Readings for Wednesday February 4, 2009

First Reading: Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103
Gospel: Mark 6:1-6


"That's just my rotten luck!" or "Nothing good ever happens to me!"

Do you know people who this seems to be all they every think about or say? Most people who do not get their way tend to think that they have bad luck or that God really seems to have it in for them. To be honest, nothing could be further from the truth.

Saint Paul tells us today that "God disciplines those that He love." Our heavenly Father loves us so much that He even disciplines us and tries to teach us lessons. I mean, isn't that what parents are supposed to do for their children? Parents who truly love their children will discipline them, even though it may be extremely difficult for the parent; but because they love their child and want them to come out better, they discipline. It is by this discipline that we learn those tough lessons and come out stronger and more obedient.

So maybe next time we feel that we are being disciplined by God we will not say "that's just my rotten luck!" Perhaps instead we will say "thank you Father, for your love and mercy."

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. We thank you for our lives and for all that you give and teach us. Lord help us to be all that we were created to be so that we might serve you with all that we are. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.