Meditations on the readings for Sunday 9th September 2018

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Reading 1, Isaiah 35:4-7, Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 146:7, 8-9, 9-10
Reading 2, James 2:1-5, Gospel, Mark 7:31-37

Oh God, you say I should not be frightened or fearful and that you are strong to save.

But how do I continue in courage when everything seems against me and I do not know which way to turn?

I cannot seem to hear or speak and I cannot move.

I am closed off and can do nothing.

I trust in your word and I believe all your promises are true.

Yet your blessings seem to have come on everyone but me and my heart is full of grief .

Your word says that you make the blind see and the deaf hear. You make the lame leap for joy and the mute speak. You cause rivers to flow in the desert. 

Come down in the desert of my life and save me.

I seem as one who is dead and can do nothing right.

Save me from this prison and bring me back to life.

Rescue me from the shackles of the enemy.

Open my ears to hear and my mouth to speak.

Open my eyes to see the wonders you have made and loose my limbs to jump for joy at your goodness.

Angela Azumah Alu, 09/09/2018

Image from: https://sacredheartmessenger.com/tag/jesus-the-healer/

A cry for mercy

A meditation on Luke 7:11-17 (story of the widow of Nain)

Oh Jesus, you heard the silent cry of the widow of Nain as she went off to bury her only son.
Hear my cry as I turn once more to you with my dead hopes, dreams, plans and desires.
Hear my cry as I run to the shadow of your throne.
Hear my plaintive cries for I am weak and have suffered long.
Turn to me and have mercy.
Bring back to life my dead dreams and hopes.
Revive my weak spirit and show me mercy.
There are so many times when I wonder if I am under punishment from you.
I cry to you all day long yet you seem not to hear.
And now all my hopes are dead.
Oh Jesus, have mercy on me.
I have been in this pit for too long.
Have mercy and turn to me.
Show your power. Bring me back to life.

Angela Azumah Alu, 19/09/17

Image from: http://lavistachurchofchrist.org/Pictures/Standard%20Bible%20Story%20Readers,%20Book%20Six/target36.html

TO THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Sometimes, when I’ve wandered far from His grace and like a little lost lamb, feel very abandoned and lonely and almost wonder if my Shepherd still loves me and get scared because wolves are coming close and I know they want to devour me though they initially seemed even friendly.

I cry out, deep in my heart; I cry out with my little voice.

And He hears me, the Good Shepherd to whom I belong.

He comes over to rescue me; he breaks my legs so I have no choice but to rest in His arms for some part of the journey.

And He speaks words of comfort to me; He brings me fresh grass to eat and refreshes me with clear, clean water.

I bask in His love and I am at peace.

All is well, the Shepherd loves me.

Angela Azumah Alu, 20/4/2015, Airport