Tueday - Fifth Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 31, 2009
Reading One: Nm 21:4-9;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 102:2-3, 16-18, 19-21 ;
Gospel: Jn 8:21-30;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

Added some new pictures. Beauty every spring. God is great!

As Jesus gets closer and closer to the final leg of His journey on Earth as a man, he does His best to help people understand that He really is - the Son of God. For those who like books, and in this case, those people who were (and are) well versed in the old testament and Moses, he shares a parallel story of how Moses made a seraph serpent mounted on a pole to cure the Israelites who were bitten by the poisonous snakes, and how, likewise Jesus would be mounted on a cross. Unlike the old testament however - where all you had to do was look at it and you were cured, in the New Testament - you would have to believe, only your faith would save you, as it seems looking at Jesus on the cross would not be enough. His words are very cryptic if you are unfamiliar with the story of Moses as told in Numbers, but upon some reflection it is not rocket science to see the parallel. In John chapter 3, Jesus also mentions the story of Moses and the seraph serpent mounted on a pole to Nicodemus (verse 14, but read the whole chapter for context). It is fascinating to me - how so many people know the words of John 3:16, but have never heard of the story of Moses and the seraph serpent mounted on a pole, even though it is just two sentences preceding, and again mentioned in John Chapter 8 in today's reading. You can see one thing, but totally miss another clue as to how Jesus very clearly explains who He is, and why He came. As He explained before, Jesus said it would be harder for wise people to understand - for the simple, it was easy since they would believe without the need for intellectual consideration. But Jesus reaches out to the brainiacs, out of love and a hope that they might also come to believe. Certainly... to try to reverse engineer this whole story is beyond any logical assumptions of human nature and how people are. It is statistically implausible frankly.

Another message in today's reading comes from psalm 102, which tells how God is so close to the brokenhearted.

When he has regarded the prayer of the destitute,
and not despised their prayer.
R. O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.
Let this be written for the generation to come,
and let his future creatures praise the LORD:
"The LORD looked down from his holy height,
from heaven he beheld the earth,
To hear the groaning of the prisoners,
to release those doomed to die."
R. O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.

It is very comforting to know He is so available to those who hurt, those who weep, to those who have exhausted their own means to save themselves, and come to God crying out for help.

For the past few days, I have shared a personal story of how God has made Himself present in my life. I know things like this happen to many others, so please rest assured I do not think of myself as anything special, just one of many children. He loves us all.

This story occurred on Dec 3 - the feast day of St. Francis Xavier and happened during mass. During the consecration, the moment during mass where the priest invokes an ancient prayer, and asks in all humility for the Lord Jesus to make Himself present in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is the bread and wine, which becomes the Body and Blood of Christ during consecration. The word Eucharist - means thanks, and indeed we have so much to be thankful for such a kind, gentle and generous God. On Dec 3, I think the year was 2004 - a older friend of mine passed out and hit her head on the wooden kneeler in the small chapel where we celebrate mass. She was an older woman and she hit her head very hard. The priest, being obedient to what he must do continued the prayers as Terri and I went to her aid. Terri is a nurse and was taking her pulse, which was not registering at the moment as she shook her head and mouthed - nothing. Overwhelmed with the grief mentioned in today's psalm, I said a short prayer for my friend, and asked God, in a feeling of total helplessness - if it was His will, please let my friend spend Christmas with her family, but whatever Your will is Lord, let it be done. I felt something, similar to electricity, but nothing like a shock - it was some kind of power that came from outside me and nothing to do with me, but I felt it as sure as the sun comes up every morning and I feel the warmth on a summer day. My friend opened her eyes, and was back again. As I looked at her, I saw my dear Grandmother's face in her face. I was startled as I was not thinking about my Grandmother, it just happened. Later, when I went to work, I called my Grandmother to say hello as it had been several weeks since I had spoken with her. She was 102 at the time and a nurse answered the phone, and told me that my Grandmother was asking for me, hoping I would call. but she did not call me because she was concerned she might be bothering me at work. (ouch... did I put out this vibe - that I was too busy to speak with her, if so, I am terribly sorry for such a huge offense). I spoke with her for about 45 minutes and we each delighted in how deeply we loved each other. It was a wonderful call and I will never forget the kindness and love we shared. A few hours later, my Grandmother passed, and I felt so blessed to have been offered the chance to tell her one more time, how profoundly I loved her.

For her 100th birthday, my dear friend Frank - the guy in the post two days ago helped me make this video to honor such a wonderful lady. I was aided by everyone in my family, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews who provided pictures and stories, but mostly love. To better understand how much I loved my Gramma, watch the video below. But more important - talk to your family today - and tell them how much you love them. And thank God for your children, your parents and your grandparents while you are at it. Most important, tell God you love Him too - love Him with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul and all your strength.

