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was/is obviously significant as it not only saved the life of Jesus, it also fulfilled what Jeremiah, the prophet, had foretold . For me, this Gospel reading has a huge impact on my belief in "listening to what others are saying" and "listening to your dreams/ your thoughts/ your insights". Paying attention to the words and insights of others can shape us into who we become and what we "dream" as our possibilities. Unfortunately, in our very busy culture, we tend to not take the time to listen or to think about those possibilities or "those callings" which can come, even in the form of a day dream. Three years ago I had a reoccurring dream. In my dream I was walking in a hot, stinky slum and felt a real sense of community with the people in the slum. After having dreamed this same dream three times I stared to pray about its meaning and began talking to people about this dream and what it might be "telling" me . Through my conversations, with God and with others, I discerned that my dream was calling me to travel with a group of Medical students going to Kolkata, India to serve along with the Sisters and their Mission of Charity. Since I had to arrange for a slightly different travel plan than the students I invited my son, Philip, to travel with me. Needless to say, this experience not only heightened my awareness of humanity, the experience had a profound impact on my son, and in a way that makes me thankful for being aware of the dream and responding by my action to travel to India. When we feel drawn or have a "dream" we need to not only pay attention to that "dream", we also need to have a conversation with God and with others about our "dream", its meaning, and how we should respond. The readings today are sprinkled throughout, with the message of trusting God, relying on God -our advocate- who wants us to live the fullness of life by paying attention to the possibilities revealed to us. If we take time to listen, discern, and move ahead... |