IT WILL NOT GO AS HARD

PRAYER MOMENT                      

Tuesday 15 July 2014, St  Bonaventure

Pause. You are in the presence of God.

Reading: “And still, I tell you that it will not go as lard with the land of Sodom on Judgement day as with you.” (Matt 11:20-24)

Reflection. If we are honest we will admit that  at times we see ourselves as “not like” (Luke 18:11) this or that other person. We are better. We are Christians. We know the truth, etc. But in this text Jesus says it will go easier for the notorious people of Sodom on Judgement day than for Capernaum. So we can’t be so sure of ourselves! Does the name Marilyn Monroe ring a bell with you? She was beautiful and luminous and the most famous woman in the world in her time. But she took her own life at the age of 36. She could not handle it. What we now know is that she was a deeply authentic person, searching for the truth about life and about herself. I was one of those many years ago who joined in the “Poor Marilyn” chorus. But now I see her life as a triumph.

Prayer. Lord, give us eyes to see. There are beautiful people all round us whom the world ignores and even despises.  But you do not. You love them and walk with them in their struggles. Teach us to know we really are all equal and together on this journey to you.. Amen.

David Harold-Barry SJ