Father Michael's Weekly Reflection

"You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do." (Mt. 16:23)

This is the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time. The prophet Jeremiah discloses that he was seduced by the Lord. Although his humanity felt repugnance at times about being the bearer of bad news, he couldn't say no. St. Paul had a similar experience when after being shipwrecked, stoned and scourged he said "The love of Christ urges us on." (2 Cor. 5:14)

God seduces us with the gifts he gives us. The more we experience God's love, the more we begin to love him in return. Love is always sacrificial giving. When we see that all we are and have comes from God's goodness it is natural to want to give back in return. As we count our blessings daily for all the large gifts (life, faith, health, etc.) we also begin to recognize the smaller ones. Gratitude and love go hand in hand.

Questions for Reflection:

• Do I thank God daily for all the gifts I have received?
• Have I become too used to God or what I think I know about him?
• Does his love for me cause me to grow in wonder or have I fallen into routine in my relationship with Him?