a God of healing and justice. Jesus in Luke’s Gospel shares, “not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” Jesus also reminds all of us who feel at odds with the popular thought and wrestle with what to do, “Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking. . .”
St. Paul in very practical words encourages us to go about our daily work, quietly and steadfastly. We do not give up or give in, we are called to listen to the promptings of the Spirit and in this we will be able to “Sing praise to the Lord” (Psalm 98:5).
In Our Lives as Sisters of The Holy Redeemer . . .
Prayer. It may sound trite or oversimplified or like a last recourse to say “Let’s pray for that person or that particular cause.” or “I’ll pray for you.” Yet that is the space and relationship in which we experience a love so profound that we can let go of control, be real and vulnerable, reach out in faith, and listen to God’s Spirit.
This week we prayed with
Our national elections;
All those affected by conflict around the world;
All the “Artists” who supported us in a “Holiday Painting Party” fundraiser;
The college students in a Busy Persons Retreat in which one of our Sisters participated as a director;
One of our Sisters who underwent Cataract surgery and another Sister who was briefly hospitalized;
Our Redeemer Associates who gathered for their monthly prayer and sharing;
All of our Sisters who have gone before us and whose names are inscribed on a newly completed memorial;
Each other as we gathered daily for Liturgy and common prayer.
In Your Life . . .
We sung this hymn at Mass today, so we share it with you for your reflection. May you experience joy in spending time with Jesus today – whatever life holds for you at this time.
Blessings on your week!
In the Garden I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses, And the voice I hear falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses . . . And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other, has ever, known! He speaks and the sound of His voice, Is so sweet the birds hush their singing, And the melody that he gave to me, Within my heart is ringing . . . And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other, has ever, known! And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other, has ever, known! Words and Music by C. Austin Miles , 1912
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