Monday - Fifth Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 30, 2009
Reading One: Dn 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13:41c-62;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 ;
Gospel: Jn 8:1-11;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

I love today's readings - the story in Daniel is like a biblical Perry Mason (Perry Mason was one of my favorite shows too, the old B&W tv shows, not the much later movies). And for the Gospel, you get two amazing readings - including the option where Jesus declares that He is the Light of the world, which I find pretty fascinating given the topic of Saturday's post, and no - I did not look ahead.

Today I was planning on sharing another amazing story - of how good God has been to me, and it involved Psalm 23 - again.... hmmmm interesting Holy Spirit synchronicity. A few years ago, I sat next an older gentlemen in his 80s named David. Like myself, David came to mass everyday and also liked to get in early to be still and pray. I learned a lot about prayer from David, as he showed me by his example, about prayer in a listening mode. Not the variety of prayer where you say prayers and ask God for assistance - but just being absolutely still and listening. But what I remember most about David, was his Irish accent, and the way he wished me well at the "kiss of peace" part of the mass after the Lord's prayer. I mean, I will never forget it - love just poured out of this sweet man as he said Peace be with you Willy, (imagine how sweet Willy sounded with an Irish brogue - it was delightful :~). Well - many years went by, and every now and then David would miss mass because of a doctor appointment conflict, or he was doing something for a friend or family member. One day this happened, and I really didn't think much of it.

But then, while I was being quite in prayer and listening - something amazing happened. Another one of those fugue states- but this time I was totally transported into a different place. First I went through a dazzling array of colors, and then some clouds, and through a beautiful natural area in the sky that was just to beautiful too explain. I was just watching from a distance, and I saw David. Suddenly Jesus appeared on a hill and ran toward David and gave him the biggest bear hug, clasped his hands and they did a wonderful dance holding hands and spinning in a tight circle. Jesus said to him, David - my dear friend. Welcome, how I have longed to dance with you and see your eyes twinkle when we got to see each other face to face. Then David just did the most amazing Irish kind of river dance and he was spry as a young lad as he smiled and wept happy tears. And then I woke up suddenly because the priest, Father Reid came in and began mass. It took me a few moments to pull outta of the waking dream, but I will never forget the colors - so many rich and swirling colors.

The next day I learned that David died yesterday and wasn't coming back to ever give me that warm greeting - Peace with you Willy (the Irish brogue Willy). And I was kind of sad,, but soon remembered the dreamy fugue state from the day before. I think I have shared this story with maybe one or two people - because it is just too remarkable for anyone to believe - in fact the people I told it to thought I was imaging the whole thing but I wasn't. And for some reason - I looked at the psalm from the day before. The response was - I found my servant David. And I think it only comes up once every 2 years as an option. I shared this with Father Reid - and when he shared the sad (and happy news) of David's passing - he shared with the small group that Willy pointed out the response from yesterday's psalm - I have found my servant David. For those of us who knew the quiet gentle Irishman, no one doubted for a minute - because if David wasn't getting into heaven, the rest of us were in deep trouble. hahaha. He was a wonderful man, and I still miss him but I will never forget how he would say - Peace be with you Willy. So - in David's memory - I wrote a song to remember psalm 23 (not the responsorial from that day, but one of my favorite psalms from King David). I picked that one, because his daughter, who I had never met before - asked me to read at David's funeral mass. She told me David just loved me so much, he would want me to read. I felt it every time he offered me peace. I loved him too. The responsorial for the funeral - was psalm 23. Here's the song I wrote to help remember how Psalm 23 goes. My apologies for singing so badly, but I do remember the words anyway - and was able to remember them when I was in the hospital with a family that asked if anyone knew how psalm 23 went.

Please say a prayer for Stewart, Peter, Charlotte, Jim, Florence, Louise, Jennie, Claire and Michelle, Sara, Katie, Brian and Jenn, and if you have time - please say a prayer for me.

Sunday - Fifth Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 29, 2009
Reading One: Ez 37:12-14 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 ;
Second Reading: Rom 8:8-11 ;
Gospel: Jn 11:1-45 or 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33b-45 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

I used the RCIA readings today (the alternate) so the audio file is from the other readings. Probably the same thing for the reflections. Anyway - you get a chance to check out both variations if you like.

Since the RCIA readings are about Lazarus, I will share with you a wonderful thing God did for me, not so you think anything about me is especially terrific, just read this blog... it is not at all about me. I am a silly man, and often times, an absolute fool. But all the same, God in His kindness, heard my prayer and answered it - and this is what this story is about. How great God is.

