Mon, Sep 9: "I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?" (Lk 6:6-11). Consider what Jesus is saying here. For him, refraining from healing this man on the Sabbath because of the law would be “evil.” What’s your opinion? Do you see the sin of omission that would be committed here if Jesus strictly adhered to the law rather than to the command to love? Provision: What “laws” keep you from loving? I am going to spend time in prayer with this one. I like to imagine I wouldn’t ignore fulfilling a need in love because of a law but my conscience is pinging me to look deeper. I know there are times I have done just that. How about you?

Tue, Sep 10: “Do not be deceived; neither fornicators nor idolaters… nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor robbers will inherit the Kingdom” (1 Cor 6:1-11). “Um…so, Paul: ‘Jesus says, “Amen, I tell you that the tax-collectors and prostitutes are going before you into the Kingdom of God” (Mt 21:31). I know you wrote this 30 or so years before Matthew’s Gospel was written, and you were a Pharisee, true to the Jewish law. I realize this mess you are addressing is a tangle of religious and secular law. But I’m afraid there are folks who read these words out of context as “gospel truth,” forgetting Jesus’ message of mercy.” Provision: Do you see any one as unredeemable? I imagine most of us have a list with at least a few names! And this is a complex theological subject way beyond my paygrade. But I believe in a merciful God and my call is to show mercy as well. So, I try to pray for those on my list…those, that as a sinner, I have no right to judge. That is up to God.

Wed, Sep 11: “So this is what I think best because of the present distress: that it is a good thing for a person to remain as they are” (1 Cor 7:25-31). What’s this “distress?” Lots of commentary on this: some think he is addressing the difficulties within the Corinthian community in regard to “carnal vs. spiritual” activity. Others suggest it is about the imminent coming of Christ; still others think it is a prophecy about persecution coming to Corinth as is has in Thessaly. Could be all of them, but let’s not miss an important message he gives us: when you are in distress, you should avoid big decisions or changes. Provision: Use Ignatian discernment. In his spiritual exercises, St. Ignatius of Loyola advises we not make any decisions or go back on past decisions during a time of “desolation.” This can be tough. When things aren’t going well, we can be tempted to make big changes. Sometimes, it’s unavoidable, so then we rely on the Spirit and trusted advisors to help us see clearly. If you are in distress, pray, “Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble” (Ps 91). Wait for the Spirit to guide you.

Thu, Sep 12: “I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made; wonderful are your works. Probe me, God, and know my heart; try me…See if my way is crooked and lead me” (Ps 139). Oh, the readings today are rich with lessons, but whenever Psalm 139 appears in the lectionary, I am compelled to refer to it. The second phrase I’ve quoted almost sounds like a challenge to God: “Try me. I can take it, God! Go ahead, investigate my heart and my mind, I’m not afraid!” But we hear in the next phrase more of a plea for help that God will show the psalmist where they are falling short. They are not afraid of what God will see, not because they are so sure of themselves, but because of God’s great mercy. Provision: Ask God to help you see. The willingness to ask for God’s help delights God! Don’t ever think your heart needs to be in perfect condition to invite God in. Your willingness to be vulnerable and your openness to mercy is the only invitation God needs!

Fri, Sep 13: “How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!” (Lk 5: 33-39). Where is God’s dwelling place? “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?”
 (1 Cor 6:19). So, if we believe as true:: “A” (God’s dwelling place is lovely) and “B” (our bodies are dwelling places for the Spirit of God), then, “C:” we are lovely! Provision: Look at yourself with God’s eyes. i.e., look upon yourself with the eyes of love. Know you are lovely in God’s sight. Work to improve upon those things that keep you from recognizing the God within. God looks upon you, as you are, with love!

Sat, Sep 14: “But they flattered him with their mouths and lied to him with their tongues, though their hearts were not steadfast toward him, nor were they faithful to his covenant” (Ps 78). None of us are saints. We preach but do not always practice what we preach. Yet, there are those in our midst—false prophets—who make their living this way. Provision: Pay attention. Anyone who invokes Christ’s name but preaches and acts with malice and hate is a false prophet. Pay attention to those who preach Christ but whose hearts are not faithful to love.

Elaine Ireland has a passion for working with parents and anyone who struggles to maintain a sense of God’s love and peace amid the day-to-day challenges of life. She has a master’s degree in Spiritual and Pastoral Care from the Pastoral Counseling department at Loyola, Maryland, with a focus on developmental psychology and spiritual guidance.  Rooted in Ignatian spirituality, she is a writer, retreat and workshop leader, and presenter on topics such as pastoral parenting, “letting go,” and finding the spiritual in the midst of everyday life. She lives in Ellicott City, Maryland with her husband, Mark and children, David and Maggie.

We hope you enjoy "Come and See!" and we welcome your input. Please contact Elaine Ireland at ehireland@gmail.com with questions, comments, and responses, or to receive Provisions free via email.