Today's Thoughts...

Today’s Thoughts: I know that some of you who by this web site are not living in the New York area or even the east portion of the United States thus liturgically for you today is the Feast of the Ascension. However, for those of us that live in New York and in the eastern part of the United States we celebrated the Feast of the Ascension last Thursday and we have moved on to the Seventh Sunday of Easter. So, if you are looking for some thoughts on the Feast of the Ascension check out my Today’s Thoughts for Thursday, May 25th. Otherwise if you are celebrating the Seventh Sunday of Easter or are just looking for some thoughts from the Preacher on the Run then just keep reading…
 
For my thoughts today, I have chosen to focus on the First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles. It’s setting is shortly after the Ascension. The disciples confused, perplexed, just trying to figure out what to do next return to the upper room their safe place and decide to pray. In other words, when they were unsure of what to do. When they needed some time to put the events of life into perspective. When they need to gather strength, and make decisions, they went to a safe place and prayed!
 
What a simple solution to moments of challenge, discomfort, decision, and struggle in life. I know in my own life that when the chips are down, when I am struggling, when I am facing difficult choices and decisions, when I am feeling lone. I usually seek out safe or sacred places in my life and I at least try to pray.
 
The chapel at our former retreat center in Riverdale, New York was a sacred place for me. The roof of that same retreat center overlooking the Great Hudson River was a sacred place for me. Wherever I have lived in my journey as a Passionist I have always found a safe and sacred place. I have always found a community to pray with especially when I found it hard to pray by myself. Even at this point in my life there are safe and sacred places often with communities of faith where I can go – The Sunday Mass, the Wartburg Home to name just too. I go to these places, I pray with these communities to gather strength, to find the presence of God, to put life into perspective, to know that I am not alone, to wait for the Holy Spirit.
 
Perhaps, from my perspective that is what Sunday Mass is all about. It is a safe and sacred place, a community of faith, where we can go to pray and wait for the Holy Spirit to guide, direct and enliven our life!
 
Have a blessed Sunday everyone and a relaxing Memorial Day weekend and don’t forget to give God a little time today!