A dear friend named Frank got in a car accident, and broke his hip. No awful tragedy - but a huge pain. But then, things got very tragic, as my friend Frank had a wicked bacteria called C-Diff - eat his internal organs. Day after day, turned into week after week, and month after month. Dozens of operations, and for months Frank was in a coma. It reached a point where my prayers turned from hoping he get well, to asking God to take him home. It was all that bad and worse.

I asked a priest who is a dear friend if he would anoint my friend Frank with the rite of anointing the sick. He was willing, but obedient and told me he could not, as the rules did not allow the anointing if the person was not a Catholic. I was not angry, and understood full well the beauty of being obedient, and how in the past, God has rewarded my obedience with miracles and wonder. I was a little sad though, as my friend Frank was ... as Billy Crystal says in Princess Bride... mostly dead.

I visited Frank in the hospital day after day, and prayed for him. One day, I knew it was the last I might see him, and a prayer emerged from me from a place I did not even know existed. As a tear rolled down my cheek, I took my thumb, and soaked up the tear, and anointed Frank with my tear, making a cross on his forehead. And I said, You know my Lord, Frank has not always said the most charitable things about you, but for what it is worth, he was a friend to me. Please bless him, and keep him safe, and take him home if that is Your will. I left the room, thinking I had seen my friend for the last time.

The next day, Frank woke up from his coma, and over a long period of rehab, he is much much better. His life is not at all easy, as he lost many vital organs, and still has a ton of health issues to deal with. But I cannot thank You enough my dear Lord, for hearing my prayer and being so gracious. I share this story, hoping that it brings just one person closer to God, who is all good, and deserving of our Love.

Saturday - Fourth Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 28, 2009
Reading One: Jer 11:18-20;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 7:2-3, 9bc-10, 11-12 ;
Gospel: Jn 7:40-53;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

From time to time, something comes over me, and I go into something of a fugue state, where I feel like a spectator as I become overwhelmed with the thoughts in my head, combined with the events that are happening in the world around me. It is impossible to explain, but basically it involves a combination of what is happening between my ears, and things that are happening in the "real" world - that combine in the same kind of way as the two parts of epoxy. Alone, nothing is especially volatile, but when combined a new experience evolves as each substance acts as a catalyst to create something new. This other worldly parallel universe experience transpired as I wrote this post on Wednesday. I guess it feels like you are in the middle of a dream, but in truth you are awake in a dream state. It happens without any prodding on my part, it just goes down, and the only thing you can do is be as aware as possible, there is no way to fight it. There is nothing I can do, but as I mentioned before - it is like you are a spectator, as well as actor in a play that is in a show, that will go on, without any concern for your desire to watch the play as it unfolds. This fugue state experience went down on Wednesday, I wrote this paragraph on Friday, to help explain what happened and why my words seem so bizarre. But I thought it best to just leave the words as is, and let you make of it what you like.

(here's the fugue state words from Wed). As I read today's Gospel, my heart is broken. The events of long ago, killing a totally innocent person, happen each and every day and the country I live in, says it is okay to do this. What are you talking about you ask? I am speaking of abortion, knowing that words Jesus said apply in full force.

whatever you do for the least of you, you do to me.

On the day after the tragic anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, after the protesters left - the president signed into law again (after Reagan said NO, and Clinton said ok, and then Bush jr... said NO again)... an act allowing taxpayer dollars to fund abortions abroad. I am so sorry my Lord, you know full well how I have wept over this horror, You dried my tears and assured me there would one day be justice and this tragedy would stop. I trust You. But You also know - I still weep, so great is my sadness. Does my country believe that foreign children are less precious than our own? That is the implied message. This morning I saw this lovely video of a beautiful seven year old boy, sent to me by a good friend I haven't seen in 30 years. As I watched the video , for some reason, the little boy reminded me of You my Lord. Maybe it was the hair, or maybe it was the joy he exuded as he played his guitar. And as he played his guitar, I gently wept as I thought of all the songs that were not allowed to be heard. They were aborted.



The little boy named Lucciano is playing a Santana song called Samba Pa Ti, which has many meanings - but the most common one is:

Through every step in life; freedom comes from within.

I looked this up after I watched the video. Ironic, huh? And then I looked up the meaning of Lucciano. Guess what - it translates in English as:

light.

Didn't Jesus say: I am the light of the world? Ironic again? Nope, I do not think so - for me it doesn't surprise me at all. I am not afraid to call such things - Holy Spirit moments. And I know this post will produce the exact same reaction in the hearts of many men and women as told by St. John in today's Gospel. They will hate me for my words today.

Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee."
Then each went to his own house.

But thanks to the amazing love and peace you freely give to those who have trust and faith in You Lord, I will be okay. You always dry my tears. You know I come to You for refuge. Everyday. And everyday, I ask You for mercy, for me and my sinfulness, and for my brothers and sisters. And for forgiveness. And the grace to forgive. They know not what they do. In case you missed yesterday's prayer song - A Prayer to St. Michael, here it is again. It seems appropriate.

Friday - Fourth Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 27, 2009
Reading One: Wis 2:1a, 12-22;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 34:17-18, 19-20, 21 and 23 ;
Gospel: Jn 7:1-2, 10, 25-30;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

We move closer and closer each day of Lent on a road of peace, and are given a choice, another chance - to pick which side of our duel nature we want to be. Day after day, with each day gone forever, the stakes get higher, the consequences of our actions today building upon a brighter future, or greater acts of futility. Will you be on the side that listens, and chooses to take refuge in God, forgive those who have caused you hurt and pain, & let it go ... or will you hold onto your opinion of your own righteousness, and the cancer that comes from the guilt, the shame and the inability to forgive. It is easy to look at all these things and see the transgressions of others - it is much more difficult to look at your own foolishness, and to ask God for help, and choose the path that on the face of it - a road that appears to be a path of destruction and violent death. It is violent. In truth, we get to choose a death to our own foolishness, or not. What awaits is rebirth, the life that comes from believing in God, seeking refuge in His words, and in His love. The salvation you seek, comes in doing what Jesus did - die to yourself for others. Forgiveness, mercy, and trusting in God alone leads to the treasure, The Kingdom of Heaven, which as - as He said - at hand. Now.

I am on the non-proverbial road today and tomorrow, a road that leads to Milwaukee, via Detroit - so today's comments are brief. Please pray for those you love, and tell them that you love them. And pray to God for the grace to forgive those who have hurt you. Take refuge in God, and He will rescue you from all your troubles. He will even rescue you from yourself.

Let me leave you with another song, a way to remember a prayer, in this case, another ancient prayer - St. Michael's Prayer. St. Michael is a archangel, like Gabriel the archangel - God's messenger. St. Michael the archangel is also known as God's Strength. A "heavy" prayer, not conducive to a song, which of course meant, I had to try. ahaha. Here it is, A Prayer to St. Michael.

Thurday - Fourth Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 26, 2009
Reading One: Ex 32:7-14;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 106:19-20, 21-22, 23 ;
Gospel: Jn 5:31-47;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

It all depends on how you read, or how your heart listens to the words in today's Gospel. It is easy to read the words in a way that comes off as harsh words, words condemning the listener, perhaps a little angry or really angry. Or maybe just upset, like a parent who is upset with a stubborn child and scolding it before sending the insolent child to their room. But maybe the words are offered in a different tone. I do not know, but I imagine Jesus saying these words - reaching out in a soft tone, trying to merely inform people He loves them dearly, what the truth is. He really is the Son of God. He is only trying to help you understand so that you might believe something that is true. Follow the dots - John the Baptist testified Jesus as the Christ. God himself testified, but you did not listen. And so does Moses, yes even the words in the old testament point to Jesus.

Jesus does not have to glorify himself. He is going to take all the miracles He performed, and the people He healed, and all His perfect words, and because we are so stubborn, and His love is so great - He will show us one more time, once and for all, and for all time, show us how much God loves each and every one of us. And if you blessed to see that, you are called to see everyone that way as well.

When we do this - we will finally be following Jesus' simple command - all the law we need to understand, and follow:

is to love God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul and all your strength.

If we do that, we also will love our neighbor in a new way. Love them as God loves each and every one of us struggling creatures. Perfectly, without fear, pouring out like a fountain.

The blessings that come from following the law are untold treasures, beyond what words might convey. Imagine for just a moment - the love that dwells within God, endless, infinite, boundless love pouring out of your heart in galactic proportions. Love that can only come from God it is so good. Even in the darkest hours of the human condition - sickness, broken hearts, shattered dreams, and wounded souls - there's no room for despair to even get a foothold. That love burns it up and everything dark, is made light.

