Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Today's Gospel: Luke 11:29-32
Sometimes, I wonder if Jesus just went off by Himself and let out a good loud scream.
And, for the record, that scream could be a prayer.
I find comfort in that, especially when I consider how the humans around me stretch me to greater grace. Oh yes, they are children of God. And they are worthy of every dignity.
But could they be less annoying? Less frustrating? Less . . . like me?
Because, when I sit with this Gospel for a while, I feel like Jesus is speaking directly to me.
Even as I pshaw at the people demanding a sign, I have to swallow hard at the memory of how many times I have also demanded a sign.
How will I know I’m supposed to buy that house? Take that job? Move to that city? Call that person? Volunteer for that project? Write that note? Try that thing that’s been eating at me?
A sign would be just the thing, preferably accompanied by a clap of thunder and the voice of God booming affirmation.
And yet, we hear over and over that God speaks with a whisper, moves with the wind, is in the stillness and silence.
The sign, in fact, may be that we’re even thinking of that crazy thing. The sign may be that our hearts have softened enough that the Spirit can move in and make headway.
When I look back, I see plenty of signs. They come not with thunderclaps and booming voices, but from friends and family, from internal convictions and Scripture passages that leap out at me.
The miracle, in fact, may be how stubborn I remain in wanting a loud, terrifying interruption when God has been so polite as to weave signs into the fabric of my life.
Ponder:
What sign have you been overlooking? How can you open yourself to the sign that God has for you?
Pray:
Jesus, thank You. You have given me so much, and I ask today for the grace to see and better understand the signs You have for me.
Copyright 2023 Sarah Reinhard
About the Author
Sarah Reinhard
When she’s not chasing kids, chugging coffee, or juggling work, Sarah Reinhard’s usually trying to stay up read just one … more … chapter. She writes and works in the midst of rural farm life with little ones underfoot. She is part of the team for the award-winning Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion, as well as the author of a number of books. Follow her writing at Snoring Scholar.
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