“Christ has no hands but mine”.
We are called and equipped to feed the sheep, some times it takes more than prayer, some times we need to role up our sleeves and put our hands to work, doing service for others.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love.
Today’s Gospel reading was from John (4:7-15) about Jesus and the Samaritan women at the well. The Pray as You Go podcast then started with a Tazie Choir singing about searching for the water of life, so today I have been reflecting about water.
I have spent a lot of time in the water, a competitive swimmmer through high school and into college. I have continuesd to swim as an adult, competing again as a masters swimmer in my 20’s and 30’s. I took a hiatus, gained weigth and started swimming again as I began my 50’s.
I am back in the pool again as I work to lose weight, to make changes in my life. I am also spending time reflecting on other positive changes in my life. This has given rise to the reflections captured in the Daily Examen portinn of my blog.
Today I am have been asking myself if I am exercising properly in the water of life. Am I trying to make positive changes through the Holy Spirit? Am I reducing myself (or my selfishness)? I just know I feel called to dive deeper.
The reading today was from Mark’s Gospel about Jesus healing a man’s hand in the Temple. He did it on the Sabbath and in front of the Pharisees who were looking for an opportunity to trap him. He exercised compassion inspite of the consequences. Consequences that ultimately led to his death.
I wonder if I only act with compassion when it is conveinent? Why has my heart hardened towards others? Where is the risk to me?
I have started the exercise program to repair my heart. The Examen tells me that I also need to keep working on my spiritual heart.
Keep me mindfull Lord that my heart needs to be both strong and compassionate.
“Come to me all of you that carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest”.
The Pray As You Go opening hymn for today, Tuesday January 19th, the second week of Ordinary Time, caught me today.
As a scout I have vivid memories of the physical relief I felt at being able to drop my pack at the end of the hike.
Later I recall the relief I received when I put a burden of stress I carried on a job situation up to God. He took that load from me and it was a great. I learned that I needed to still do my best but the Lord would protected whether I quit the job or stood up to the boss. That regardless of the outcome, God would still love me and be with me. He would not let my burden overwhelm me.
My greatest moment of puttting a burdern on the Lord was when Sandra had her aneurysm. There was a point when the enormity of the situation hit me along with the realization that I was completely powerless to help. The only thing I could do was to go into the hospital chapel and pray. Giving it up to God. We were blessed and she came through.
The Examen asked to look around at other people. They all carry their own burdens too.
If we are to love our neighbor, wouldn’t we want them to be able to find the same relief and rest we find when we give our burdens up to him? He loves us all and is willing to help us. Shouldn’t we tell others? Shouldn’t we invite them to our Church where they can see how He is working in our lives?
Archaeoptreyx
It's all good so far 