Daily Reflection – Sep 24, 2016

Saturday 24 September 2016

First Reading: Ecclesiastes 11:9–12:8
Responsorial Psalm:
In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge
Psalm 89(90):3-6, 12-14, 17
Gospel Reading: Luke 9:43‑45

Today’s Feast: Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Gospel Reading:

While they were all amazed at his every deed,
Jesus said to his disciples,
“Pay attention to what I am telling you.
The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.”
But they did not understand this saying;
its meaning was hidden from them
so that they should not understand it,
and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

Reflection:

Pay attention. (Luke 9:44)

Most of us look at the nighttime sky and see a bunch of stars and maybe a constellation or two, but an astronomer sees so much more. It’s not because he has sharper eyes, but because he has learned how to pay attention to the position of the stars, the swirls of the galaxies, the minutest of details.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus urges his disciples to pay attention as well while he explains what is going to happen to him—that he will be arrested and crucified.

Even today, Jesus is still asking us to pay attention. But how? Here are a couple of things we can do.

Be quiet. Mother Teresa used to say that it is easier to hear the Lord speak in silence. There is something about quiet places that helps us slow down and focus. This may mean getting up a few minutes earlier to be with the Lord. It may mean taking a walk outside and enjoying the quietness of nature. Look around at the beauty of creation, and ask the Lord what is on his heart.

Be still. Quiet physical spaces are important, but let’s face it—it’s not always possible. Even so, we can practice stilling our thoughts and turning to the Lord throughout the day. For example, try mentally pausing for a moment every time you get a drink of water today. Try to sense God’s presence. He may fill you with peace or bring a Scripture verse to mind. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t always hear something. It’s about practicing and learning, not about getting it right the first time.

Part of being quiet and still may mean simplifying your life a bit or learning how to put the other aspects of your life in proper perspective. Simplicity and focus are the keys to developing the sharp eyes of an astronomer. They are what will help us see more than “just a bunch of stars” and instead,the endless constellations of grace that Jesus has for us.

Quiet. Stillness. Simplicity. Try putting these into practice. Jesus wants to teach you how to see him and detect the ways he is working. The more you practice paying attention, the more you will be able to discover what he is doing and saying.

“Lord, help me to focus on you today.”