Seeing God's Hand in our Lives

Up, Jerusalem! stand upon the heights; look to the east and see....Baruch 5:3

The rest of today's reading goes on about the good things that are in view: children gathered together rejoicing, mountains made low and gorges filled, Israel secure in the glory of God. Psalm 26 continues the list of good things. The second reading is a prayer for good wishes. The Gospel of Luke quotes John the Baptist and his promise of the Messiah. I cannot tell you the last time I got together with a group of people and there was a continuous list of good things and blessings and good wishes. Problems, complaints, gossip and bad news are far more common. To quote a funny commercial on TV, "You like to whine!" Although a clear analysis and a  healthy respect for what can go wrong in any situation is good, it is also important to recognize what has been successful and wonderful and good in our lives. And to understand Who and why this is so. It is not all about us. Giving thanks to our good and gracious God is Trekking Catholic.