Click here to read the daily readings from the USCCB website. 

Wow. What a reading from Hebrews. What a parallel Paul creates between the Old Covenant and the New. In the first half of the reading Paul describes a fearful God, one that is far and harsh and grand. The second half details a God no less grand, but One that loves and that is full of joy and mercy.

In my personal prayer of recent days I've been trying to focus more on intimacy with Jesus. For a while now I've been shrouded in "gloomy darkness" in prayer which has led me to adopt a gloomy view of God. In talking to my lovely friends, I realized my error and sought out to let Jesus correct me. This reading was a fine example of what Jesus wanted me, and everyone, to realize.

Have you ever imagined what it's like when you apporach  God in prayer? 

"You have approached Mount Zion
and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,
and countless angels in festal gathering,
and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven,
and God the judge of all,
and the spirits of the just made perfect,
and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant,
and the sprinkled Blood that speaks more eloquently
than that of Abel."

Beautiful. So beautiful. Really this is just a list, but can you see the light eminating from this image? Can you hear the joyous sounds of the angels in festal gathering? Can you feel the joy welling up  in the depths of your soul as you walk towards Jesus? His arms are gently outstretched. His face is radiant. His smile is sparkling. 

"You are mine," He whispers in the silence of your heart.