Reflection for November 11, 2010: 32nd week in Ordinary Time.
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Authors
Cherney, Mike
Issue Date
2010-11-11
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Essay
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en_US
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Abstract
Today is the feast of St. Martin of Tours. This summer I was able to drive along the Loire River in France. I learned the details of the life of St. Martin depend on who is telling the story. The part of the legend that everyone seems to incorporate is the story describing how Martin, still a catechumen, divided his cloak giving half to a beggar on a very cold day. That night Martin dreamt that he had shared his cloak with Jesus. Martin's baptism followed.||Perhaps the theme that runs through today's reading is the ease with which one can fail to recognize the presence of God in those around us. In the first reading, we find Paul recognizing Christ in a slave who he now calls a brother. In the Gospel, Jesus talks about how those around him are not seeing who is in their midst.|I consider my own experience. I am often too tied up in my work to see God in the world around me. If I did, my sense is I would act in a very different way. I am a questioning person. I listen to the stories of St. Martin of Tours. Some people tell the stories as St. Martin's visions. Others describe the same stories in terms of what Martin thought he saw. We know that we have perceptions and experiences. The extent of our openness to particular ways of thinking puts limits on how we define the underlying reality.|I am reassured by today's Psalm that reminds us of a protecting God who asks us to put our trust in him.|My prayer today is for openness.|Dear Lord, Help me to recognize You in the gifts that surround me. |Allow me to respond with courage and charity.| I ask your forgiveness for the occasions where I have made myself blind to you.| Help me to grow in the confidence of your saving grace.
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University Ministry, Creighton University.
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These reflections may not be sold or used commercially without permission. Personal or parish use is permitted.
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Lectionary number: 494