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The Forward Day by Day Meditation for March 24, 2023

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FRIDAY, March 24 Eve of the Annunciation of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Blessed Virgin Mary

John 6:45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard some variation of the sentiment, “Hey, Rob. You are closer to God than I am. Would you put in a good word for me?” Over the years, many parishioners have asked me to pray for them, suggesting they think I am closer to God than they are. I suppose on some days I feel close to God, at least closer to God than I do on other days. Isn’t it wonderful to feel the lubrication of grace when it appears so tangible?

Often, though, any sense of grace is elusive, like a ghost at the periphery. I turn to look, and it disappears. Unbeknownst to me, at those times when grace feels elusive, God is the closest.

I am always happy to pray and intercede for another person, to reach out for the hem of the garment, so to speak, but the raw truth is that each of us is not only close to God but also indwelled by God. You don’t need a priestly collar or seminary degree to be close to God, just an open and willing heart.

MOVING FORWARD: Who can you pray for today?

PRAY for the Diocese of Rumbek (South Sudan)

Today the Church remembers .

Ps 95, 102 * 107:1-32 | Jeremiah 23:1-8 | Romans 8:28-39 | John 6:52-59