“Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy”
Psalm 123
Readings
Ezekiel 2:2-5
Second letter to the Corinthians 12:7-10
Gospel According to Mark 6:1-6
Reflection
by Sister Jane Hibbard, SNJM
Our God does not expect perfection. Our God would much rather have us be always dependent on the grace of the present moment. In the second reading today Paul begs to be relieved of his imperfections but the Spirit says: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” If we step aside, the power of Christ will dwell in us and we will act in God’s name, not with reference to our needs and wants, or own ego. This is a life time project. Two steps forward, one step back. And we cannot judge our own “progress”. There is no progress. We are called simply to live in this moment with the power of Christ. What more do we need? Turn the whole project of your life over to the care of God and watch……when we feel weak, then we are truly strong in Christ.
In the Gospel, Jesus tried to be present in his place of birth. The people could not believe that this person, this prophet was the same person that grew up with them. They could not get beyond their expectation and so Jesus could not grace them with His miracles and His love.
If we are so sure we know how God is going to act in our lives, do we cripple the grace that could be ours by our very low expectations of who Jesus can be for us? Give that some thought this week!
This is also the day we celebrate the “freedom” of the United States of America. Are we taking this country, our independence and our freedom for granted? We have been turned upside down this year. We are just beginning to feel a little freer in moving around. What does our God want us to learn from all of the upheaval we have experienced? Are we taking our freedom and the gift of this land for granted? Much to ponder!
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. (Psalm 34) Let new grace and new freedom invade your heart as you drop your expectations and experience the power of God working in you.
May the surprise of the Spirit be yours this day and this week.
From the Rule of St. Benedict
Let us open our eyes to the light that comes from God, and our ears to the voice that comes from heaven and every day calls out this charge: “If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.” Prologue : 9-10
Gospel Acclamation
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for he sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor." Luke 4:18
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