In today’s first reading, the Pharisee Gamaliel saves the lives of Peter and his companions with a speech to the members of the Sanhedrin. This teacher of the Law whom Paul claimed as his teacher (Acts 22:3) raises a question that has been debated, discerned, and contemplated for many centuries by groups and each of us at significant moments in our lives: “What is of God?”
We are a couple of weeks out from the Lenten season, the Triduum celebration, culminating with the joy of the celebration of Easter. And now, more days to reflect on it all.
As I look back, and especially for moving forward, I recall many moments that were for me “of God” or “God moments.” Some of mine:
- Many insightful and inspiring daily and Sunday homilies.
- Many inspiring and touching Daily Eucharistic Reflections by our team of lay and religious writers, including some new writers in this seventh year.
- I have many amazing conversations with women and men of all ages (a few with grandkids) on matters of faith, personal difficulties, and challenges, celebrating family, personal successes and milestones, and a parish committee I chair.
- An engaging “Visioning process” involving parishioners of our and another parish forming into a “Parish Family” with one pastor.
- A parish-sponsored Lenten retreat brought about a kind of metanoia that challenged me to see my faith commitment in new ways.
- And there were more — for which I am immensely grateful, reminding me of today’s Gospel story of Jesus multiplying the barley loaves and fish.
What is your list of moments, experiences (family/work/faith), celebrations, etc., over these last eight holy weeks that were for you “of God?”
Let Us Pray:
I believe that I have seen the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living! Alleluia! Alleluia!