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

Today's readings: March 25, 2009
Reading One: Is 7:10-14; 8:10;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11 ;
Reading Two: Heb 10:4-10
Gospel: Lk 1:26-38; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

Today marks one of the greatest days of the year for the Catholic Church, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, where Gabriel the archangel, also known as God's Messanger, is sent to the little 14 or 15 year old girl named Mary, who is betrothed to Joseph, a good man from the line of King David. Gabriel first calls Mary by a new name she has never heard before, and says to her - Hail, full of Grace, the Lord is with you". These words will be uttered countless times in the rosary, probably until the end of time, but the words are new to young Mary, and she is frightened by the greeting. Gabriel tells her not be afraid, and that she has found favor with God. Then Gabriel tells her something that is totally fantastic - that she will bear a son, and His name will be Jesus. I suspect Mary knew of the words of the prophet Isaiah, provided in the first reading today - but she was still confused. So, with a tender and gentle heart - she asks Gabriel - How can this be, since she has had no relations with a man. Her words are the same words as Zechariah, which come earlier in the first Chapter of Luke - How can this be? But Zechariah said it with an air of - oh come on, give me a break - alluding to the fact that his wife Elizabeth is an older woman, and barren, past her child bearing years. Zechariah will not be allowed to speak another word until the baby, John the Baptist is born (or Elijah the prophet, for those who can accept it). But Mary's - How can this be? is uttered with innocence, as a person who does not understand, and asks for help understanding. She speaks with tenderness and humility, a virtue and grace from God offered to Mary as a generous gift, and I believe Mary knows this humility is a gift, a gift she uses in a moment of confusion, concern, and perhaps even total fear.

The words might easily be construed as a death sentence, because back then, an unmarried women having a child out of wedlock was often stoned, especially if the husband to be, made any kind of noise about it. (see Joseph's response from last week's solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary on March 19 - He was a righteous man). Knowing all these things - in an act of total faith, and love, and the deepest trust and hope one can have in God being awesome, wonderful, and above all things, loving - she quietly bows her head, and says:

May it be done to me according to your word.

Similar words will also be uttered by her beloved Son, Jesus the Christ when he is alone in prayer in the garden, knowing full well what tomorrow will bring, his friends sound asleep, even though Jesus asked them to keep Him company. It is there, some 30 plus years later - where the sentiment of those words are uttered again after Jesus asks God (LK Ch22 v41),

Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.

Over the past eight years, I have blessed beyond what words might convey, to have spent many many hours in prayer. Why, believe it or not, I might even have spent more time in prayer than in front of a television, though maybe not since I did not keep a score. In any event, I share this experience of my prayer time, not from any boasting on my part, in truth, I was great need of help, and I was blessed to know where to look for help. I prayed out of a profound knowledge of my own shortcomings, feeling that I was the sheep that got caught in the barbed wire fence, and carried back to the flock on Jesus' broad shoulders. The man with the great debt, unable to ever pay it back, who was still so twisted and mistaken to be tough on others who I felt owed me something. It was from a profound understanding of my weakness, that I prayed. Anyway - I wish to share something that I learned during this time. The most wonderful way to close any prayer, especially those prayers concerning your true treasures, those treasures carried in your heart - is to end the prayer with the words offered by Mary and Jesus her Son, whatever your will is, let it be done to me. You can say it many different ways of course - I am suggesting that you offer the words from the heart, not from memory. If it is something really serious that you are praying about, you are scared because your child, spouse or a friend is very sick, you are confused about what to do and wish to do God's will above your own, and you are scared what the answer might be, you are feeling terrible because you are having great difficulty forgiving a wrong done to you, ... when your prayers are so deep and come from a place of total need, and a knowledge of your own weakness to fix the problem - add that short phrase to your prayer. Whatever your will is God - do it to me, and let my will, be Your will. I do not have enough time or space or energy to detail all the gifts and blessings that have come from saying those few words, but I can tell you with all honesty - adding that short phrase to my prayers, changed my life in ways beyond anything I even hoped for, or could imagine. Gabriel said it best when he told Mary:

for nothing will be impossible for God.

These prayers are heard, and answered. Sometimes - you get immediate results. Other times, you will learn that God's time is not our time, because to God, a thousand years is like batting an eye. But I do know this, that my faith in God being the most wonderful loving God of my wildest dreams, was nothing compared to how great and wonderful a loving God He always proves Himself to be, if you just put yourself in His hands.

I would also like to add some prayer guidance offered by Jesus in John Ch. 16 - to ask God the Father for anything in Jesus' name, and when doing so, understand that you and your will might be mistaken as to what God's will is. By all means, ask in confidence whenever you ask the Father Jesus' name. But have the humility of understanding your own neediness and weakness, and never forget to add, not my will but yours be done.

