Today's Thoughts...

Today’s Thoughts: I have a couple of thoughts about our Gospel today, both are from brother Passionists that I heard over the years...
 
My first thought is not directly related to today Gospel, but it is a good starting point for my thoughts today. I always remember some advice given me just after I was ordained by a wonderful older Passionist who was in the last years of his life. One day shortly after I was ordained he appeared at the door of my room and said, "Son, I don't have a lot to offer you these days, but I will give you a bit of advice, always celebrate mass as if it is your first mass and your last mass!" I have always remembered his words and certainly every time I have celebrated mass I have tried to celebrate as if it is my very first and very last mass. Yet, I know sometimes I don't have the initial energy, that first love that I had the day of my first mass. I don't have that sense of urgency that I would have if it were my last mass. But this image from a saintly Passionist, a wisdom figure in my life, always reminds me of what God asks of me each day, "Stay in love with me and live out of that love!"
 
At a community mass a couple of years ago one of my brother Passionist reflected on today's Gospel and he challenged us with the point that sometimes we would prefer not to see. The blind man in the Gospel wants to see but sometimes we find it easier not to see, it means less responsibility, less hurt or pain, less expectations on us. If I look into my own life I would have to say his observation is true. I think there have been times when I really didn't want to see, it was easier not to!
 
If we can find and enliven that first love for God, others and ourselves then we will always want to see! Or perhaps if we ask God in faith to see then our first love will once again come to life! May this day be one of seeing and rich in energy grounded in love!
 
Have a great Monday everyone!