Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today we celebrate the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time.  It is not just any Sunday as it is also Super Bowl Sunday and many states are being covered once again in a blanket of snow.  For the second time in a week snow is once again falling with the promise of not as much as the last one.  Nevertheless, the snow is falling and accumulating quickly. It is a beautiful sight.  I love watching the snow fall – it is so peaceful and calming. 

Looking at today’s Gospel reading the one thing that caught my attention was the fact that Jesus “went off to a deserted place” to pray.  Why did Jesus do this, after all Jesus is God?  The fact is that Jesus prays as an example for the rest of us.  As a reminder that we, too, need to pray.   We all had the experience of learning traditional prayers as young children.  As we grow and mature, we can allow our relationship with God to do the same.  We do not have to wait for the right time or have all the right words we just need to open our hearts to God’s abundant love.  It might begin as simply as settling down for five minutes, closing your eyes and placing yourself in the loving presence of God.  The more you do it the easier it gets.  Before you know it you will be settling down each day for longer periods and enjoying some relaxing time with God.