Reflection for Monday, July 18, 2005: 16th week in Ordinary Time.
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Authors
Laquer, Brigid Quinn
Issue Date
2005-07-18
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Type
Essay
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en_US
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Abstract
"Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you." Don't you wonder about this question from the scribes and Pharisees? What did they think of all the healings, exorcisms and wise teaching of Jesus' up to now? Were those common everyday occurrences? How often do we ask for signs? How often do we miss the signs of God's love, of God's care, of God's protection in our lives?||Consider the love and attention that your community of family and friends has bestowed on you. That same community has also probably, to a greater or lesser degree, provided for your security and survival. God placed you in this family, in this community, with these friends for your growth and nourishment. God is the root source of your particular educational and job opportunities, even if you worked hard for them.||Reflect on all that God has given you in non-material ways: your talents, the knowledge and insights you've gained, the skills you've learned, the maturity that grew out of your sufferings, and so on. These blessings have lifted your spirits, graced you with joy, provided healing, and filled you with a satisfying peace. Additionally, there is our beautiful and diverse world. All of creation displays the grandeur of God and provides us with fresh water, air, and nourishing foods. God is the source of all this richness and pleasure in your life.||What is the ultimate intervention of God in human history? ||a) The crossing of the Red Sea?||b) The mercy God showed the people of Nineveh because of their response to Jonah's call for repentance?|| c) The wisdom of Solomon? The Queen of the South recognized it as God acting through Solomon.||d) The healings and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth?|| e) The incarnation of God in your life in a very personal way every day?||All these are powerful signs of God's love, but for me, 'e' is the most profound answer. To think that little, insignificant me is so loved, so cared for that God is personally present to me always and wants a personal relationship with me. This is really humbling. It is also very empowering. I have all the proof I need to know that I am unconditionally loved and cared for, and the freedom to choose how to respond to that love. So what is my appropriate response? It is not to ASK for a sign! Rather, I am called to BE the sign of God's love to others.|I am called to share with EVERYBODY ELSE the love God has given me to use my gifts for the betterment of my community and of the world.|Lord, Creator of all life through love, holy are You, blessed are You. Forgive us when we turn away from You and doubt Your love and protection. May we be thankful for all the graces and blessing that You have given us. Help us to show our gratitude by sharing our gifts with our families, our communities and the world. May we be signs of Your love so that through us Your kingdom of peace, justice and love may be realized here on earth just as it is in heaven. Amen.
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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: 395