We do not possess God. We invite Him to possess us.
THIS IS MY SONG
This is my song, O God of all the nations, A song of peace for lands afar and mine. This is my home, the country where my heart is; Here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine; But other hearts in other lands are beating With hopes and dreams as true and high as mine.
My country’s skies are bluer than the ocean, And sunlight beams on clover- leaf and pine. But other lands have sunlight too and clover, And skies are everywhere as blue as mine.
Oh, hear my song, O God of all the nations, A song of peace for their land and for mine.
*To the melody of Finlandia *Lyrics by Lloyd Stone
Greetings on this the Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time Readings: Hebrews 2:14-18; Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9; Mark 1:29-39
Freedom
Since the children share in blood and Flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life.
Healing
When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons.
After sunset
When I have been on mission trips, in particular medical mission, it is always amazing the healing that happens just after sunset. There is something special about people getting medical attention in the dark and feeling much better. During the day we can see the effects. In the night you can feel the effects.
Day, night and in the dawn, Jesus is always for us.
Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter Readings: Acts 20:28-38; PS 68:29-30, 33-35a, 35bc-36ab; Jn 17:11b-19
Notes
Since you have purified yourselves by obedience to the truth for sincere mutual love, love one another intensely from a pure heart (1 PTR 1:22).
Summary
Unity in friendship and mutual love is the hallmark of an actual healthy relationship. Possession and expectation are subordinate and inferior bonding elements.
Reflection
When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost (Jn 17:12ab).
Personal Reflection
You know you love someone when their pain is your pain and their joy is your joy. You know you love someone that where they are you wish to be. Some of the best cinematic and novel-poem love stories include a scene of an epiphany of love either in a crisis or in a ‘coming out’ of one sort or another.
The gospel narrative has the same universal appeal. Fall in love.
First Reading
And now I commend you to God and to that gracious word of his that can build you up and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated.
Responsorial
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.
Gospel Acclamation
Your word, O Lord, is truth; consecrate us in the truth.
Gospel
Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.
