WHO WOULD RISK THEIR LIFE?

PRAYER MOMENT                                  

Tuesday 5 August 2014, St Mary Major  

WHO WOULD RISK THEIR LIFE?

Pause. Be still in the presence of God.

Reading: “I will let him come freely into my presence and he can come close to me; who else, indeed, would risk his life by coming close to me? – it is the Lord who speaks, and you shall be my people and I will be your God.”  (Jer 30:18-22)

Reflection. In Matthew’s gospel for today (14:22-36) we see those who were “close to him” terrified and Jesus calling out to them, ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.” The reading from Jeremiah had long ago warned that ‘coming close’ to God was a risky business. He himself had complained about the cost and wanted to resign. But he found a fire burning within when he thought of running away. Somewhere there is a text which says, ‘It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.’ To take risks – any risk – is scary. And yet we know that life is experienced in its fullest when there are risks. People sail the seas in small boats or climb the highest mountains. They take huge risks with their lives – just for the sake of stretching themselves to the limit. So why should it be different with God. Also, today, we celebrate the moment when the Church, in Ephesus, in 431, found herself declaring her faith that Mary could be called ‘Mother of God’ since she is the Mother of Jesus.

   

Prayer. Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Mary, may we risk to give ourselves fully to your mission in our daily lives. Amen

David Harold-Barry SJ