Take a break to shine more brightly - November 7, 2025

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 69:1-23(24-30)31-38; PM Psalm 73
Ezra 7:27-28, 8:21-36; Rev. 15:1-8; Matt. 14:13-21

Recently someone was talking to me about a challenge. She said that working in a team to address and solve a problem was where she felt her gifts shining the most. This child of God has learned to step back and note when she is maximizing the talents God has imbued in her. Yet, we cannot shine at full power all the time; we get to recharge and attend to other parts of life, too.

In our gospel for today, Jesus has just learned of John the Baptist’s death. He goes away by boat to reflect and pray. After a period of time, he reengages with the throngs of people following him who are seeking wholeness and peace. He heals them and offers compassion. Jesus notes that they are hungry and challenges his disciples to muster up some food to feed them. By blessing, breaking, and sharing the food, Matthew tells us that five thousand men, and the accompanying women and children, are fed miraculously. In this familiar story, here is what stands out to me today: Jesus knows that his gifts of healing and nurture are needed in that crowd. And he does that once he cares for his own needs. By taking a beat to slow down and reconnect, Jesus is prepared to shine.

Let us take a lesson from Jesus and pray for the grace to care for ourselves, so that we can shine God’s love and the gifts the Lord has imbued in each of us.

With God’s help,

Katherine+

Reflection and Challenge

Take a moment to think back on this week. What situation or person has brought out greatness in you in the last seven days? Perhaps you pulled through in a way you did not believe it was possible. And who else is moved, encouraged, or has grown through your shining light? What do you need to do to care for yourself, so that you can shine God’s love and the gifts the Lord has imbued in you?