Scripture reading for this reflection can be found at https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092526.cfm
In our first reading for today from Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 we are taught about the importance of patience. There will always be good things and bad things happening to us. There will always be some amount of suffering and some amounts of happiness. It’s part of life! There will always be time for happiness and sadness. We just have to be able to accept them as part of God‘s plan in our lives.
Living a God centered life is important to being able to find this peace and happiness, no matter what happens. In the good times we need to be grateful to God for his blessings. In times of suffering, we need to turn to him for healing or help in whatever the situation may be.
In our gospel from Luke chapter 9 we hear Jesus asking the disciples who they think he is. They respond, “The Messiah of God.” As we go through the good times and difficult times of our life, let us always focus on Jesus as our Messiah. Let us always be grateful to him for the good things in our life and turn to him for help when things get difficult to deal with.
So true but when the hard trials come it is a challenge not to get angry or living with limitations but you have to trust in Jesus because that’s were you find true peace and joy adoration time is priceless God bless
ReplyDeleteFrom Arlene B. Muller
ReplyDeleteAMEN. Our life circumstances change, ebb & flow & we still live in a world in which bad things happen due to the impact of original sin. It is sometimes difficult to understand why GOD allows some things to happen in the world & to us, so at these times it is a challenge to trust the LORD.
But in everything that is changing, the LORD is still present, even when we can't feel His Presence, & He is ultimately working all things for good & He will help us get THROUGH tough times, even when we would prefer Him to deliver us FROM the tough times (which He also does sometimes).
If we are close to the LORD there are times when He shows us, even in small ways, that He is still with us, He still loves us, & He is still helping us & we can find reasons to thank Him for the good things--often in little ways--for example, like finding a parking space suddenly opening up for us when we come home at night--in the midst of some otherwise discouraging times.
Ultimately we can trust that in the midst of a world filled with changes, GOD & His faithful love is unchanging. ( am reminded of St. Teresa of Avila's "bookmark" prayer)& He can hold on to us & help us hold on to HIM.
I read this passage yesterday & chose to sing the song based on this reading, "TURN, TURN, TURN", as recorded by THE BYRDS at Karaoke last night.
Is it fair, suffering here on earth? Think of this: we inherited humankind's falling from grace by Adam & Eve's sin. Is it fair?
ReplyDeleteWe also inherited our genes from family members, parents & grandparents. Sometimes we inherit their illnesses or short temper, just as we inherited the illness of Adam & Eve's sin. Is it fair?
Then, think of this: Is it fair that Jesus Christ, who is all good, would have to suffer the pains of His Passion... for us? That was the price He paid, the ultimate sacrifice for love of humankind that caused Him to suffer. The next time I think "is it fair", I need to consider what Jesus has gone through for me - and continues to go through every time I turn away from His grace.
"There is a time for everything..."
Like the ebb & flow of the sea, like the change of seasons, even seasons in my own life. There are times of sadness and joy. Happiness is a temporary emotional reaction to outside events. Joy, on the other hand, is a deeper state of being that comes from within. We see this in St. Francis of Assisi, when he explains what "perfect joy" is... and it's not what one would think. Also, St. Augustine said, "Our hearts are restless until they rest in You." This constant yearning for "something more" will only be fulfilled when we reach our final destination, our heavenly homeland.
"Who do you say I am? "
Lord and Master, the Son of God... which He is. But Jesus is so much more than that... Redeemer, Friend, Helper in times of difficulty... He is that and, ultimately, Lover. I need to ask myself, have I had a conversation lately with my Friend & Lover, Jesus Christ?
He is waiting... for you and for me!
I truly believe in everything said. I and will help me get through it am going through a hard time now in rehab, but I know that my God is at my side and will help me through it all. Bless you all.
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