Body and Soul

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/010714.cfm) reminds me that God is concerned with both our body and soul.

In the first reading we see that God loves us - as made true on Christmas that he sent his only son to save us. In the gospel we see Jesus demonstrating that love. He loves us and cares for us - both physically and spiritually. After he fed the spiritual needs of the people, he gave them physical food as well.

Life should be a balance. The way Jesus is concerned with both our body and spirit, so should we also take care of both. We cannot just take care of the spirit and tell God to take care of our bodies. We also cannot just focus on our bodies without nourishing the spirit, the faith.

As we start the new year, may we be inspired by how Jesus is concerned both with our physical body and our soul. May we deliberately take care of and nourish both.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day. Thank you that in the midst of all the challenges in life, your light shines through. Lord, I pray that I be inspired to take care of my soul and nourish my faith, and to take care of my body as well, for it is the temple of the holy spirit. Amen.

Blessed day!

In Christ,

-g-