Reflection for Aug. 13, 2023

Thank you, Sr. Aggie, for great words of wisdom. How blessed we are to have a God of mercy and grace!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this special Reading! Not to long ago, I had to make a decision regarding a "loved one." With the help of God, I was able to make a decision that has allowed me the priviledged to walk with that person. The Reading for this week as well as your thoughts have assured me that I made the right decision. God Bless you Sister and all who will absorb your thoughts as the Good Lord intended. May the Good Lord bless all who need our help, and may he bless all of us who can step forward and offer that assistance.

In God We trust!

Father Bill Jacobs

Good one Aggie, we all need reminding.

Thanks, Aggie. An inspirational message from the Gospel and about beauty of the Sacrament of Anointing!

It is worthy of our contemplation that Sr. Agnes connects the gospel story of "storms" in our lives to that of JESUS' healing presence through the sacrament of anointing. Consider the following:

1) The word 'anoint' comes from the ancient Latin word 'unguere,' which means "to smear," which explains why 'anoint' is the word used to apply with oil or another smearable substance. And from 'enointen,' "pour oil upon, smear with ointment," from Old French enoint "smeared on."

2) The gospel story in John in which JESUS "smears mud," made from the earth and his own spittle, on the blind man's eyes. "[JESUS] spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and 'smeared it' on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” [JESUS] told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. [John 9:1-8]

3) Y/OUR anointing in a) Baptism, b) Confirmation, c) Healing.

4) Lastly, consider the meaning of the words of the song, "One Spirit, One Church," which calls upon the Holy Spirit to anoint each and every one of us:

"We are a pilgrim people,

we are the Church of God.

A family of believers,

disciples of the Lord.

United in one spirit,

ignited by the fire.

Still burning through the ages,

still present in our lives.

Come Holy Ghost, ......

Thou font of life and fire of love,

the soul’s anointing from above."

The Indwelling Holy Presence is our Comforter, our Healer, Teacher, and Guide; our Life and Salvation.

We are, indeed, a holy people living on a holy, sacred earth, which also includes life-giving waters. Let us be given "eyes" to SEE anew, "hearts" to APPRECIATE more deeply, and "spirits" to HONOR and REVERENCE all as sacred gift.

I hope to receive this sacrament soon!