Ouch! I cut my finger on the lid of a can of tuna. Sharp edge! I proceeded to the medicine cabinet for some peroxide and a Band-Aid. It was just an easy, normal thing to do—something I just take for granted. Then I heard on the television news how, in the war-torn Middle East, doctors are operating on children by the light of multiple cell phones and are using vinegar as the only available antiseptic.
We all take many things for granted. There are so many daily blessings that we are accustomed to that we don’t even think of them as blessings. Maybe it is time to think again.
In the gospel reading in today’s Mass, (Luke 13:10-17) the woman whom Jesus cured of an 18-year infirmity was able to stand up tall and think again about her life possibilities. Scripture says the first thing she did was glorify God.
We go to Mass weekly, or even daily, and receive the precious Body of Jesus in the Eucharist. Do we really understand what a blessing that is? What an encounter! Do we just take that grace for granted? Do we savor the experience of meeting God’s Son in a truly physical way?
As we pray for peace in this troubled world, let us try to pay attention to all the blessings we experience each day of our lives. It is easy to take everyday gifts for granted.
Let us pray.
How can I truly praise you, Lord?
The best I can do is to pay attention,
and acknowledge your wonderous actions,
to find you in all things—-somehow, somewhere, everywhere;
to call it out: credit where credit is due!
My praise words help to remind me joyfully of who is in charge.
My praise is bursting with thanksgiving.
My heart’s desire should be only what your will sanctions.
I find it hard to understand sometimes,
but you know that, and you have patience with me.
You are merciful.
Teach me to praise you better and to give you glory in the highest!
Amen.
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Photograph by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash.
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Manchester, Connecticut. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.