Daily Reflection August 26, 2016* |
|
Praying Ordinary Time |
The foolish ones, in taking their torches, brought no oil along, but the sensible ones took flasks of oil as well as their torches. ... Jesus tells a parable that you and I can use to reflect upon our "provisions" for our roles as expectant servants, waiting for any moment when there will be a grace offered, a "presence" experienced, a call made. He invites us to reflect on what we need to "have" in order to "have what it takes" to respond at the right time, and to respond fully. When I miss Jesus' coming - miss those opportunities to see him with me in times of brokenness or darkness or ordinary, simple symbols - my flask is usually full of fear rather than oil. We can't light a flame with fear - only with oil. We can feel consoled to remember that a "provident" God will provide what we ask for, out of the growing desires which God's Word plants in our hearts. Desire opens our eyes. Desire fills our hearts with readiness. Desire can fuel a torch of loving, forgiving, healing, proclaiming, transforming. All religious experience is prepared for. One grace builds upon another. When I ask for what I desire for an upcoming conversation, it is richer. When I take a deep breath and turn to God in my heart, even momentarily, the choice I make has more potential for being grace-full. When I reflect upon the depths of the mystery of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus, the mystery of death is not frightening but freeing. When I beg, every day, for the grace to love my spouse, my children, my parents, my friends, my colleagues more self-less-ly, all kinds of new graces flow forth. When I consciously gather the struggles, conflicts, joys and desires of my week, they prepare for a Sunday celebration so much fuller than just "walking in cold, to fulfill my obligation." When I open my hands and ask for a growing desire to be servant, to hear the cry of the poor, to let my life reflect the coming of God's reign, then God will provide plenty of oil for a torch that is Light itself. Dear Lord, thank you for stirring our desires for the oil of awareness, the oil of gratitude, the oil of being placed with you in all things. Keep our torches burning brightly so that we might not miss your coming, your presence, your invitation each and every day. * This reflection from the archives was written for these readings in 2001. |
Click on the link below to send an e-mail response |
Sharing this reflection with others by Email, on Facebook or Twitter:
See all the Resources we offer on our Online Ministries Home Page