JAMES MORSE

Today is a fairly ordinary day, although the power went out at work this morning. We kind of just sat around for 45 minutes waiting for it to turn back on, so that’s somewhat different and/or exciting.

I think I practice a lot of escapism, trying to think or imagine myself doing things other than what the present moment provides.

How can I fully engage in the present moment, however mundane or even uncomfortable it may seem?

There is a tendency of my mind to dwell on what could have been or what could be. This moment is my reality though, and in humility, I have to admit that it’s all I really have.

I can’t do much, if anything, about the wars in Ukraine and Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. It’s distressing reading the news, and I’m not sure how I am supposed to respond or help the situation. I see so many people, especially women and children, hurt on both sides. Men are also hurt, sad, and angry. The violence is tragic, but surely there must be hope, hope even for an end to the fighting.

I am going to try to make it to Mass today and try to lift these things up to Christ in the Eucharist. Sometimes I don’t feel His presence, but I will try to be aware of it as I work and do the little things I have been given to do.