The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
St. Peter Damian, bishop, doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
James 4:1-10
Psalm 55:1-11, 23
Mark 9:30-37

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

When we consider the spiritual condition of the world today it would be easy to become pathologically anxious. From a purely human perspective it seems almost impossible for man to be reconciled to God and one another. Yet, because of the faith we have received we are emboldened to hope that God's plan for the salvation of mankind will be victorious.

Unfortunately, by nature, we are not patient, nor do we easily submit to a Higher, even legitimate, authority of any kind. We want immediate answers, solutions and resolution. These aren't God's ways, and often when it seems as though God is silent or has turned His back on us, it isn't the case at all.

Holy Scripture reminds us that what we erroneously think of as God delaying, is really evidence of His patience and mercy so that all might be saved.

We must not let anxiety distract or tire us, but rely all the more on God -- His timing, His ways. The problem is how do we do that? Where will we find reassurance and the comforting presence of the Lord?

Today's First Reading from James tells us how: "Draw close to the Lord and He will draw close to you." Let us then do something positive, like praying; speaking to the Lord as the dear and concerned Father that He is. He will not forsake us, but in His mysterious way reach down from heaven and help.

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

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