As I reflected upon today’s Scripture Readings, there was a phrase in the First Reading that got my attention and got me thinking about words or phrases that begin with “BE”… For example:
- Be strong
- Be bold
- Be a leader
- Be good
- Behave
- Be home early
- Be attentive
- Be careful
- Be polite
- Be thankful
- Be on time
- Be aware
- Be a friend
- Be helpful
- Be quiet
- Be respectful
- Be that as it may
- Be a man
- Be prepared
- Be my guest
So, what was the phrase in the Genesis Reading… It was the Lord saying to Abram, “I will make your name great so that you will be a blessing…”
You know folks, our God has a plan for us, as St. Paul reminds us, “to live a holy life.”
The famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, toward the end of his career, was asked by reporter, “of your many beautiful designs for buildings, homes and other magnificent structures, which one is your favorite?”
Without missing a beat, Frank Lloyd Wright answered, “my next one.”
Frank Lloyd Wright understood the principle of stretching, constantly pressing forward.
As we know many people are living far below their potential. We all have gifts and talents, and so much more going for us. But, many people have gotten comfortable, settled where they are, and become too easily satisfied.
God has more for us. God wants us to go further.
Who is it, that GOD, wants us to be???
The Lenten Season (this Lenten Season) is a great time to not only reflect upon what type of person God wants us to be… but to begin to live that way.
40 Days of Lent… Time to ask how is my life in sync with that of Jesus and the Gospel. Time to live, more so, our Baptismal call to love God and others, and be faithful disciples. Time to be a blessing to others, to everyone.
A few days ago, in one of Matt Kelly’s Lenten video reflections he mentioned how “we all have burdens, hardships we are bearing” and often we do not know “what the other person is up against.” Just maybe we are a blessing when we give people the benefit of the doubt, especially when the encounter is anything thing but amiable.
At the gym Friday, on Headline News, they shared a story of a young girl who gave dolls that are bald to children who are undergoing cancer treatments. I would call that a blessing.
Being a bit more conscious of our daily words and actions throughout the day can be a blessing for our children, for those around us that we know or do not know.
Just like God, just like Frank Lloyd Wright and many others, our greatest impact on people and the world is always ahead of us.
This Lent and beyond, “Be a Blessing” in the lives of people. Maybe in some of those tried and true ways of the past, but don’t forget to seize upon the new opportunities to be a blessing, this moment, this day, every day – with family, with friends and enemies, with the many people we know and the many more people we do not know.
Like Abram who went as the Lord directed him. May we do the same, knowing that we are blessed! Knowing we are to be a blessing for others!