I will proclaim, there are no coincidences with God, with the people and things that touch our lives.  They are living proof of the love God shares with us and His plans for us. The deep, abiding affection of a loving parent – a source of solace and comfort. 

Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

2 Kings 2:1, 6-14

Psalm 31:20, 21, 24

M atthew 6:1-6, 16-18  "Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in  heaven. (2) "Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. (3) But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (4) so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (5) "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. (6) But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (16) "And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. (17) But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, (18) that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Meditation by Nancy Shirley

O ur first two readings for today speak of faith and comfort.  In a twist from many days, the gospel today differs many of New Testament readings that usually provide the “softer side” of love and acceptance.  In today’s gospel, Jesus actually admonishes us as he provides directives of behavior for his disciples.

Elisha is so genuine and sincere in the first reading.  His response when Elijah asked him “ . . whatever I may do for you . . .” was both affirming and inspiring.  Elisha was not interested in anything material, asking instead for a “double portion of your spirit.”  In asking for his spirit Elisha was to be a great prophet and serve the Lord, as did Elijah; the idea of a double portion not only strengthens him but also confirms his place as a rightful heir – the custom at the time being the first son or true heir received double of what the others would inherit.  How often have I looked at others – serene and comforted in their faith – and asked to be more like them?  To have the “gift” they display . . . Here Elisha asks for that strength, that connection and legitimacy with the Lord.

The symbol of the mantle as a manifestation of power and faith is a significant image left behind by Elijah yet still miraculous in the hands of Elisha who, indeed, had received the gift of the spirit. Both Elijah and Elisha in the manner of Moses were able to part the Jordan – more symbolism of their faithful charge.  The importance of a mentor-mentee relationship is another strong image here.

As I reflect on the psalm, I am reminded that my very being, the absolute core of who I am relies upon my relationship with God.  I cannot imagine how anyone can survive let alone thrive without such a relationship.  What provides that very essence of comfort? Certainly there are no things that truly can provide that.  There may be a momentary sense of relief but nothing with continued sustainment.  Sometimes there are people that offer such comfort to us.  I believe such people and actions are manifestation of God’s love for us. 

These people and events are blessings in our lives – put there by God at just the right moment.  Have you had that friend that called at just the right time?  Heard lyrics of a song when that was exactly what you needed to hear?  Felt the healing hand of God through a rainbow, a flower or other people?  Just recently, my stepdaughter was married.  As I left the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding, it was clear to me that many relationships had been mended and new bonds formed.  I pulled onto the highway and turned the radio on – the first words were my affirmation:  “I have seen the healing hand of God . . .”  Again, I will proclaim there are no coincidences with God, with the people and things that touch our lives.  They are living proof of the love God shares with us and His plans for us. The deep, abiding affection of a loving parent – a source of solace and comfort.

Supplementary Reading

For Your Good

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them - Romans 8:28

E very person goes through disappointments and things that don't seem to make sense. It's easy to get discouraged and think, "Why did this happen to me?" "Why did my loved one not make it?" "Why did this person treat me wrong?" "Why did I get laid off?" I had a man recently tell me how he lost his job after many years. He just didn't understand it. He said, "Joel, I gave that company my best. I was always there on time. I was loyal. It's just not right."

Friend, we have to understand that even though life is not always fair, God is fair. He promises that He will work all things together for our good. I believe the key word in today's verse is "together." In other words, don't just isolate one part of your life and say, "Well, this is not good." "It's not good that I got laid off." "It's not good that my child got sick." "It's not good that my relationship didn't work out." Yes, that's true, but that's just one part of your life. God can see the big picture. That disappointment is not the end. Your life doesn't stop because of one setback. That is simply one piece of your puzzle. There is another piece coming to connect it all because God promises to work all things together for your good!

Heavenly Father, thank You for working all things together for my good. I choose to release any doubt, any frustration, any confusion over my past, and I choose to trust in You. Help me to see the big picture as I keep my mind stayed on You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.—Joel & Victoria Osteen

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GOD BLESS US ALL!

O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.