+ We have a brief lesson in the spiritual life in the gospel passage today: when Jesus seems very proximate and near to us, then it is important for us to pause and celebrate that fact – even if it means setting aside some fixed personal prayer times and exercises. If the object of our prayer makes himself undeniably known and present: enjoy him – for he is the bridegroom who is spending quality time with us. But there will come times when it will seem like he is not so near – then it is important to resume our constant and effective "prayer and action exercises." The "new understanding that must be poured into new mindsets" is that Jesus is found in both the prayer and the subsequent loving action that follows the prayer: new wine, new wineskins!
The Jesus we meet in "prayer and action" is the one St. Paul tells the Colossians today is the firstborn of all creation. In him all things were created in heaven and on earth – everything. He existed before everything, and he holds everything in existence. And it is he who is head of the Body, the Church. He is preeminent. Unity is to be derived and peace is to flow from the Blood of his cross. It is so amazingly wonderful that this Lord, this Savior, this Bridegroom would want to be in a personal relationship with us – but he does want this, so very much. And all it takes is our willingness to be a part of that relationship!
Lord Jesus, whose kindness endures forever, and whose faithfulness is to all generations, fill us this day with your light and you love and your peace!
Amen!
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