September 4, 2022 WORD Reflection

WORD

"For the corruptible body burdens the soul

and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns."

Wisdom 9: 15 from First Reading

" In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge."

Psalm 90

OBSERVE

The Book of Wisdom reminds us of the tension between the body and the soul.

The physical body is considered corruptible while the soul is eternal.

However, the soul cannot find peace because it weighed down by the concerns of the human mind with its many worries and concerns.

This is true for many of us living in a "fast and furious" world where everything is measured in terms of how fast things are done.

Additionally, we are becoming more concerned with the "mind" rather than the "spirit."

This is observed with our preoccupation with "mental health" but not "spiritual health."

Of course, we need to develop a "healthy mind" but this should come from a "healthy soul."

A healthy soul is characterized by faith, hope and love.

What peace can we have if we have no faith in the power of God?

What joy can we possess in our hearts if we have no hope in the bright future God promised us?

What happiness can we experience in our lives if we have no love rooted in God?

The Word of God reminds us that our belief in God is our assurance against the stress and strain of this world.

"In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge."

RESPOND

Almighty Father, you continue to remind us that you are our true source of joy and mental health.

Increase our faith, hope and love so that we rise above the difficulties that affects our relationships and lives.

Free us from the wrong concept that we can have peace by human efforts.

Rather, let us know that you alone is our strong and stable source of happiness and joy.

We pray all these through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

DISCERN

A healthy mind and body needs exercise, balance diet and good disposition.

The soul also needs to be nourished or else it will grow weak.

While we feed our body with food, we feed our souls with the Body of Christ (when we received communion).

We strengthen our bodies with exercise, we make our strong with prayers,

How have you been praying for the past weeks?

How can you improve the way you pray and what you are praying for?