As I was reflecting with today’s readings, I was reminded of the Ignatian value of “Finding God in all things.” It started with Psalm 19 “The heavens declare the glory of God”. Yes, the heavens, the earth, the animals, the trees, the flowers, the seas and sea creatures. All of creation declare the glory of God. All creation reminds us, shows us a bit about who, what and how God is. The beauty, the grandeur, God’s love for us. The heavens do declare the glory of God.
Then I went to our Gospel reading from John. Jesus’ declaration that the Father is in him and he is in the Father is a reminder to me that we all carry God within us. I think sometimes God is hidden beneath our wounds and our defenses but God is incarnate within us and animates us through our souls. God is in all of us. Even those that challenge our patience or make us angry or do heinous things. God loves us all and is present within us. We get to choose, however, to recognize this and enter into relationship or not.
Lastly, the reading from First Corinthians reminded me that God is in all of our experiences, even death. God is always with us. Whether this is physical death or metaphorical death, God is there consoling us and inviting us to new life. It a message of the Paschal Mystery. Each death we experience results in an opportunity for new life. Once again, we have to choose to see and enter into relationship with the one who brings the new life.
At this point in my reflection I was wondering how I would wrap this up, but I was stuck. I decided to pick up a pizza. On my way, the following song by David Haas started playing. Just another reminder, God is always with us and in all things. How are we being invited to notice God in All Things today?
I Will Give You Rest
Take my yoke upon you, all who labor long
I am always with you, I am always with you
Learn my way of living, simple and forgiving
And I will give you rest, and I will give you rest.
Come away disciple, come away awhile
I will travel with you, I will travel with you
Blessing desert spaces, filling savage spaces
And I will give you rest, and I will give you rest
Trusting and returning, you shall grow in strength
I am always with you, I am always with you
Since my love designed you, seek and I will find you
And I will give you rest, and I will give you rest
When your world is changing, at a breathless pace
I am always present, I am always present
Center in life’s turning, Light and labors learning
And I will give you rest, and I will give you rest
When the night grows longer, and the end is near
I am your companion, I am your companion
Hope and joy or sorrow, home beyond tomorrow
And I will give you rest, and I will give you rest
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Since its inception in 1997, Online Ministries has been blessed to have myriad members of the Creighton University community offer their personal reflections on the daily scripture readings.
