Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Response is where Love happens

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary reveal the nature of Love which is initiated by our response to the circumstances we perceive around us. The passage from the First Book of Samuel tells how the development of this last judge of Israel into a prophet and leader who serves is advanced by his response to God in obedience to the instruction of his mentor the priest Eli. Our awareness of the calling of God in our lives may be in need of a tutor like the ancient priest. Friar JudeWinkler reminds us that the Eucharistic Celebration is one of gift and response. We receive life and energy from God and our mission is to be Jesus to others in service. Cindy Murphy McMahon of Creighton University recalls the parenting experience of requiring children to verify they had heard the voice of Mom or Dad by responding. The urgency which Don Schwager comments is an important part of the message in the Gospel from Mark is presented today in the response of Jesus to the illness and demon possession of the people He encounters during His visit at the house of Simon. The energy which He expends is one aspect of service which we experience as gift from God when doing His Will. Our ability to continue at times beyond our human limits is a transcendent experience of the power of Love in response to the call to serve.

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