Do you want to leave? May 6

Prayer

Jesus, help us build up your Holy Church and carry her with us every day in peace. Allow us to bring You to everyone we encounter today, including the strangers, the ill and the poor whom we meet for the first time. Come to us without delay so You can give us the gift of everlasting life to share in love. Amen.

Study
http://www.usccb.org/nab/050606.shtml

“Do you also want to leave?” John 6:67

As we approach the halfway mark in the Easter season, we get a special challenge from Jesus. He has told us what we need to do and now he invites us to leave if the Good News message is too shocking. But how can we leave if whomever is united with Christ by partaking in the Eucharist remains in Jesus and Jesus remains in him.

Imagine you are going about your daily routine. It’s Saturday. Maybe you are washing the car or cutting the grass. Maybe Saturday finds you in the grocery store or the shopping mall. Is God parked in your mind and heart and spirit? Much of life distracts us from God and from serving others. How can God remain in you?

The Hasidim tell the story about the preacher who preached over and over again, “Put God in your life. Put God in your life.” But the holy rabbi of the village responded, “Our task is not to put God in our life. God is already there. Our task is simply to realize that.” God is with us for the taking. Let's not leave him waiting for us at the bus stop. Slow down and realize God is already with you on your journey. Let God take you for the ride of your life.

Action
Can you make room for God in the mundane and dull moments of everyday life?

Perhaps by taking a small phrase of scripture with us today as a prayer to remember when we encounter others, Jesus will remain in our minds, hearts, body and spirit. Today, Jesus draws near and waits for you to translate his sacred word into action. Let His creation create you as you meet your sisters and brothers throughout the day.

What part of scripture can you take with you today? How can you make a return to God for all the good God has done for you? Or do you just want to leave it behind?

(If the e-mail doesn't come through every day, reflections are posted at www.yourdailytripod.blogspot.com.)