Weekly Readings Reflections: 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time are:

Soloman was convinced that it was no accident that he was king, but divine providence. And because of that, he could be confident that God wanted for him to lead well, and so become a blesssing to God's people.
What is a ministry?
What do you pray for with respect to the ministry or ministries that you are in?
How has God answered those prayers through the years?
How has your prayer in this regard changed through the years?

Imagine that you suddenly had enormous wisdom, and you started to share that wisdom with others.
How do you think that would change your relationships to those around you?
What other virtues do you think that you would also need if you were going to be effective in that ministry of sharing wisdom with others?
What form would that sharing take? Would you tell others what they should be doing instead of what they are doing, would you remind them of things that they already know, would you challenge them to discern on their own ...?
Now that you've thought about this a little, do you still want that gift of wisdom?

We speak of the glory of God, but we don't spend much time thinking about that. Even more, we don't spend much time thinking about what it would mean to have a share in that glory.
What do you think we mean when we speak of the "glory of God"?
What are some of the ways that God has manifest His glory in your life?
Do you think that it's possible that we might manifest God's glorry in our lives.

For a long time, I tried to find ways to reliably strike a balance between work and life. Then I began to realize that life is all about work. Time at home is invested in DIY projects, helping the kids with their homework, helping the family to create a home that is a nourishing community. "Work" as in career then becomes a means to support that Life. Properly viewed, our spirituality is what gives meaning and direction to Life.
How does your faith impact your "work" life?
How does your work life impact your faith?
How do your family life and your faith give meaning to each other?

Where might God be trying to teach me wisdom?
Who among my friends and family needs to hear some inspirtation/consolation/comfort from me?
Where might God be inviting me into His glory in my life?
Where can my faith help me to be a better member of the various communities that I am a part of?

Veronica's Veil

I think about the various participants in Jesus' way of the cross.

I wonder how He regarded them during those encounters.

He was doubtless disappointed in Peter, and prayed for him.

I think that He prayed for Judas as well, knowing him the way He did.

Veronica was one of the few friendly faces in that boiling screaming crowd.

And yet all that she could do was to be there, and offer a gentle touch.

I believe that wisdom is more than just words shared.

Wisdom has to include timing.

Wisdom has to consider what the other is really able to receive in the moment.

Wisdom calls for courage and discernment when we touch another.

Wisdom has to work with humility in order to be well received.

Wisdom must be wrapped in patience.

God, grant me Your wisdom.

Let me be Your gift to others.

That I might learn from them

What it means to be Your hand in the dark

Your support at their side

Your Presence in their lives.

Shalom!

Asking yourself whether you still believe the things that drive you today.

Or whether its finally time to do some mental molting and move on.

Shalom!

Weekly Readings Reflections