Reflection for Feb. 10, 2013
posted on: Thursday, February 07, 2013 by: renaebauer
'Pruning' can eliminate what stands between
us and God
by Sister Angela Palm
We had a hickory tree but it was dying so my father cut it down.
From the stump came a new shoot, hope for the future. The
possibility of new life coming from something imperfect or dead
came to mind after reflecting this Sunday's readings.
Isaiah 6:1-8 -- In the temple Isaiah says, "Woe
is me, I am a man of unclean lips!" His sin is purged by an angel
with a burning coal. His old self was cut away, leaving "a stump."
The Lord calls him to be a prophet, a hope for the future. He
responds, "Here I am."
When have you been pruned? How did the experience strengthen
your faith?
1 Corinthians 15: 1-11 -- Paul says "he's unfit
to be an apostle" since he persecuted the church. Going deeper he
preaches the then-controversial message of the bodily resurrection
of Jesus and hope for all who believe will also rise.
How has admission of your sin brought a new shoot in
your life?
Luke 5:1-11 -- Simon Peter and the other
fishermen labored all night but caught nothing. When Jesus
instructs them to drop their nets back in the water they obey.
Their harvest is abundant. Amazed at the great catch, Simon Peter
confesses his sinfulness, to which Jesus responds, "Do not be
afraid; from now on you will be catching men."
Jesus ministers to outcasts and sinners. To whom are you
sent?
Celebrating the
'Year of Faith'
The Creed: Receive the Holy Spirit
chapter 9
, US Catholic Catechism
for Adults
by Sister Mary Kabat
Before He ascended into heaven, Jesus told his Apostles, "You
will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you
will be my witnesses ... to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8) This
is the same Holy Spirit and mission of Christ we receive at our
Baptism, Confirmation and at the end of every Mass.
The Church names 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit -- love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness,
faithfulness, modesty, self-control and chastity. What fruits
of the Holy Spirit do you recognize in yourself and what fruits do
you desire? Take one "fruit" to be mindful of living today
and consciously share it with those you meet.
To each individual the
manifestation of the Spirit is given for some
benefit. (1 Cor
12:7)