The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, January 25, 2004
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Nehemiah 8:2-6
Psalm 19:8-10,15
1 Corinthians 12:12-30
Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

When we look at human behavior and activity we can see that it always seems to be characterized by some kind of relentless pursuit. There appears to be a longing that drives us. Trying to get at the source of what motivates us is interesting and sometimes tells us about how we have been culturized, what kind of things have become values -- and not in the least, how God's grace has intervened.

There is one common denominator in all of this: that we were created with a natural longing for God, for the Perfect Uncreated One who is the essence of everything.

That is why, when with God's grace we find Him in Holy Scripture, we devour the words or, better expressed, they devour us and we seek to possess and become like everything they bespeak.

That is why the psalmist says with such genuine love, energy and conviction that the law of the Lord is perfect, it refreshes the soul, it is trustworthy, right, pleasing to the eye, a source of rejoicing to the heart. It is clear, enlightening, true and just.

What more is it that we really want, that we truly desire, that really isn't somehow hidden and masked in a search for the transcendent goodness, truth and beauty of God? It is something to think about - to recognize, that all our longing is for God.

"Your words, Lord, are spirit and life." (Psalm 19)

- Donna Nelson, ocds
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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posted by joachim at 5:32 AM