Thou shalt renew the face of the earth
It is God’s design to “renew the face of the earth” by the Holy Spirit using us as His instruments. Do we believe this?
Upon His shoulders dominion rests
This week, we are celebrating the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven. As a babe kings honored Him. As a young man all abused Him. And now He will take those wounds into Heaven with Him, dignifying our humanity. Christ the King takes His proper seat at the right hand of God the Father and, with a watchful eye, oversees His dominion.
Our personal history is a story of God’s love
Through mass, the Ignatian Examen and mental prayer, our understanding of our relationship with God continues to develop and transform
Entering into the Triduum
In true Hope, we walk with Jesus helping to carry His cross and knowing that it is only through Him that we may one day bask in the light of God’s face. Every small suffering, frustration or regret is opportunity for relationship with Him.
Prayer and reconciliation
Reconciliation with God must take place outside the confessional too, within our relationships. This might seem impossible to do while dodging those passive-aggressive shots from brother John or Aunt Sally. If nothing else, hearing our salvation history in mass readings during this period should remind us that God really is bigger than the bad attitude of our in-laws!
Expectations
Like the Prodigal Son, our own expectations become a barrier to both receiving and giving love. We expect others to love us beyond their capacity, their brokenness. And too often we don’t think about their similar expectations of us.