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February 7, 2023

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“Love the good Lord dearly; the rest is nothing.” These words from Eymard Day by Day remind us of how Saint Peter Julian saw all in the light of God’s love.

Many theologians and scripture scholars say that this “first” creation story in Genesis is a love letter and hymn. God loved our world into being, and more importantly, loved humanity into being in God’s image and likeness.

All of our Eucharists (Masses) are opportunities for us to experience the great love of creation and the love of God. With the preparation of the gifts at Mass, we say, “Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for it is through your goodness that we have this bread/this wine….” When this prayer is said aloud, we respond, “Blessed be God forever!” We acclaim God gives us so much that is wonderfully created gifts, especially the work of human hands. We share a partnership between God and us, represented in bread and wine, signs of all the good gifts from God.

When we recognize that all is good and a gift from God, we do not worry about purifying dishes, hand washing, etc., Pharisees obsess too much about human traditions and not God’s rules. They do not respect our common home and do not step out of their comfort zones to be co-creators with God in building and creating a better world. They confine to rubrics; they do not allow God’s gifts to develop creatively.

How may I enjoy the wonders of God today? When was the last time I reviewed and reflected on Pope Francis’ masterful encyclical Laudato Si’ (2015)? Have I changed my ways to ensure I leave a better planet for the next generation? That’s how we love the good Lord dearly!

Prayer

O God, how wonderful your name and creation! Thank you for creating me and this beautiful world! Thank you for helping me grow daily by learning more about everything you give me. May I share my gifts, blessings, and work of our hands with you in praise and glory for your name and with those among us to build the Body of Christ. Amen.

 

Eucharistic Reflection – Center for Eucharistic Evangelizing (eucharisticevangelizing.com)
To receive the Daily Eucharistic Reflection in your email, please contact Director, CEE [cee@blessedsacrament.com]

 

About John Thomas Lane, SSS

Blessed Sacrament Father Lane is pastor of his home parish, Saint Paschal Baylon, Highland Heights, Ohio. He writes and speaks regular on liturgy, has written two books for LTP, a four time member on the team of authors for Sourcebook, worked in a diocesan worship office and is an associate member of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC). He has degrees in education, music, theology and liturgy and also served his religious order as vocation minister. Contact him at jtlanesss@gmail.com or (440) 442-3410 extension 111.

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