March 17th, Wednesday, Fourth Week of Lent

Isaiah 49: 8-15, Psalm 145: 8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18, John 5: 17-30

After reading and reflecting on the readings for today, I find myself relating to some passages from each:

“Thus says the Lord in a time of favor I have answered you” and “Yet I will never forget you”, from Isaiah.

Psalm’s “The Lord is good to all and his compassion is over all that he has made.” and “The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.”

John’s “Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own but only what he sees the Father doing” and “ I can do nothing on my own.”

In my life, some challenging events have occurred, like, loss of jobs, having surgeries, surviving cancer, supporting my wife with some of her surgeries/health issues but I have always felt the presence of the Holy Spirit during the most difficult times. I have prayed that all would work out, not only for me but also for my family. A lot of joy has come from some of the sorrow, like being able to spend virtually every day with my two grandchildren, since their birth.

I now realize that I don’t really have the control in my life that I once thought I had. I also accept the fact that the Lord will never forget me, not only when I am “bowed down” but also when I am the happiest. I will keep praying for all, trying to do the best I can for my family and my community; and to be open for whatever the Lord’s plan is for me.

Rick Pluth, married 43 years to Kathleen, father of three, grandfather of two.