Daily Meditation for January 23, 2023

It seems that our bodies are always giving helpful signals, leaving messages, or going out of the way to teach us something for our own good. We know that the wiggly child just wants to be let down. Waving arms may be hailing a cab or getting someone’s attention. Someone’s quiet steps may reveal who is approaching. A headache can warn of stress gone wild. The indictors go on but there are also silent communicators from the body which can elicit awe. Large veins in an elderly woman’s hand may remind of generosity. How so? The constant blood flow is providing channels for nutrition and purification. It can also add commentary to a Scripture passage which reads: “Don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” That is, just as body parts work without much notice or applause, so are we meant to give ourselves without wanting  acknowledgement. Upholding life gratuitously is a loving kindness.

By Ruth Feeney, OSB