In today’s first reading the final line reads, “So that your faith might not rest on human wisdom but on the power of God.”  Keeping this idea centered in my everyday living keeps me mindful of the power of God to guide, and to heal; believing this fills me with trust and peace.

The Gospel then makes me begin to think about my partnership with God, and the joyfulness of trust as I actively participate in life’s challenges.  The need to seek out, recognize, and interact with the people in my daily life can bring me closer to understanding and living the commands of God. 

“Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.”  This statement is a message that, for me, has been a life lesson.  Jesus, it seems, is reminding the people in the synagogue that his message is what they should attend to in their daily living and to be faithful to the Lord; in doing so they will be healed.  This is a powerful message to me today… 

Keeping the commands of the Lord in the forefront of my daily living is my guide as I proceed, living life’s challenges.  “Your command has made me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.”   When I forget to be mindful of God’s messages/commands I begin to lose that sense of peace and trust and begin to feel anxious.  In my anxious moments I then have this image of being hit over the head and saying to myself “Why didn’t I remember to reflect on God’s message(s) to me?”  I then become mindful of God’s commands and peace and trust encapsulate me.  God’s messages/commands free me to live my life fully and with joy.