"Early the next morning Jacob took the stone that he had put under his head, set it up as a memorial stone, and poured oil on top of it." Genesis 28:18
I've never been too fond of journaling. Looking back on my childhood and teenage years, I recall that I preferred to process events in conversation rather than in writing. Even as I entered seminary, my spiritual director's challenge to take up a prayer journal seemed foreign and difficult. Jacob receives in a dream the Lord's assurance of His presence and guidance along Jacob's journey. When Jacob awakes, he proclaims the goodness of the Lord and immediately sets an altar in that space where he slept and then consecrates it by pouring oil upon it. Jacob takes actions to remember the profound encounter of God. We too must take the steps to remember our encounters with God. In the midst of the world's business and our own forgetfulness, it's easy to lose sight of the goodness He has shown us. I've come to appreciate journaling now because, left to myself, I often forget things over time. Setting a permanent memorial, in writing, of God's grace lets us see with the eyes of faith how God guides and loves us throughout our lives.
How is the Lord calling me today to remember the infinite grace he pours upon me?
Come, Holy Spirit, and grant us the grace not only to know and recognize your grace in our lives, but also the wisdom and understanding to recall and reflect on these graces throughout our lives.
Today's Reflection is by:
Christian Galvan
Did you know...
Christian Galvan is a seminarian for the Diocese of St. Petersburg currently enjoying his pastoral year assignment at St. Catherine of Siena in Largo. His home parish is St. Stephen in Riverview. He worked in engineering design and construction management for five years before discerning the call to priesthood. He enjoys singing, cooking, Rays Baseball, and Notre Dame Football.
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