TUESDAY, January 12 (Aelred of Rievaulx)

As a priest and teacher, I can't easily ignore what we have heard through Jesus Christ. After all, studying the scriptures is part of my job, as well as my life. But like so many, it is easy for me not to pay attention, and easier still to drift away from it.

Sometimes when life here gets too difficult – when the heat and dirt and lack of water and too much illness bear down and cultural differences flare up and I am left to wonder, yet again, whose idea was this? – the only way to handle the hardship is to let the scriptures flow over my heart and soul. I'm always amazed when, in my darkest moments, I almost literally hear Jesus speaking to me as he did to his disciples, or Paul preaching or teaching somewhere on his travels. A phrase will come to mind – pay greater attention – and suddenly, I will know, again, why I am in this place, why I am doing what I do and living as I live.

I hear God speaking to me on a daily basis. His words keep me from drifting away.

PRAY for the Diocese of Akoko (Province of Ondo, Nigeria)

Ps 5, 6*, 10, 11; Genesis 3:1-24; John 1:19-28

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.