Here's a few prayers related to today's reading. As I mentioned before, I have trouble remembering prayers, so I try and make a song out of the prayer to help me remember. There's an added benefit that comes from how singing a prayer is like praying twice, and that when you sing, it comes from a deeper region in your heart. Now I know I cannot sing that well, but I am pretty sure God is more concerned about what my heart is feeling, than the words I utter in prayer. Just ask Zechariah. haha. The first prayer song is called Loving Mother of the Redeemer which mentions the meeting between Gabriel and the the Blessed Virgin Mary. By sheer coincidence, I learned this was Father Tim's favorite prayer. One of the oldest prayers of the church, it was first written in Latin and called Alma Redemptoris Mater. Short and sweet, like Psalm 131 offered in an earlier post, it is like an onion with countless layers to explore if you are a nudge like me who likes to peel things apart. The next prayer is The Canticle of Zechariah, which you can read more about in Luke Ch. 1. The prayer is also called the Benedictus, and the words are said as part of the morning prayers of all Catholic priests. I asked Monsignor Richard what his favorite was, and he shared with me that it was Benedictus, so I made up a song with the words to help me learn it. There are about a thousand better songs with the same words, with more on the way, but the Benedictus version offered here is a version I made up, only so I could remember it, and know it, and offer it from my heart.

Tuesday - Fourth Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 24, 2009
Reading One: Ez 47:1-9, 12;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9 ;
Gospel: Jn 5:1-16;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

John's writing about Jesus in his Gospel is much different than the other three (Matthew, Mark & Luke, duh). John was different - he was the disciple Jesus loved, the only one we believe was not martyred for his faith, the only one at the foot of the cross, and Jesus tells John that Mary is his mother (and vica versa) while he is on the cross. For John, Jesus' divine origins are never in doubt. He tries to spell it out all mathematically, logically - like breadcrumbs, just follow the trail and stop being so hard in the head and heart. Over the past few days, we are given 3 signs that show that Jesus is all that He says He is. The first sign, was at the wedding at Cana, when Jesus turned the water into wine upon's Mary's request, and also her display of total faith (Do as He says), see John Chapter 2). The second sign was yesterday's reading, about the Royal Official and his sick son in Chapter Four. And today is the third sign, Jesus healing the blind paralytic in Chapter Five. I mean, the signs are not everyday happenings. And what is so amazing, is that big wigs in power don't deny these things happened. Their problem is that Jesus did this on the Sabbath (I am laughing as I think of Walter on The Big Lebowski, and his bowling tournament conflicts, but I digress). Anyway, it is a good practice to understand how John's Gospel is different, and why and to contemplate that as you read his words about Jesus.

Today we stopped at verse 16 in chapter five, but the next 28 verses are important, as Jesus explains how God the Father testifies to the divinity of Jesus, and that He is God's son. Same thing with John, there's never any question about this, Jesus being the Christ - John is just trying to get the exact words of what he heard Jesus says about it.

Also of note about today's Gospel, it continues the whole theme of joy that began on Sunday with laetare sunday. Laetare comes from the words often used to commence a mass - Laetare, Jerusalem - which roughly translates Rejoice, O Jerusalem. It also marks the halfway point in Lent. And indeed, there is so much to be joyful about if you have faith in God. With faith, you have extra resolve and hope, even in hopeless situations - because with God anything is possible, and if you place your trust in God, you are covered. He sets you free, He gives you strength and courage, and as you grow closer in love with Him, He loves you even more, or perhaps - He still loves you the same, you just are more aware of it. Either way, it is a wonderful feeling. So be joyful. And I hope you enjoy John's Gospel - his faith is contagious.

Monday - Fourth Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 23, 2009
Reading One: Is 65:17-21;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 30:2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b ;
Gospel: Jn 4:43-54; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

As a parent, it is easy to relate to the royal official with a sick child, and share his sorrow with a compassionate heart. As I reflect on this, I am reminded off a previous post discussing the Latin origins of the word mercy. But there is more going on here, because as a parent, we know when our child is sick and suffering, there is often not much we can do, and we are left feeling helpless, in spite of our desire to share our child's sorrow. But with our faith firmly fixed on Jesus, there is hope. The parent of the sick child asks Jesus to help heal his child. I am pretty certain this plea comes from the deepest regions of his heart. And Jesus replies to this request with a response that seems harsh,

Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.

I think Jesus' reply is only a test, to show how deeply the man is aware of his neediness, and also how much faith he has in Jesus. And the reason is so others might come to better understand their own weakness and also, to increase their faith in Jesus.

