Wednesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

Looking for the Lord

“Okay, people, it is time to seek the Lord!” That’s basically what the prophet Hosea is saying in today’s first reading. The Israelites were feeling good—with all their production, with all their success, with all their sacrifices—but they were not really doing it for the LORD, the God of Israel. There was at least one other god to whom they attributed their prosperity and offered their sacrifices, namely, Baal, the God of Canaan. They were not looking for or seeking the face of the LORD.

Nothing is to be preferred to the Work of God. (Rule of Benedict 43:3)

We monks have periods for work and periods for prayer. In fact, I am writing this to you during one of my periods for prayer. I consider this a form of prayer—reading the scriptures, listening to what they say to me, and then writing down what may be of benefit to you. Admittedly, I feel I’m shooting in the dark, so to speak. But I trust that what comes to mind as I read in a prayerful manner is what the Lord wants me to say. I do not know so, but I believe so. It is an act of faith. It is a heart thing. To the best of my ability, I am looking for and seeking the Lord.

For the Journey:

What are you seeking? For whom are you looking? For what are you doing life? Take fifteen minutes today to sincerely ask yourself these foundational questions. Seek the presence of the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ!

Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB