Welcoming the Holy

Here we invite you to take time for yourself in personal prayer. The following spiritual reflection offers words and images which we hope will evoke for you an experience of God. 

Opening Prayer

O God, who have prepared for those who love you good things which no eye can see, fill our hearts, we pray, with the warmth of your love, so that, loving you in all things and above all things, we may attain your promises, which surpass every human desire. Through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen       (Collect from Sun. Aug 19th Mass)
 

Scripture

Sirach 51: 23-26

Come aside to me, you untutored, and take up lodging in the house of instruction: How long will you deprive yourself of wisdom’s food, how long endure such Bitter thirst? I open my mouth and speak of her: gain wisdom for yourselves at no cost. Take her yoke upon your neck; that your mind may receive her teaching. For she is close to those who seek her, and the one who is in earnest finds her. (from morning prayer for Sun. Aug 19th)

Reflection

It is almost time for school to begin for many of our students in this area. In some cities and states in our country, school has already begun. This scripture seeks to remind us that no matter our age, whether formal school age like an elementary, high school, or college student, or someone who has been out of school for 10, 20, 30, even 40 plus years, we never cease to be students. There is always something to learn, new knowledge to gain, new insights to discover.

It is tempting for those in the education field to believe that they are the teachers who have all the answers. Yet it never ceases to amaze me how much I learn about our world from the children who sit in front of me for 10 months out of the year. I am constantly aware of how sometimes their innocent young lives have more wisdom and insight than my 47 plus years. So the questions for me, for us, as we approach the new school year:
 

Have I stopped having a desire to learn? If so, why? Who are my wisdom figures? Whom can I look to teach me things I don’t yet know?
 
These questions are timeless whether you are 4, 14, 34, or 94. Don’t stop the desire to learn what you do not already know. Whole new worlds can open up for you!
 

Closing Prayer

O Lord, show us your wisdom and love, through the people in our lives whom we connect with. Keep our eyes and ears open, our hearts receptive and attentive to those who have much to share with us. Make us worthy to receive the knowledge you desire for your people in order to bring about your Kingdom. We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, the most Holy of Teachers. Amen.