Interrupted Times

Reading: Luke 6:1-5 

One Sabbath while Jesus was going through some grain fields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” Jesus answered, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? How he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and gave some to his companions?” Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

Reflection

Where do you find the time to write? A friend asked me that question just last week.  I work full time and I am mom to three kids, each with their own distinct personalities, activities and interests. Uninterrupted time for prayer (or anything) is scarce in this era of my life. 

Despite the constant chatter and background noise, God’s voice continues to rise to the surface. Jesus teaches along the way, even in a field of wheat. Jesus uses the disciples hunger to teach a lesson on the true meaning of the law. I am struck not just by the message, but the setting. 

If Jesus meets his disciples as they collect water,  gather fish, and walk hungry through a field of wheat, why would he treat me any differently? He meets me as I mix up my aunt’s special crepe recipe, and cut them for my 5-year-old just exactly as she does. God is in the carpool line, the tech rehearsal for the spring musical, and the sidelines at a swim meet. Each day, God is meeting me along the way. Amidst these sacred encounters, I receive just enough time and space to capture and share them with others. 

Prayer

Prayer to Know God’s Will

May it please the supreme and divine Goodness
to give us all abundant grace
ever to know his most holy will
and perfectly to fulfill it.

—St. Ignatius of Loyola

Read more at jesuitprayer.org