Today's Thoughts...

​Today’s Thoughts: Our readings today point and counterpoint to each other. They warn of the inherent pitfalls of sin. In the Book of Wisdom, we hear “think of the Lord in goodness, and seek him in integrity of heart.” Yet we also hear a warning to be spiritually fit and be free of sin and injustice. Without being in that state we can be shut out from the grace of God.
 
Luke’s gospel continues to talk about sin, which is not a topic that most of us like to embrace with vigor. Perhaps it is because we have been influenced too much by societal norms which seem to reject the notion of sin in the modern world. As we reflect on the readings today, the words of Pope Francis come to mind when he asks, “Who Is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?” and he responds, “I am a sinner.” Perhaps it is good to know that we are the same company as the Pope.
 
Our readings not only dwell on the effects of sin but also the resolution to bring us back into the light of the Spirit. We see in Wisdom that the all-embracing God knows our heart and will acquit us if we are truly repentant. In Luke we hear a lesson on how to forgive others. If someone wrongs us seven times a day, we are called to forgive seven times. Yes, we are called to constantly forgive, God in his unquantifiable love forgives us if we truly have a repentant heart.
 
The work of forgiveness is never finished. It is an ongoing process until we meet God face to face. Have a great Monday everyone.
 
Today’s Prayer: O God, strengthen us with the grace of your Holy Spirit and give your peace to our souls that we may be free from all needless anxiety, solicitude, and worry. Help us to desire always what is pleasing and acceptable to you so that your will may be our will. Amen (Adapted from a prayer by St. Frances Xavier Cabrini)
 
A Runner’s Thoughts: “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” (Abraham Lincoln)
 
Today’s Blessing Prayer: Monday greetings and blessings to all. I hope your Monday is getting off to a good start?
 
I would like you to remember the Cashen/Zentgraf family in your prayers today as they bury their daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and for many others a friend, Marilyn. May she now be at peace with our loving God!
 
My prayer of blessing for all of you today is that as you journey through your Monday may it be a good journey. May you live by faith and trust in the gift that you are. May you place your gift, your light, on a stand in the middle of the room so that it will give light to the whole house, to everywhere you go and to everyone you meet. Blessings today upon all you do, upon everyone you meet and most importantly upon all of you! Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul