Friday of the Fourth Week

Reflection

Each day, many times each day, we have the opportunity to decide how we will show up with and for one another. I’m reminded from today’s Scripture reading and Responsorial Psalm that while it can be easy to turn away when we are hearing or seeing expressions of life that seem different from our own, there is also another option. An option that so beautifully acknowledges the depth of who we are and maintains the inherent dignity in each of us. An option that God always chooses, to turn towards. As today’s Psalm reminds us, “The Lord is close [not far] from the brokenhearted.”

This is such an important modeling for me because it reminds me that we each are made up of deep stories that are not always visible and so often require relationship, vulnerability, and willingness to turn toward in order to uncover and discover our connections. God turns toward from a place of compassion, love, and justice and offers us a beautiful invitation to do the same. We are fallible, yes, and our “wickedness can blind us” at times. And, yet, we are welcomed to start anew over and over. Holding close the gift of turning towards, I strive to do just that and hope to be compassionate with myself and others in the moments that require a redo. After all, as I was reminded in a recent spirituality night, God never gives up on any of it…or us.

Prayer

Loving God, grant us the grace to love deeply and the courage to turn towards one another with care and authenticity.

Lara Scott, Director of Mobilization of Volunteer Efforts (MOVE)

Scripture

First Reading: Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22

Psalm 34:17-21, 23

Gospel: John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website