The WORD
today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/100517.cfm)
reminds me of the importance of having support in our faith
journey.
No man is an island. We are not
made to be alone, that is why God created both man and woman. Probably, people
who have experienced deep hurt in the past have the tendency to shy away from
people – not wanting to get hurt again, unable to trust and love again.
However, deep inside each and everyone of us has a longing and desire for
companionship in our journey.
In
the gospel, we see Jesus sending the disciples by pairs. We see how important
and helpful it is to have someone to accompany you as you serve God and do his
work. In a teambuilding I attended before, we were told that it is important
and helpful to have someone to “run the race” with – to be with you, check up
on you, encourage and support you, and pray for and with you in your journey of
life, of the faith.
It
is easier to travel when you have someone to be with you. It is easier to serve
God when you have someone serving God with you. Challenges can weigh us down,
but having someone there to support and encourage us makes it easier to face
the challenges in life. Having someone to support you keeps you n the right
track. Keeps you going. As they say, challenges are easier when shared, and
success is sweeter when shared as well.
Do I value my relationships –
with my family, friends, co-workers and significant other? Do I open up myself
and allow others to enter my life? Do I have someone to run my race with – in
life and in my serving God? Do I pray for God’s companion for me?
May
we remember how important and helpful having a companion in our faith life is,
and act as one when we get a chance.
Father God,
Thank you for
today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for reminding me how
important and helpful it is to have someone with me in this journey of life.
Sorry for the times I'd rather be alone. Sorry for being proud and selfish.
Lord, I pray that you help me open up myself to others. May I give importance
to relationships, knowing that you are alive in each and every person that I
meet. Lord, I ask that you also help me find the companion/s you have for me –
people who would help, guide, support, encourage and pray for me as I live my
life in serving you. Likewise, help me be a good faith companion to others when
you want me to. Amen.
Blessed
day!
In
Christ,
-g-
Ps
See
related reflection:
Thursday of the Twenty-sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 458
Reading 1NEH 8:1-4A, 5-6, 7B-12
and they called upon Ezra the scribe
to bring forth the book of the law of Moses
which the LORD prescribed for Israel.
On the first day of the seventh month, therefore,
Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly,
which consisted of men, women,
and those children old enough to understand.
Standing at one end of the open place that was before the Water Gate,
he read out of the book from daybreak until midday,
in the presence of the men, the women,
and those children old enough to understand;
and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law.
Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform
that had been made for the occasion.
He opened the scroll
so that all the people might see it
(for he was standing higher up than any of the people);
and, as he opened it, all the people rose.
Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God,
and all the people, their hands raised high, answered,
"Amen, amen!"
Then they bowed down and prostrated themselves before the LORD,
their faces to the ground.
As the people remained in their places,
Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God,
interpreting it so that all could understand what was read.
Then Nehemiah, that is, His Excellency, and Ezra the priest-scribe
and the Levites who were instructing the people
said to all the people:
"Today is holy to the LORD your God.
Do not be sad, and do not weep"–
for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law.
He said further: "Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks,
and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared;
for today is holy to our LORD.
Do not be saddened this day,
for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!"
And the Levites quieted all the people, saying,
"Hush, for today is holy, and you must not be saddened."
Then all the people went to eat and drink,
to distribute portions, and to celebrate with great joy,
for they understood the words that had been expounded to them.
Responsorial PsalmPS 19:8, 9, 10, 11
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye;
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.
AlleluiaMK 1:15
The Kingdom of God is at hand;
repent and believe in the Gospel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelLK 10:1-12
whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.
He said to them,
"The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest.
Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.
Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals;
and greet no one along the way.
Into whatever house you enter, first say,
'Peace to this household.'
If a peaceful person lives there,
your peace will rest on him;
but if not, it will return to you.
Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you,
for the laborer deserves his payment.
Do not move about from one house to another.
Whatever town you enter and they welcome you,
eat what is set before you,
cure the sick in it and say to them,
'The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.'
Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you,
go out into the streets and say,
'The dust of your town that clings to our feet,
even that we shake off against you.'
Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand.
I tell you,
it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town."
To the Administrator,
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your continuous dedication in posting your insights on the daily gospel. Keep it up and surely the lord is always with you in doing this noble work.
God bless you.
Sincerely,
Arnold Cortez
Hi Arnold,
DeletePraise God! Welcome, and thank you as well! God bless you! =)