W.I.S.E. Bible Study

Psalm 40:4 “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the outs, to those who turn aside to false gods.” I had a moment of realization yesterday. I might be retiring from my current job, but I have always felt I work for God, and to that I will never retire, just change where I work. For this, I need to trust. In today’s climate and political static energy, I do believe trust is something that is hard to come by. Yet, we must trust. Without trust, there is no hope. Without trust love is not a strong link in the chain. Without trust relationships are broken. Trust. I believe that we must go, on bended knee if need be and start with trusting the Lord. Ask for trust, be filled with trust and ask for God’s wisdom to know who, what, when and where to trust. Do a quick sift today, asking yourself if there are any false God’s to whom you have put your trust in. Then turn to the Lord, and ask for a heart worthy of his trust on the path…

Monday mornings. Sometimes Monday mornings can seem like a burden. Grade updates; students lessons, planning a party…and the list goes on. Yet Matthew reminds us that when we need rest and we feel like we carry burdens to turn to Christ: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden s light.” (Mt. 11:28-30) Mondays are new beginnings, the week before in the past. Only hope should rule on Mondays. I always tell my students we have to go through a day to get to the next one. Yet, we shouldn’t just “get through” but pause and enjoy little moments and find beauty, joy, friendship and Christ’s presence on the path….

Yesterday, my daughter came over and made her famous biscuits and gravy recipe. It was a fun way to start the morning. Family and good food are good ways to start any day. As I ponder my retirement (starting May 22 nd ), I discern these important things in life. Faith, family, friendship, and continuing to walk in the way of Christ. I am reminded of John 14:16-17: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you.” I am relying on the Holy Spirit to continue to guide my path. I find it interesting when one is retiring that people ask what they are going to do. I think the point of retiring is not to have agendas or plans but to allow life to unfold. I do hope to expand ways to teach and share faith with others. Maybe through podcasts and quick courses. Today is a good day to ask the Holy Spirit ...

Today, as you travel your life’s path, think about the scripture verses from John. Know that we, too, are to be that reflection of God to others. Our works should reveal the presence of God to others on the path…John 14:8-12 “Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, *  and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.”

 “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:10 Opportunities. Many times, I think opportunities do come our way to help others. Yet, I think we can just present ourselves as a person who is kind and good to all we meet. When I drive home, there is one area where two lanes merge into one. This happens right after a stop-and-go light. Sometimes I do get upset when people don’t follow the direction and try to squeeze in. I also get upset when others at school don’t follow the rules. I admit, I need to pause a lot, and remember that they have choices and even when I don’t like their choice and action, I am called to be kind and do good. This can be difficult, but it is something I strive for. Today is a good time to remind yourself of this calling. Speak good, act good and be good towards others on the path…

  As I drove to work, I had to chuckle to myself. Drizzle and rain dropped from the sky. Today is the feast day of St. Catherine of Siena, and I think every time at St. Catherine’s high school when we walked to St. Richard’s for the feast day mass it rained! I told students the rain was a blessing from heaven. Well, today we are blessed again. A quote from St. Catherine of Siena that has always inspired me is: “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” Today is a good day, amongst blessings to ask yourself if you are true to who God has meant you to be. Some of us are called to be handyman or women; some of us are called to keep places safe; some of us are called to train first responders and others. We are all called to do something…first though, we are called to be sons and daughters of God. Our life’s work,  careers should reflect the call to being who God meant you to be. We all can set the world on fire through being exactly the unique reflection of ...