Wednesday, February 29

Genesis 37:25-36

Psalms 49, 53, 119:49-72

1 Corinthians 2:1-13

Mark 1:29-45

This passage from Psalm 119 speaks a lot about the many blessings we receive from God, and about giving thanks to Him for his laws that help us live good lives.  We all receive so many blessings in just our everyday lives, but somehow in all the stress and rushing around, we don’t notice them until something goes wrong.  Once we return to “normalcy,” we appreciate all the blessings, even little things, which God gives to us every single day.

I, like others, have had several medical issues in the past couple of years, and when the pain subsides, I then realize the many blessings that go unnoticed in our day-to-day living.  When we complain of a sore foot, back pain, or other non-life threatening malady, we often turn the corner to come upon a person who is paralyzed, blind, or has some other non-curable affliction, like the lepers we hear of in the Gospel readings.  When we feel down because of the desire for some out of reach luxury material item, all we have to do is turn on our flat screen TV (“luxury material item” for many in the U.S. and certainly for millions in third world countries).  We see in the news and in advertisements the lack of food, clean water, and medicine that so many fellow human beings endure. 

Verses 65 and 66 state, “Lord, I am overflowing with your blessings, just as you promised.  Now teach me good judgment as well as knowledge.  For your laws are my guide.”  David stresses the pleasure he receives from following the laws set forth by the Lord.  This psalm is a testament to David’s undying faith in and love for God.  As we go through our daily routines, we need to slow down and appreciate all the blessings we receive every minute of every day. 

Anne Vachon