Readings:
1 John 3:22 – 4:6
Matthew 4: 12 – 17, 23 – 25
Reflection:
Today’s Readings speak to me about remaining faithful to our calling, even in the face of challenges, great difficulties, or sadness and loss, because God is always with us. This is a message for everyone.
In Matthew, we hear of Jesus learning about the cruel fate of John the Baptist. In spite of this terrible news and its implications for the way Jesus would be treated, Jesus settled in Capernaum, and continued with greater fervour in his mission. John’s fate seems to have been a catalyst for Jesus to preach his mission in a new way. This Gospel story touches the urgency of the mission that confronts each of us amidst our own challenges in life. How do we respond to God’s call during difficult times?
Facing the darkness in our lives is challenging for all of us. Difficult times are inevitable and most of us struggle to find the light at times or see such times as opportunities for growth. When we can allow ourselves to fully experience the darkness, the frustration, or the sadness, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our strengths. It’s by confronting those shadows that we emerge stronger and more resilient.
I invite you to hear voices without and within speaking about hope, what is possible. God-with-us is in every part of our life. Listen to those words, sounds, experiences that stir something to you, those voices that speak to places you had buried after many disappointments, that call you to awaken, to hope again. Keep an ear tuned. And when these insights come, notice how your soul responds … Notice ALL that comes … Let whatever is there be … and let it invite you to deepen your Epiphany experience.
Pam Storey is a member of the Passionist Faith Community at Holy Cross, Templestowe, and one of the founding members of Passionist Companions. After a very active and varied family, church and working life, Pam is now focusing on developing a slow spirituality.