Week of September 19, 2011 – September 23, 2011
(Twenty-sixth Week of Ordinary Time)
Reflection: There was recently a piece on one of the Sunday morning “magazine” shows about a group of people who have an unusual hobby – they watch movies and television shows to spot inconsistencies and errors that crop up when multiple “takes” are pieced together for the final release. For example, there is a scene in the final cut of the “Wizard of Oz” in which Dorothy is wearing black shoes instead of the red ones so essential to the storyline.
I found this piece interesting, because, on occasion, I, too, have spotted some of these glitches – but to think that there are people who devote hours to watching for and then posting these inconsistencies on the Internet is incomprehensible – at least, to me.
But, in considering this odd pastime, my thoughts turned in another direction. What, I wonder, does God see when He looks at the myriad of scenes which constitute our days? How many errors, inconsistencies, flaws, mistakes mark the movies of our lives? Not to mention the downright bad choices that purposely distance us from one another and from God Himself? They are too numerous to count, I am sure. And, should He ever choose to do so, God could publish an exposé that would put the tabloids to shame. Yet, He doesn’t. God, who could pinprick up to death with our mistakes and failures, chooses not to – instead, He continually invites us to be, to become the “more” He has envisioned for each one of us.
What’s more, God invites us into His vision, His infinite love for ourselves and for each other. God invites to see beyond the holes in ourselves to grow into someone better than we ever thought we could be. Then, God asks us to do the same for others – to stop picking on their failures, to stop looking for the mistakes and faux pas, to stop searching for fodder for gossip, and to offer the chance, the opportunity to be the building blocks, the living stones of His Kingdom.
If God can overlook and forgive the weaknesses in us and others, should not we as well?
How different, less harsh, the world might be if we spent more time, effort, and energy recognizing and supporting the good, instead of lying in wait for the shortcomings of others. Maybe that is where the Kingdom begins – with a change of heart and vision that sees all (ourselves and others) with the mercy, the hope, the dream of God’s heart. May that vision be ours this week and every week.
Peace and blessings to you this week!
Special Prayer Intention for the Week: For those whose hearts and dreams have been crushed by the judgment of others, that God will support them with His love and lift them to new possibilities.
Class Summaries:
Religion - Grade 6
Current Topic:
Chapter 2 – The Form of the Bible
Our Focus This Week:
Introduction to literary forms.
Current Assignments:
Study 10 minutes every night.
“The Bible Is the Word of God” picture (mostly
completed in school) due Wednesday, 9/28.
Special Items of Note:
Chapter test will be returned this week.
No class participation grade for the week of 9/23
due to chapter test.
Religion - Grade 7
Current Topic:
Chapter 1 – Who Do You Say That I Am?
Our Focus This Week:
Jesus as seen in John Gospel.
Current Assignments:
Study 10 minutes every night.
Special Items of Note:
The major challenge in this chapter is the
tendency to blur the lines between
the four Gospel portraits of Jesus.
Daily study, then, is absolutely essential.
Chapter test scheduled for Tuesday, 10/4.
Study guides will be distributed this week.
Religion - Grade 8
Current Topic:
Chapter 1 - "In the beginning ..."
Our Focus This Week:
God’s promise of a Messiah.
Current Assignments:
Study 10 minutes every night.
Special Items of Note:
Chapter test scheduled for Thursday, 10/6.
Study guides will be distributed this week.
Social Studies - Grade 7
Current Topic:
Chapter 1 – Exploring the New World
Our Focus This Week:
English exploration of North America.
Current Assignments:
Study 10 minutes every night.
Special Items of Note:
Homework will be returned sometime this week.
Section test will be given toward the end
of next week.
