Friday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s first reading is a letter of prayer, encouragement, and gratitude from Paul and Timothy to “all the holy ones in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi.” As I read this letter, I imagined writing you a letter…
“LeeAnn and Brandon, disciples of Christ Jesus,
to all the parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church who are in Dayton,
with their families and loved ones:
grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…”
The rest of Paul and Timothy’s letter still seems pretty accurate, especially if you take out the piece about their imprisonment and replace it with the isolation of the pandemic. Over the last several months, Brandon and I have been reflecting on how thankful we are to be part of this parish. We felt a sense of joy and welcome from the first time we attended mass at IC and continue to feel connected in partnership for the Gospel. We have felt physically safe and spiritually comforted since returning to mass this summer, thanks to the intentional protocols put in place. We are grateful for the music, the opportunity to worship and pray together in-person and virtually, and the continual messages of the Gospel that are both challenging and filled with hope.
As we get closer to learning the results of this year’s political election, I find my anxiety rising. No matter who wins, there will be some who are filled with a sense of relief and peace and others who are scared and devastated. It seems that’s just the polarized nature of our society right now. It is reassuring to read Paul and Timothy’s prayer for us, which can also be our prayer for one another: that our “love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that (we) may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.”
Jesus’ actions in today’s Gospel are another reminder to discern what is of true value. Despite the cultural rules and societal norms, he does what is needed in order to care for someone else. May we have this same love and perception, caring for and loving our neighbor, regardless of the expectations of the law. Perhaps we can set aside time today to reach out to someone in need, write a letter of gratitude, post something encouraging on social media, and hold a prayer in our hearts for an increase in love.
Grace & Peace,
- LeeAnn Meyer