A Rosebud Photo taken Aug 27, 2005

 

Hope June 13, 2006

Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, priest and doctor of the Church

Reading 1 1 Kgs 17:7-16 The brook near where Elijah was hiding ran dry, because no rain had fallen in the land. So the LORD said to Elijah: “Move on to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have designated a widow there to provide for you.” He left and went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the entrance of the city, a widow was gathering sticks there; he called out to her, “Please bring me a small cupful of water to drink.” She left to get it, and he called out after her, “Please bring along a bit of bread.” She answered, “As the LORD, your God, lives, I have nothing baked;there is only a handful of flour in my jar and a little oil in my jug. Just now I was collecting a couple of sticks, to go in and prepare something for myself and my son; when we have eaten it, we shall die.” Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid. Go and do as you propose. But first make me a little cake and bring it to me. Then you can prepare something for yourself and your son. For the LORD, the God of Israel, says, ‘The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’” She left and did as Elijah had said. She was able to eat for a year, and Elijah and her son as well; the jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, as the LORD had foretold through Elijah.

Ps 4:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8R. (7a) Lord, let your face shine on us.When I call, answer me, O my just God, you who relieve me when I am in distress; Have pity on me, and hear my prayer! Men of rank, how long will you be dull of heart? Why do you love what is vain and seek after falsehood? R. Lord, let your face shine on us. Know that the LORD does wonders for his faithful one; the LORD will hear me when I call upon him. Tremble, and sin not; reflect, upon your beds, in silence. R. Lord, let your face shine on us. O LORD, let the light of your countenance shine upon us! You put gladness into my heart, more than when grain and wine abound. R. Lord, let your face shine on us.

Reading II Rom 8:14-17 Brothers and sisters: For those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption,
through whom we cry, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.


Gospel Mt 5:13-16 Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand,where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

Let your light shine for all the world to see...The Gospel proclaims the wonder of the grace of being a disciple. It is a blessing to have the light of Christ in the world. If that beautiful living flame of the presence of God from within is covered and not shared with the world, it can be extinguished. I see this as the light of faith meant to grow through sharing and love and being on the mountain open and available to all...shining with the love that God has gifted and meant to be shared to truly be fullfilled and brought to fullness. Goodness and faith are meant to be openly shared not hidden or covered or "trampled underfoot" by other earthly ways. The Gospel in this reading talks of good deeds. I truly believe that many times "talk is cheap" there is no merit in thoughts and feelings alone if they are not supported by good acts in a life of discipleship.

The first reading in Kings is a great lesson in hope. It reminds me of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. There have been so many times when I did not know what would happen next and thought that my last reserves of supplies, or last options of choices in a situation had been exhausted just as the widow thought the bit of flour and oil was the last she would have. So many times God provides. It is part of faith to do God's will but also trust that God will provide. It does not mean not working and doing things to make a good thing happen or fill a need but it means trusting in the Lord in all things. Trust that God knows and loves me as the most loving Abba never turning away from me in my time of need. The psalm refrain will be my prayer of the day for throughout the day: Lord let your face shine on me.

There are remnants of a storm passing through this area this morning with high winds. I trust that the Lord will protect me this day and provide me with the good things that I need.