Thursday, October 9, 2014
Seek through the Spirit
Some of our struggle as humans seeking communion with the Divine are brought to our mind by the texts today in the Roman Catholic Lectionary. The refrain of the Canticle of Zechariah reminds us that the Lord, the God of Israel has come to His people. Paul addresses strong words to the Galatians calling them to remember their experience of the Spirit and trust in God which is their communion with Life. Friar Jude Winkler comments on the anger of Paul that the following of law may lead to concupiscence which will take them away from the Spirit. Don Schwager understands the text from the Gospel from Luke shows the desire of God to give us the best for needs at all times. Yves I-Bing Cheng, M.D., M.A. writes about the need for us to approach God with persistence in prayer. This attitude toward communication with God is for our benefit according to the comments by George Butterfield. Salvation history, as lived by Abraham, Zachariah, Jesus, Paul and our own experience, is revelation of how our persistent seeking invokes love and forgiveness as the response of God.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Leadership and Prayer
The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary invite us to consider how we may be advancing our plans as disciples in a manner which is not in complete harmony with direction which is based in prayerful petition. The issue which Paul explores in the letter to the Galatians revolves around whether Gentile converts are required to follow practices which originate in the tradition of Jewish converts. Friar Jude Winkler drills down to the theological implications of Peter showing disbelief in the forgiveness of the sins of Gentiles by deciding not to eat with them. The primitive version of the Lord’s Prayer from the Gospel of Luke contains praise as an act of recognition of the truth about God and, as Mark Latta and Friar Jude note, goes far beyond the distance at the rabbis of Jesus time held God. Friar Jude reminds us that the Apostle Paul was always working strategically to understand the consequences of his words and actions. Our understanding of the impetuous and less sophisticated nature of Peter is that he often spoke and acted without hesitation and forethought. Both approaches to leadership are in need of inspiration through intimate prayer contact with God to allow Providence to provide the content and timing of our action.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Monday, October 6, 2014
Sunday, October 5, 2014
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