Today on this Soul Sunday I wanted to remind you that going to church or staying home and listening to The Word is good for your soul. A post I read over at Humor & Honey, Singing A Lie in Church, made me think about what is on my mind during the Mass. As of late, I think I've been pretty focused. Although reading the first or second reading during Mass helps. I have to pay attention or else I can potentially throw off the whole flow. That is something I am not willing to do! The nice thing about reading for the Sunday Mass, is that I practice during the week. I have all the readings that will be read in advance. It lets my mind marinate on The Word and the message that will be delivered.
This was not always the case. It was some time before I was asked to read. I didn't have the readings in advance and I admit my mind would wander. There was a handful of times that I would look at the families sitting in front of me and think, Wow they really have it together. Their ENTIRE family is here. Most times I attend church by myself. It takes a special occasion for the entire family to come out. The great thing though, is that God is with me always, so I NEVER feel alone.
Friday in Youth Group, Mother Blessed Sacrament showed me a video that made me feel a lot better about not having the entire family with me. Don't get me wrong I wish more of my family members attended Mass with me, but what I saw made me remember that sometimes the grass is not greener on the other side. Sometimes people look like they have it all together, but really don't. Try not to laugh too hard.
I find it comforting to know that the well polished family might not have it all together on Sunday morning. I am not sure if they have days like in the video, but its a comfort nonetheless. It is also a reminder to compare yourself to yourself and not others. Today I'll leave you with the Second Reading for your mind to marinate over.
Second Reading Jas 3:16-4:3 [Avoiding Conflicts] Wisdom begets innocence. It is peace-loving, kind, docile, impartial, and sincere. The inner cravings of human beings lead to murder, envy and squandering.
A Reading from the Letter of Saint James
BELOVED: Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.
Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passions that make war within your members? You covet but do not possess. You kill and envy but you cannot obtain; you fight and wage war. You do not possess because you do not ask. You ask but do not recieve, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Let it marinate!
Until Then,