Jesus tells the royal official his child is healed, and that is all he needs to hear. As he is returning home - he is greeted by one of his slaves who tells him his child is well. And the man realizes that hiss child got well the moment that Jesus said he was healed. This story sounds very similar to the story of the Centurion with the sick slave. Jesus offers to return to his house, but the Centurion explains he feels unworthy to have Jesus come to his house, and all he needs to do - is to say the word and his slave will be healed. When Jesus tells him to go home, that he slave is healed - the Centurion leaves thrilled and happy. And Jesus tells the crowd - never before in all of Israel has he seen such faith. The words - Lord I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed - are the last words of prayer we say before we go to receive communion. Take a moment to reflect on the faith of the Centurion and also of the royal official in today's Gospel. And if you need help, like we all do - ask Jesus to increase your faith - so that you might be healed.

Yesterday, as part of my Lenten Journey - I decided to clean my garage, which had reached a level of scary filth of Biblical proportions. Think I am exaggerating in my little fantasy world? Ok - allow me to humble myself and tell the truth - how bad the garage neglect was. Years ago, like 5 or 6 years ago, I lost a wonderful pet to old age. The pet was an awesome cat named Duke - and I loved him with all my heart and returned the gift with all of his heart. The first year I got Duke - the Duke Blue devils won the NCAAs in 1991 and then won again in 1992. (i think those are the correct years anyway). But, as he got older - his teeth went bad and finally he got so bad he could barely stand and he didn't feel like eating any more. The day before he disappeared for good, I petted him on seat cushion for over an hour or two. We all knew he was going die very soon. And the next day - he went away and never came back. We all figured he went somewhere to die. And that was that. Till - about 5 years later when I decided to clean out the garage and I found his corpse mummified in the corner near some vermiculite that was once used to grow seeds. I included a few pictures in the animals album - it is not for the faint of heart, but for weirdos like me - it pretty cool. I have never seen anything like it. Now before you think I am a cold hearted rat - I love my little Dukie. And he will have proper burial today, I will offer some prayers from my Liturgy of the Hours, Office of the Dead section, and I will I hope, be blessed with the grace to fully believe that my Lord will hear my prayers, forgive me of my foolishness, and tell Dukie who is welcomed into heaven, how much I love him.

Sunday - Fourth Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 22, 2009
Reading One: 2 Chr 36:14-16, 19-23 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6 ;
Second Reading: Eph 2:4-10 ;
Gospel: Jn 3:14-21 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

If you watch sports on TV, you will often see a fan holding up a sign the reads John 3:16, and we get that chapter and verse in today's Gospel. What is interesting, is that most folks have no idea what is mentioned in John 3:14, where Jesus mentions the story of Moses and the seraph serpents. Seraph refers to a type of poisonous snake, and has nothing to do with angels. Back in the days of roaming around and waiting for the promised land, the people of Israel were getting bitten by these poisonous snakes and dying. So Moses asked God for help, and God told Moses to build a bronze seraph serpent, mount it on a pole, and if anyone looked at it after being bitten by the poisonous snakes, they would not die. If you want to read the story Jesus is referring to in John 3:14, you can find it in Numbers, Chapter 21. And as you probably guessed, Jesus was pointing to how he would suffer a death on the cross.

One more comment about today's readings - I always liked John 3:16-17, because this is where Jesus tells us the answer to the all important question - why? God did all this, because He loves us.

Saturday - Third Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 21, 2009
Reading One: Hos 6:1-6;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 51:3-4, 18-19, 20-21ab ;
Gospel: Lk 18:9-14; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

One could spend a few lifetimes on the words offered today. We begin with Hosea, chapter 6 - which goes backwards from yesterday, when we got chapter 14. (My favorite part is still chapter 11, but the whole story is worth the time to read it. I think it might take you 20 minutes, Do you have that much time to offer God? Remember, the goal is to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. Got 20 minutes?).

Here's the message I get from today's words - which are all centered on a short phrase - Show mercy, not sacrifice. What does that mean? Like I said, you spend a lifetime on just those four words - it takes a long time to learn what they really mean, and longer to live it. But the reward is beyond explanation. But I am going too fast - what does it mean? Well, back in ye olden days, the Israelites would fire up their Reuben Weber grills, and barbeque some meat, as an offering of love to God. This was their sacrifice to God. Before you judge these old guys too harshly, times were tough - there was no supermarket down the street, it actually took a lot of effort to grill. But God explained through the prophets, that was not what he wanted. I mean, he did make the animals too and I do not think he really needs us as his personal chef. What he wants from us, is mercy. Mercy? huh? Yes, mercy. We are to show mercy to each other, and this mercy allows us to actually really, deeply love each other.

