Daily Reflection
of Creighton University's Online Ministries
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September 28th, 2010
by

Mike Cherney

Physics Department
Click here for a photo of and information on this writer.

Tuesday of the 26th week in Ordinary Time
[456] Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23
Psalm 88:2-3, 4-5, 6, 7-8
Luke 9:51-56

Today was not an easy day at work. Half of the difficulty grew out of poor communication (both on my part and on the part of others) but just as much grew out of a fundamental disagreement about how to proceed. Days like this leave me frustrated with a feeling of discomfort in my stomach. It leaves me sleeping poorly and I notice the change in my heartbeat. I find myself losing focus and becoming reactive. I can relate to the words the words of frustration found in the first reading and the psalm.

I also begin to see how insignificant my problems and worries really are. I think of the true moments of crisis. For me these have almost always been family issues rather than work issues. These times of loss put days like today into perspective. Still I find it too easy to be distracted by the flyspecks and to lose sight of the big picture.

In the case of Job, he had the right the right to be frustrated; his greatest gifts had been lost as Satan put him to the test. In the case of Jesus, having just been rejected by the people of his hometown, he finds rejection again in the Samaritan village. Although we hear the aggravation of Job and of the Apostles, Job and Jesus persevere. Faced with truly major concerns, they keep their focus. Any feelings of vengeance are put aside. They move forward in their mission. In my opinion both will end up short changed, but both ultimately rest in the light of the Father’s favor.

My prayer today is for perspective and perseverance.
Dear Lord,
I ask for the strength to recognize what is truly important.
I ask not be bogged by small impediments.
I ask for the strength to continue on my mission.
I thank you for your love and your grace.
And I pray that my satisfaction comes from the right source.

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