Ordinary Time – Reflection – Longing for Holiness – Accept the Truth

Vincentian Day of Prayer and Fast: Re-post from July 8, 2014

Ordinary Time

I am not sure why we call it ordinary time. It is a long section of our liturgical season filled with many important celebrations. When you think of it, most of our lives are in ordinary time, doing the ordinary things. Even our service sometimes becomes ordinary. We become ordinary servants and we tend to forget the blessings of ordinary things. Make your ordinary days, holy, filled with joy and wonder and remember to pass this on to others. Make someone’s day by smiling and giving them a little of the glow you have. Ask God to help you – He is always there. The Trinity is always a part of your ordinary time. Rejoice and be glad.

Reflection

There is more than one way to use reflection. First of all, first thing in the morning, look at yourself in the mirror. We’ve done this before, but do you remember to do it yourself? So, look into the mirror and recognize the beautiful person you are and thank God for creating the perfect you. See Him in your wonderful face. Know He is always with you and make sure you bring Him with you the entire day. Now the other reflection is prayer. Pray always. Choose a Psalm and memorize a line or a verse, or choose a favorite Scripture. I like many psalms, but Mathew is a great Gospel for our work and is so rich in one liners to reflect on. One I’ve been using the past few weeks is, “Follow Me” said by Jesus in Mathew 8. You just need to reflect on the words and all kinds of images pop into your head and they are all good.

Longing for Holiness

Slow down! Simplify your life and spend more time in prayer. The greatest prison people live in is the fear of what others think. This happens when we strive and long for holiness. We do not share our faith because we are afraid of what others will say. Holiness is what we long for. Holiness is what Christ wants from us. Holiness is not judging, but loving and bringing others to happiness. Show your faith by your acts of kindness and goodness. Long for holiness and it will come. I don’t know about you, but I truly have to pray for holiness constantly. It is ongoing. I’m not really sure we ever get there until we are called to heaven. We must trust as Jesus is calling us to holiness and we long for it as well. Lift others with you. All things are possible with God. Forgiveness is a big part of the journey. Never be afraid to forgive and ask for forgiveness.

Accept the Truth

It is wrong when we refuse to act on the message of Jesus. No matter how hard we try, life is not always easy and comfortable. This is a fact and the truth. We try to work our way around this truth, because sometimes we think we can do it all. We are not successful with every person or family we serve. Sometimes our giving and giving keeps them in poverty. Money doesn’t always do it. When we co-operate with Jesus the burden is much lighter. The visit is important. We serve as Christ and we are serving the broken Christ. The truth is Christ is in all of us. Sometimes we do not see Him so clearly and sometimes we just do not accept this truth. When money is being thrown at someone without a plan to be lifted from poverty we are failing. We must be present and teach those we serve how to fish. It sometimes takes a long time to teach them to fish, but the rewards are priceless. And that’s the truth!! Love and lift them from poverty. Let Christ help you. You will not fail. Accept the truth.

Blessings,
Lynn