Reflection on Tuesday, 12th week of peacetime
Today’s reading can be found here.
“O Lord, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth. Incline your ear, O Lord, to hear; open your eyes, O Lord, to see.”
Did you hear the birds singing? Me too, until I made Ignatius’ pilgrimage to Spain in 2022. We were halfway through our journey, staying in Montserrat, where Ignatius gave up his sword and dedicated his life to God, when a fellow pilgrim commented on a beautiful songbird. The problem was, I didn’t hear it at all. I didn’t notice it because I was running around everywhere, wanting to see all the sights, get the perfect photo, and make sure my pilgrimage was going smoothly. I didn’t realize that I hadn’t opened my eyes and ears to capture the beauty of God’s kingdom and the people around me.
For the rest of the pilgrimage, I hoped I didn’t miss anything, but I listened to birds singing, saw flowers blooming, watched friends socialize, witnessed pilgrims praying, and received many of God’s blessings that we often take for granted in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives (for the record, I was able to sightsee, take photos, and oversee the pilgrimage to make sure it went smoothly).
Today, America Media is dedicating our newsroom to former board chair Susan Braddock. This is a small way of expressing our heartfelt gratitude and deep respect for her leadership, guidance and support. I find it especially meaningful that this ceremony is taking place today because few people better embody the biblical message today than Susan. Through her unwavering example, I hope we can all America We have been inspired and encouraged to look for, celebrate and contemplate the God-given talents, potential and spirit of those around us, and we are better because of it.
As you go through your day, today, tomorrow, and always, I hope you will take time to listen to the birds, see the beauty of this earth, and celebrate the gifts that we give to one another as children of God.
