As we consider our lives in the context of the world we live in, it is so important to maintain our focus upon the goal God has for each of us. With instant worldwide communications, distractions come at us seemingly every moment of every day - like a never-ending tsunami. How should we respond? Today’s Readings provide the unfailing answer to this question!
Paul’s life was not that much different than ours. In our first Reading from the 4th chapter of 2nd Corinthians, we find Paul describing his messed-up world. He saw persecution, affliction, and confusion, very much like the world we wake up to each morning. All of this can seem more than our fragile minds and bodies – our earthen vessels - can endure. It would be quite hopeless if all we had to rely upon was ourselves – our power. Thankfully, surpassing power is always available from our Lord and Savior. We are reminded that we are never abandoned by Jesus. He can be manifested in our mortal flesh. Yes, our lives can indeed be a conduit pointing to Jesus. Through faith, we can confront today’s world with confidence. God’s grace is available with amazing abundance!
Our Responsorial Psalm powerfully reminds us who really is in charge. Over and over, we hear the words “those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.” This at times may be hard to grasp, but we are reminded to think back over our lives and notice that a loving God has always been there. This Psalm was written specifically to remind the Israeli people that even thou they had been taken into captivity in Babylon, the Lord had always been with them and had been doing “great things” for them. Joy was never that far away. This truth is vital for each of us, even in the significant trials we may be facing. We simply need to look back and recognize God’s presence in our lives and all that He has been doing for us. He has never left us. His amazing agape love sometimes is just simply hard to fully grasp, yet it is always with us.
Today’s Alleluia found in John 15 takes this fact to an amazing reality. “I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.” You see, God has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. He gives us everything we need to carry out His directive, His specific goal for each of our lives. We can never effectively bear fruit if we are whining and feeling sorry for ourselves. How can we not rejoice if we steadfastly keep our focus upon Jesus – all of His blessings and all that He has been doing throughout our lives.
Finally, our Gospel from Matthew provides an unmistakable truth that we must not overlook in our zeal to live the joyful life God has for each of us. James and John, along with their mother, approached Jesus seeking recognition. They missed the point of why they were called to bear fruit. When we seek to follow Jesus and reap the joyful reward that results, we must never forget what following Jesus, what bearing fruit is really all about. We are indeed blessed to be a blessing! Following Jesus allows us to experience His joy in the bad times as well as the good. Following Jesus requires a servant’s heart – something our world simply will never comprehend.
Dear Heavenly Father, help us to never forget, with deep reverence and awe, all that you have done for us throughout our lives. Give us your eyes to see the miracles that you are working out each and every day in our lives. Empower us to maintain our focus upon the goal – the goal of using our lives to point others to you – to let your holy love flow through us. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen
Larry Hopp
As I enter my second retirement, I can only express my deep appreciation to God for the opportunity to touch the lives of the amazing students here at Creighton. After 40 years as a civil engineer in the construction industry, I felt that I had completed my life’s work. God, however had a different plan – a MUCH BETTER plan. He opened a door to Creighton University and its Energy Technology Program which I would never have imagined. An opportunity to teach and lead a program that has proven to be some of the most rewarding and satisfying work of my life.
That process has only further refined my total trust & faith in following God and seeking Jesus with all my heart. His plans are always so much better than anything I could have ever imagined.
But of course work could never be the top priority of my life. Over the years, I have been engaged with a truly amazing church with an un-apologetic commitment to Jesus that has changed my life and future forever. My wife Linda and I have four children, 4 grandchildren and 5 foster “grandchildren” that have all been such a daily blessing in so many ways.
I am looking forward to see what God has in mind for this next stage of my life.
It is not surprising that God provides these reflection opportunities with the precise readings that I need to hear at that specific time. Spending time in prayer as I write & rewrite each Daily Reflection opportunity is truly a blessing. My prayer is that God can use these thoughts to bless you as well.
