July 5, 2021
Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase from the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.
When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he exclaimed, “Truly, the LORD is in this spot, although I did not know it!” (Genesis 28:10-22)
I DID NOT KNOW IT!: I know Jacob’s feelings well, this “after-the-fact” recognition of God’s presence in my life. There are times when I am experiencing beauty, joy, sorrow, or pain and I feel something wash over me. I am able to appreciate the moment, good or bad, and see clearly how to move forward. I tend to credit this clarity to circumstances, or more often, to my own abilities. I pat myself on the back and go about my life.
It is not until later, in reflective prayer, that I am able to see God’s hand in those experiences. To echo Jacob’s sentiment, I discover that God was there, “although I did not know it.”
We are presented with these sacramental moments every day. They are free-flowing gifts from God, with no expectation that He will receive anything in return; they are examples of His unconditional love.
I pray that I am able to live in the moment, and be truly attentive to God’s presence in my life.
From the Deacon's Desk 