Today’s Thoughts: Before I get to my thoughts for today let me give you a little heads-up. Tomorrow will be my last Today’s Thoughts until August 1st. Tomorrow morning at 9:00 am with the celebration of the Eucharist I begin a 30-day retreat here at the Jesuit Retreat House in Gloucester, MA. Until August 1st I will not be posting anything on my website or on social media. I am going quiet for 30 days. I know some of you like to begin your day with my thoughts, reflections, prayers and words of inspiration and I am sorry that they will not be available until August 1st. This is a very special retreat that I am entering into and I want to make the most of it. You might say for the next 30 days it will be just God and me along with my spiritual director. So, you get a break from me beginning tomorrow but I hope you will return on August 1st to encounter perhaps some new wisdom!
Now for today’s thoughts…I think today’s Gospel (Matt 7:6, 12-14) is about reverence, and respect. Jesus seems to indicate that the road to reverence and respect is a narrow one that is a difficult journey but certainly one that is worth the struggle. There are always people out in the world that find it easy to disrespect us. As Jesus seems to indicate the road of selfishness and “me first” is wide and has many travelers. Perhaps the focus of today’s Gospel rests in these words by Thomas Merton: “To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us - and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him. Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.” If we recognize the Love of God in ourselves and in others we will be on the right road! Have a blessed and holy Tuesday everyone!
1 Comment
Patricia Ashley
6/27/2023 08:56:54 am
My prayers go with you on your retreat! God grant you peace of heart and mind during this time of reflection. You will be missed. Please remember my grandson, Nathan, in your prayers.
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Fr. Paul R. Fagan, C.P. "Preacher on the Run"Just a few thoughts to help you on your journey through life...let me know from time to time what you think... Archives
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