Scripture:
Reflection:
Writing these reflections every month can be a challenge! Ask anyone who writes them on a regular basis! You don’t want them to be substitute homilies and you don’t want them to be preachy or condescending. This is why I usually try to precede my writing with some prayerful moments, often with music playing in the background.
Today’s music included the old hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” and “Imagine” performed by the popular singing group Pentatonix. Today’s scriptures tell of the excited apostles fearlessly preaching the Word of God.
Reflection:
“Come thou fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing thy grace.
Streams of mercy never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet, Sung by flaming tongues above.”
I need you Spirit of God, to know what to write. Touch my heart.
“Imagine all the people, living for today.
Imagine all the people, living life in peace.
Imagine all the people, sharing all the world.
I hope someday you’ll join us and the world will live as one.”
I need you Spirit of God, to know how to live. Touch my life.
The apostles were called before the Sanhedrin where they were soundly chastised for preaching about Jesus in the city streets. The leaders were “infuriated and wanted to put them to death.”
I need you Spirit of God, to know how to preach. Touch my words.
Sometimes writing a reflection is simply a prayer lifted from my heart’s longing for God. Maybe that’s the best reflection I can write, a reflection of my heart’s wandering amidst the signs of our times.
I need you Spirit of God, to know your love. Touch my soul.
Terry McDevitt, Ph.D. is a member of the Passionist Family in Louisville, Kentucky.