Scripture:
Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22
Matthew 14:22-36 or 15:1-2, 10-14
Reflection:
With what attitude do I approach today? Do I even have the time to think of such a question? Is there a quality of character which I offer to be used by the Lord’s Spirit today? Do I just want to accept whatever comes, with the determination that I will respond? I am often curious as to what conspired when Jesus went up mountains, or wherever, by himself to pray. It was deliberately by himself that he went. With the God of the universe, he went apart from everyone. That, in itself, is plenty to think about, or pray about. Where, and when do I deliberately, take that walk? Like most folks reading this, I don’t have "chapel space," where I can go off by myself to pray. There is a quiet space where I do sit, and most of the time it is to absorb the quiet, with anticipation. It is an assumption that God does want to inspire, guide, challenge or just provide some peace. Jesus comes out of his prayer, in an amazing manner, to reassure his disciples who are facing an horrific storm, and, subsequently, healing for those consigned to live in that out-of-the-way Gennesaret. Whether you focus upon Ps 102, or Jeremiah’s prophecy of hope amidst disaster, by putting yourself in the Lord’s presence, you can expect, through what you say and do today, you will contribute to situations that are ungodly with hurt that is incurable and wounds that are grievous.
Fr. Alex Steinmiller, C.P. is president of Holy Family Cristo Rey High School, Birmingham, Alabama.