Friday 9th January – Friday after Epiphany Sunday

Reflection: Luke 5: 12-16

GETTING ALONE WITH GOD

The Scriptures contain diverse miracles and challenging teachings of our Lord. Though short, the time frame of His earthly ministration, the impact was tremendous (John 21:25). Our Lord conquered sin, Satan and death. By His sacrificial death and resurrection, He has overcome the world and offered new life to mankind. We might be quick to attribute Christ’s ability to achieve so much to His divine nature, yet we must remember that He was truly human just as He was divine (CCC 464, 469). He was like us in all respects, tempted like us, yet without sin (Hebrews 2: 14-18, Hebrews 4:15). So what was the secret behind His successful mission? Today’s gospel reading gives us an insight to our Lord’s inner life – it was one of constant communion with God the Father (Luke 5:16, John 5:19).

Beloved in Christ, if you and I would also lead a meaningful and impactful life; if we are to overcome the world as enquired by St John in today’s first reading, of paramount importance is our daily resolve to seek communion with God in prayer. Getting alone with God should never be a function of how much spare time we have in a day; it should rather define our day. No one has more than 24 hours in a day; we only have time for what we make out time for and we only make out time for what we consider important.

Dear friends, as none of us can consistently order his or her steps aright (Jeremiah 10:23, Proverbs 16:23), we need divine guidance and accountability which is only obtainable in solitude with the Lord. But beyond this, our hearts must necessarily yearn for His loving presence and for adoration if indeed we love Him. Let us welcome each day in our Lord’s loving presence; let us end each day in reflection and thanksgiving to Him; let us constantly visit Him in Eucharistic adoration. This refreshes our souls and strengthens us to forge ahead rightly in life. The more we seek Him, the better we know Him; the better we know Him, the more we love Him!

PRAYER: My God and my Love, You are all that matters most to me! Please deepen my hunger for You and help me find You as I daily seek You. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 508 – What happens if you do not feel anything when you pray or even experience reluctance to pray?
Distractions during prayer, the feeling of interior emptiness and dryness, indeed, even an aversion to prayer are experienced by everyone who prays. Then to persevere faithfully is itself already a prayer. 

HIDE A TREASURE: “You will seek me and find me; when you seek me with all your heart” Jeremiah 29:13 RSV-CE

Readings for Today: 1 John 5: 5-13; Psalm 147: 12-15, 19-20; Luke 5: 12-16