4th Sunday in Ordinary Times

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Every week the assigned readings for the following Sunday are listed in the bulletin. Before every liturgical season the readings for the season are listed in a bulletin insert. I encourage you to reflect on those readings before you come to Sunday Mass, not only to avoid surprise or confusion, not only to gain historical or theological background information, but above all to allow the Word of God to shape your lives. I invite you not just to read but to pray the Scriptures, alone or with your family. It need not be daunting.

Each day set aside fifteen minutes or so that are not likely to get interrupted. Try to quiet yourself. Try to put aside all distractions, worries, and concerns. Then make the Sign of the Cross, pause, read the scripture once, and pause again. (If several are praying together, the reading should always be done aloud.) After a minute or two reread the scripture, and pause again. Then speak aloud any word or phrase that resonates with you. If you are praying with others, at this point you might want briefly to share insights. Listen to each other without comment, for this is not a discussion or lesson, and there are not right or wrong sharings. Once everyone has had a chance to speak, read the scripture one final time. Pause, and then conclude with the Sign of the Cross.

Afterwards, if you are so inclined, you might want to engage in discussion or study. Discussion and study are important for a richer understanding of Scripture, but they can run the risk of being overly academic. Studying the scriptures should prepare us to hear God speaking in them. Praying the Scriptures opens us to hear God’s Word in our lives.

Peace and every blessing,

Loren, OFM