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Daily Reflections

Daily Scripture, March 24, 2023

Scripture:

Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22
John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30

Reflection:

The Closeness of God

In the responsorial Psalm 34:19 for today’s liturgy we find this beautiful text:

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted (shabar-Hebrew for break in peices) and saves those who are ccrushed in spirit.(dakka Hebrewroot; to crush)” PS 34:18  What a wonderful consolation it is that God is so very close to us when we are broken and crushed and most need of His help!

Ps 139 assures us that God is always near us!   “You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;  It is too high, I cannot attain to it.” Ps 139:5  Jesus in the NT stresses this marvelous closeness of God to us in His Divine life!   Christ says: “the kingdom of God is in your midst.”Lk 17:20   His first sermon He stresses: “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” Mt 4:17

 The  NT Greek word for close or at hand is engizo ( used 42 times and engus used 31 times)  which is a total of 73 times in NT.  This is formed from ἐν (in) and an unattested substitute guae or gus  which means in the hollow of the hand.  The most literal translation for the Greek word “close” is to be in the hand of God.   This is a very frequent theme in Bible.  He assures us of His constant nearness and help: “I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand.” Ps 73:23

What a breathtaking and astonishing teaching of Jesus that He is so close to us “at the door”! Rev 3:20

“While they were talking and discussing (at Emmaus), Jesus Himself approached (engizo) and began traveling with them. LK 24:15   The saints often spoke of the wonder of Christ’s presence. 

“I possess at all times and I hold in all places, the God of my heart and the Heart of my God.”  St Margaret Mary   “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” Jam 4:8  A person may not have houses or lands or the admiration of others—but he has God, whose presence and protection is priceless!  “You drew near when I called on You; You said, “Do not fear!”  Lam 3:57

Fr. Bob Weiss, C.P. preaches Parish Missions and is a member of the Passionist Community in Louisville, Kentucky.

Daily Scripture, March 26, 2009

Scripture: Exodus 32:7-14 John 5:31-47 Reflection: Our readings today begin with the story of the Golden Calf.  You remember this episode in the life of Israel as recorded in the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 24, 2009

Scripture: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 John 5:1-16 Reflection: "There lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed." The Greek words indicate how we often feel ourselves. We feel blind in that » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 23, 2009

Scripture: Isaiah 65:17-21 John 4:43-54 Reflection: In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus returns to Galilee, and when He is there, a royal official comes to Him and says, "Sir, come down » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 25, 2009

The Annunciation of the Lord Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10 Hebrews 10:4-10 Luke 1:26-38 Reflection: St. Irenaeus, a second century bishop, records the importance of this feast.  There is also another » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 21, 2009

Scripture: Hosea 6:1-6 Luke 18:9-14 Reflection: Our Lenten scripture readings are heavy ones today: sin.  Hosea the prophet is excoriating the sinful ways of his fellow Jews, and the publican, » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 18, 2009

Scripture: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 Matthew 5:17-19 Reflection: "However, take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 14, 2009

Scripture: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 Reflection: Almost always I find myself lost in thought when I read or hear proclaimed the amazing parable of the "prodigal son."  There » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 17, 2009

Feast of St. Patrick Scripture: Daniel 3:25, 34-43 Matthew 18:21-35 Reflection: In today’s first reading from the Prophet Daniel, we find Azariah (Abednego), in the fiery furnace, praying, not for » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 19, 2009

Feast of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22 Matthew 1:1-16, 18-21, 24a Reflection: "It was not through the law that the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, March 12, 2009

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:5-10 Luke 16:19-31 Reflection: For many years, the Gospel has been interpreted as an evacuation plan for the next world. This perspective, suggests Brain McLaren, has overlooked the » Continue Reading.

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