20th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Pro 9:1-6
Eph 5:15-20
Jn 6:51-58
…walk in the ways of perception.
The readings today brought to mind an interesting time for me at the workplace a few years ago, with impending changes affecting my division and some new staff joining us. These welcome changes had been on the cards for a while and were only made ‘official’ at a townhall session and came as a surprise to most staff.
It is only human nature to settle into a particular pattern or rhythm in life, especially so at the workplace. Some people take a few months to adapt to established processes, to establish their own networks within the organisation in order to get work done efficiently and, inevitably, form alliances with staff in other divisions. Then, change comes along and rocks the boat. For some, this can prove challenging and for others, a chance to improve and expand on their own knowledge.
I viewed this change as something that was necessary and took the chance to refresh the team, replacing three staff (one asked for a transfer while two other temp staff were not renewed). This was my way of ‘beefing up’ the capabilities of a team that had been with me for close to 3 years. I felt that more than half the team were in ‘cruise control’ mode and for me, that was a danger sign. The team needed a wake-up call to prepare for the challenges ahead with our new assignment.
Brothers and sisters, we too need a wake-up call at times in our faith journey. I received more than a few recently as I walked the Camino Frances and Camino Primitivo. I was reminded to i) trust in God’s Providence, especially when I beseech the intercession of our Mother Mary; and ii) allow myself the luxuries that He provides as I open up to new possibilities (and people).
Thanks to the many hours spent walking on various terrain along the Way, upon my return, I came to appreciate the subsequent series of Friday growth talks (themed along a pilgrim’s journey) while at the same time, deepening my service at the Catholic Spirituality Centre as well as on the board of the Catholic Leadership Centre. Already, I see the seeds of renewal being planted as both organisations collaborate on training a new generation of leaders. And I am fired up…
Yet, I am fully aware that I must guard myself against complacency at this point in my journey where I feel that I am standing in the middle of a few intersections, with many roads leading to unknown places. And as I set foot on different paths and go a bit deeper into the faith, I take comfort knowing that Christ is always with me, gently guiding and leading me closer to Him. I do not know what He has in store for me. However, I do know that in receiving this wake-up call, I have to take heed and strengthen my prayer life so that I continue to remain in Him and He in me.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)
Prayer: Father, we pray that you always continue to lead us and guide us step-by-step as we navigate the roads you open up for us in our life journeys.
Thanksgiving: We thank you Lord, for giving us the freedom to choose and for always being there to save us when we make a wrong turn.
OXYGEN 
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