Reflections on the Readings of Sunday August 7, 2005

"What are you doing here, Elijah? Twice in the first reading, we hear these words. How often in our own lives, have we heard these words in our hearts spoken to us by the Lord? Possibly, we need to repeat these words, "What are you doing here ---------------- (inserting our own name.) How often have we taken the time to ponder that question? What are we doing here; ponder it in light of why Almighty God has put us on this earth. For my part, I began asking God this question, "What is it you want from me" about 25 years ago, at a time of great difficulty and distress in my life. It was not the first time I had faced distress and but the other times I did not turn to God, as I should have, but resorted to various negative means of dealing with the situation. It was not until I opened my eyes and heart and began asking, "Lord, What am I doing here. Lord, what is you want from me" that things started to become clearer. That is not to say that I actually knew what it was He wanted from me, but I began the long and sometimes difficult and painful journey to where I now find myself. Still the going is not smooth and I know I will have many more crosses to bear, just and Jesus had many agonies to suffer to gain our redemption. Each and every day, I pray asking the same question, "Lord, what is it you want from me" and I ask Him to hold my hand and guide me like a blind person, for indeed I am blind without His guidance, in the direction He wants me to go. Just like in today's Gospel, I repeat over and over the words of Peter, "Lord! Save Me" and I hear so clearly "Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid."" Come". Just like Peter, I have many fears; some dear friends and family reject what I feel called to do. I have felt the fierce force of the winds of the skeptics who claim that those who I am trying to reach out towards have rejected God and chosen to follow the Evil one because they are different and do not accept the edicts of Rome and heterosexuals I trust the words I hear in my heart and in my mind, "Man of little faith, why do you doubt? Do not be afraid, Come it is I, I who have come to bring mercy, forgiveness and love to all who follow me"So it is that, like Peter, I respond, "Truly, You are the Son of God" do with me what you will, I am yours Lord, by Your strength, inspiration, guidance, and love I pray that I may become an instrument of your love and bring those who have strayed away from your flock back into the fold, so that there is truly only one flock and one shepherd, Almighty God.
Amen.
August 6, 2005
Rev. Robert-Francis of the Immaculata SFI
Mission Sts. Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Mission_Sts_Sergius_and_Bacchus