The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 16:22-34
Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8
John 16:5-11

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

The thing in today's Scripture Readings that particularly caught my attention was that the jailer sought conversion only after he had experienced an extraordinarily frightening event. Isn't that the way it so often is! We have to be shocked out of our socks, so to speak, before God has our attention and we're finally in the mood to listen attentively to Him.

There have been times in my life when I have prayed for a docile spirit and temperament that would naturally lead me to hear the gentle urgings of God. Often it has been after realizing to what extent God might have to go to get me to change. It scared me to think of it, for I seem little inclined to suffering and don't like to be frightened.

The wonder and awe and power of God are beyond all our capacity to fathom. Yet He stoops down from heaven and we are told, delights in the children of men. I'm sure He doesn't like to be heavy handed with us, but the alternative however is far worse, the possible loss of eternal glory. So I will continue to pray for docility, but if You must Lord, do whatever is necessary. I don't want to be lost, no matter what.

"Lord, give us joy by these Easter mysteries."
(from the prayer over the gifts at today's Mass)

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

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