Sometimes
I like to listen to the day's scripture readings, rather than read them
myself. Other days I really like reading them so that I can meditate
on them.
In
light of that, I was searching for an online recitation of the rosary
so that I could just listen to it and I found a website of Bishop Robert
Barron reciting a scriptural rosary (Word on Fire). It was really
quite beautiful. It can be found on YouTube as well.
In
the opening reflection of the luminous mysteries, he talked about the
baptism of Jesus and how Jesus did not need to be baptized (since he was
sinless), but that he did that for us.
We
know that he came to take all of our sins upon himself, and that led me
to think about sharing in the sins of our brothers and sisters. While
we are not Jesus and could never do what he did, the "sharing" idea
really struck me.
Let
us pray today for each other in our struggles, our sinfulness, our
obstinacy and our wayward journeys. Let us--without lecturing--really
care about each other and willingly sacrifice our time and energy to
lift each other up.
In
getting baptized, Jesus showed us a loving way to be joined to us, and
we, too, can lovingly join each other if we realize how united we
actually are--in our humanity and in the image of God, because, after
all, we were all created by him.
Our
Deacon said something the other day in his homily that has stayed with
me. He said that when we come together to worship at Mass, we are one.
All of our differences of opinion, philosophies, political views and
lifestyles come together in the one worship of God. What a great image
of peace!
Worshiping
God together suspends all that divides us, at least for that moment in
time. What a beautiful opportunity we have in the Mass, where Jesus is
made present to us in his body, blood, soul and divinity. Not
surprising, our union with each other is a beautiful gift to God, a time
when his children come together and all in-fighting and discord is
suspended.
Do
not turn away from this amazing opportunity, but enjoy that time of
peace when, as Bishop Barron pointed out, God's divinity and our
humanity come together in the person of Jesus.
Be sure to look up Bishop Barron's recitation of the rosary on YouTube,
where you can find the various mysteries. And remember, the rosary is
for everyone, not just Catholics, so I encourage you to give it a try if
you are unfamiliar with it. You don't even need a rosary to do it!
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Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.com
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