A Reflection for Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
You can find today’s readings here.
“O LORD, God of Israel, enthroned upon the cherubim! You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made the heavens and the earth. Incline your ear, O LORD, and listen! Open your eyes, O LORD, and see!”
Did you hear the bird chirping? Neither did I—until I was on the 2022 pilgrimage to Ignatian Spain. We were about midway through the journey and staying in Montserrat, where Ignatius surrendered his sword and dedicated his life to God, when a fellow pilgrim commented on the beautiful songbirds. The trouble was that I hadn’t heard them at all. I hadn’t noticed them because I was too busy rushing around—wanting to see all the sites, take the perfect picture and ensure the pilgrimage was progressing without a hitch. I didn’t even realize that I had not opened my eyes and ears to take in the beauty of God’s kingdom and people all around me.
Hoping not to miss anything else, for the remainder of the pilgrimage, I heard the birds singing, I saw flowers blooming, I watched friends interacting, I witnessed pilgrims praying. I took in God’s many graces that we often take for granted in the busyness of our daily lives (but for the record, I was still able to sightsee, take pictures and oversee that the pilgrimage progressed just fine).
Today at America Media, we are dedicating our newsroom to our former Board Chair, Susan Braddock. This gesture is a small way to express our sincere gratitude and deep admiration for her leadership, guidance and support. It strikes me as especially meaningful that this ceremony is happening today, as I can think of few people who personify the message in today’s Scripture more essentially than Susan. Through her steadfast example, all of us at America have been inspired and encouraged to seek, celebrate and reflect upon the God-given talents, potential and spirits of those around us and we are all the better for it.
As you move through your day, I hope that you take the time today, tomorrow and always to engage fully and hear the birds chirping, see the beauty of this earth, and celebrate the gifts that we, as God’s children, are to each other.
