Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 5: 1-6, 9-11
Psalm 27: 1-4, 13-14
Luke 4: 31-27.
Reflection:
Take a moment to get in touch with what is going on in your life now…what you would like to bring to prayer and reflection on today’s readings, this September 1, 2009.
The Psalmist in our entrance antiphon has wisdom and insight to share for our life experience today… "Lord, hear my voice when I call to you…You are my help; do not cast me off. Do not desert me, my Savior God." Ponder these words… what do they say to you today in the midst of your life experience? Take time to ponder and pray …
Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians reminds all of us that no matter the struggles and sufferings in our lives, we are ‘children of light, children of the day…’… not to sleep but be alert and sober…remember we are united together with Christ, who died for us and that we live together in Him…
Paul also reminds us that we are part of the community of faith, called to encourage one another. Thus, we are never alone. Who and how might we be that supportive, encouraging community to build up another today. How might we be open to another in our community with our own struggles today? What does Paul say to you in the midst of your life experience? Take time to ponder and pray…
Our Gospel today tells us the familiar story of Jesus healing the man with an ‘unclean spirit" in the mist of the people gathered in the synagogue on the Sabbath. The people were amazed and said to one another… ‘What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits and they come out…
Again, let us bring our life, as it is today and enter into this scene. Is there anything within is… that needs healing within us that we bring to Jesus this day? Take time to talk to Jesus … ponder and pray.
In closing, Say today’s responsorial Psalm 27: 1,4, 13-14.
Response: I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the
land of the living.
The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear"
The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?
(Response)
One thing I seek of the Lord: (you may want to add your own
words here too) this I seek: To dwell in the house of the Lord all the
days of my life. That I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lord and contemplate his
temple.
(Response)
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of
the living. Wait for the Lord with courage. Be stouthearted and wait for the
Lord.
(Response)
Peace and Prayer.
St. Marcella Fabing, csj, is on the staff at Christ the King Passionist Retreat Center,
Citrus Height, California..