Today's Thoughts...

Today’s Thoughts: Two thoughts come to mind this morning concerning our readings today. The first is that I think all of us have been in Jacob’s (Gen. 28:10-22a) sandals at one time or another. Jacob is on a journey, he is in search of a wife. He stops for the evening to rest and encounters a special place. He encounters a place of connection with God that enables him to know of God’s presence and action in his life. He encounters a bridge with God between heaven and earth.
 
We have all been to or in a place that after some time there we feel very connected to God. It is a place where we sense something special. It might be a favorite spot at the beach or a setting amid the mountains. It might be our favorite church or chapel. It might be a room in building or even our own home. It might be some breath-taking view that we have encountered. In other words, all of us have places in our life that when we are there God seem close, a place where God seems easier to connect with, a place where it seems easier to experience God’s presence, a place like Jacob’s place where we encounter the active presence of God bridging the gap between heaven and earth.
 
My other thought this morning comes from the Gospel (Matt. 9:18-26). In the first reading Jacob’s response, at least at first is conditional. Jacob is willing believe, he is willing to have faith, if God does several things for him on his journey. We find a different kind of faith in the Gospel. Both the official and the woman have unconditional faith, no strings attached. Even though his daughter is dead the official still searches out Jesus. He knows that even in death an encounter with Jesus can mean life. The woman who has struggled with health issues for many years just wants to touch Jesus’ clothing that simple action will make all the difference.
 
These two faith filled people teach us the value, the gift of unconditional faith. They teach us that when we place our trust in God wonderful things, sometimes even impossible things happen!
 
Today let us not pass up any opportunity to encounter a place, a person, an experience that will help us to know of God’s active presence in our life. Let us be people of unconditional faith so that as we journey through life there is always the possibility for wonderful if not impossible things to happen.
 
Have a great Monday everyone!