Wednesday, August 17, 2016

20th Week, Ordinary Time, Thursday, 18-08-16

Ezekiel 36:23-28 / Matthew 22:1-14

If we find ourselves dreaming of staying in the countryside and living a relaxed and peaceful life, it may be because our present busy and stressed lifestyle is choking us.

We may get away from it all and go to the countryside to have a breath of fresh air and away from the hustle and bustle, but it is always back to reality.

Yet, this longing for peace and serenity only points to something deeper, something that our spirit is yearning for .

In essence, it points to our yearning and longing for God who can give peace to our hearts and renew our strength to face the challenges of life with a deeper understanding.

Yes, if only we understand that God is prompting us always. If only the people of the 1st reading understood that God was prompting them to turn back to Him, then they will get new heart and a new spirit in them.

If only those who were invited to the wedding feast as we have heard in the gospel parable, had understood and responded to the king's invitation.

But in turning to themselves, and turning away from an invitation to celebrate, they only turned to tragedy and the destruction of themselves.

The God who prompts us is the God who created us. We are more spiritual and mystical than we think we are.

And very often we act as if there is no God and that we saw and heard nothing.

Let us make time for prayer and hear the Spirit of God calling, and we will be lead to rest in the green pastures of God's love.