Wednesday of the First Week

Reflection

How like children we can be. What parent hasn’t experienced the frustration that comes when their child chooses to ignore the rules created in order to enhance their wellbeing or safety? God is our parent and the commandments He has given us, like any parent’s, are in place to help us live as fully as possible and to grow in grace and wisdom. Yet, time and again in our history, we have, like children, tested the boundaries. We turn away from the expectations God places on us especially when those are difficult and uncomfortable or when there are more pleasurable pursuits to follow in any given moment. Perhaps we turn away from God, like children, because “all our friends are doing it.” There are so many ways that as humans we can disappoint our Father; so many temptations in front of us that distract us from the life He meant us to live. Like the Ninevites or the people of Jesus’s time, we need to be held accountable for our choices to disregard the rules. But, like any good parent, God is patient with us. He gives us role models like Jonah and Jesus to follow. He makes it known that “if we are contrite and humbled” when we know we have disobeyed, He will, like any Father, take us back into His loving embrace and forgive.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to remember that the rules You have given to me were purposefully created to enhance my human life.  When I embrace Your commandments and follow Jesus's example, I am creating a stronger connection with You and making room for all the good things of Heaven and Earth to fill my life.

 

Amy Rock-Wardwell, ‘96, Member of the Worshipping Community

 

Scripture
First Reading: Jonah 3:1-10
Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19

Gospel: Luke 11:29-32

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website