Weekly Reflection 6/28/2020

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

REFLECTION FOR 6-28-2020

“Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer…”

Oh, how I love summertime!  The warmth, the color, the longer days, the slower pace, and best of all – vacation: no job, no cooking, no responsibility, and no worries.  On vacation I can relax, do what I want, eat what I want, sleep as late as I want, and leave the world behind.

On vacation, most of my daily routine is cast aside so that I can refresh and recharge.

However, there is one constant that I am sure to take with me wherever I go, even on vacation; and that is Jesus.  As a matter of fact, one of the wonderful things about vacation is the fact that I have more time to spend with Jesus.  It is so easy to encounter Jesus in all the sights and sounds of nature during the summertime – the power of the ocean, the song of the tree frogs, the warmth of the breeze, the sweet smell of honeysuckle, the majesty of an osprey in flight.

The slower pace also provides more time for contemplation.  Sitting on the porch swing or walking along the seaside promenade are perfect opportunities to feel Jesus’ presence and breathe in his life-giving Spirit.  Waking up with time to spare in the morning provides an opportunity to read and reflect on Scripture. Waiting around for the rest of the family to get ready to go to dinner means time to pray the rosary or write a list of prayer intentions.

One of my favorite ways to spend time with Jesus is the “two-minute quiet time”.  I can do it while sitting on the deck, or around the pool, or before I leave my room in the morning.  I set the timer on my phone for 2 minutes, take three deep breaths, relax, clear my mind, hit start on my phone and try to keep my thoughts at bay so that Jesus can fill my mind with his wisdom, grace, and mercy.  I take a mini-vacation from me and it makes all the difference!

Summertime, vacation, and Jesus – now that’s a winning combination!