Look at the pharisee in today's Gospel. We might get really happy with this Gospel reading as we mumble to ourselves, I am not like that Pharisee, but I ask you to look deeper. How much time do you spend, outside of church, complaining about what someone does to you that you find annoying. Is a neighbor's leaf blower too loud, does that woman over there always run her mouth, is that man over there such an arrogant little so and so? Come on, admit it, draw the issue up in front of your eyes and see the truth. Still not convinced? How about politics? Is the (pick you opposing party) such an idiot? Or why are those people so... whatever. I think you get my point. But if need help, listen to Luke's explanation.

Jesus addressed this parable
to those who were convinced of their own righteousness
and despised everyone else.

The key phrase - and despised everyone else. On my road through this life, I was in that spot - BIG TIME. So many things in my life were not going my way at all, and I got frustrated, and annoyed and angry as a hornet. Finally I reached the point where I felt just about everyone was an idiot. It was insidious trap, a slippery slope, I didn't get there in a day or a week, I didn't even know it was happening to me. And you can probably guess what reaction I got from others. People avoided me, as no matter what I said, the ugliness in my heart came through my words. The good news is eventually you die to this beast. And there's a flip side, an alternate universe emerges that is awesome. Basically, I got so low and broken from my own foolishness - that I was forced to acknowledge my prideful sins, and was humbled to the point where I asked God if he would be so kind as to allow me into the body of Christ, I would be happy to be the toenail fungus in this body. I screwed up so badly, and got so low, I actually was blessed to be filled with something a million times more amazing than me being strong. How does it manifest itself in each wonderful day? When I get coffee at McDonalds, I feel honored to speak with someone so lovely and wonderful. Every single person is vital, manifesting God in wonderful and unique ways I could never imagine. I need learn from every word that comes out of their mouths. Everyone is so much more beautifu than I could ever be. It is awesome because everyone is a total thrill. And every single creature is forgiven for whatever foolishness they might do, because I know it happens to people. It happened to me. It hurts. Instead of despising others, I see them as Rock Stars, Movie Legends, Saints, Heroes, - why everyone is amazing, just awesome and I am left feeling honored to even be in their presence. The impossible puzzle of who God is, and what he looks like, is slowly revealed in everyone's face, each smile, and even silly things they might say or do. How's that you ask? Well, I am blessed to show that person mercy, as I remember how Jesus was merciful to me, when I did nothing to deserve it, was perfectly guilty of being a fool, God showed me perfect mercy. Whenever I run into people that get my dander up - I am eager and quick to pause, as I remember how God showed mercy to me. And I smile, thinking what a wonderful and generous God - who allows me to share this gift of mercy to someone else. He lets me wear His crown for this moment.

Try it out for yourself and spend an hour, or a day, of a week or a lifetime where you imagine yourself as the least of everyone out there. In this alternate universe - everyone is worthy of all your love, in fact you feel honored to give it freely. Try it out. It is an awesome world when you see it with eyes that look up to every person in it.

Friday - Third Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 20, 2009
Reading One: Hos 14:2-10;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 81:6c-8a, 8bc-9, 10-11ab, 14 and 17 ;
Gospel: Mk 12:28-34; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

Not many folks really know or understand the story of the prophet Hosea. But for me, because of what has transpired in the course of my life - I know it all too well. I am not boasting, I know it from life's hard lessons, from reading it many times, but mostly from understanding the sorrow of Hosea's heart. That is a sorrow I know since the sorrow is etched into my heart with countless tears. More than once, more than twice, the tears have left grooves one can trace with your fingers. Hosea is a prophet who tells the people of Israel that they have strayed from their God, and that they are so consumed in their wicked ways, that they have no guilt, they actually think what they are doing is just fine and dandy, and that their actions are not even sinful. And so, as you might imagine, the people of Israel hold Hosea in low esteem.

Hosea is a married man, but his marriage, like the relationship of Israel to their God is in shambles. Hosea's wife Gomer has left him to go chase after some flashy man who gives her sparkly jewelry and party all the time. As far as Gomer is concerned, Hosea is just an old man, and dead weight to her. She wants to be free and shake her booty and do her own thing. Too bad for Hosea, who is a nice guy - and just as Julius Caesar said, they finish last. Hosea's situation is used to help the Israelites better understand how they have strayed from their relationship with God. By doing their own thing, writing their own moral codes, and not feeling the least bit guilty about it. But in this very paternal society - they can understand how Hosea is getting a raw deal from Gomer. But they do not understand why Hosea is taking all this grief from this woman who dances to her own drummer with other men. Why? Hosea still loves Gomer. The story is a good way to understand how God must feel when we decide to just do our thing, and take no notice that our actions are hurting many of people closest to us. The people we love. Welcome to understanding the true nature of sin. When you get wise to how the game is played - usually because of some time and many tears, you understand how sin destroys the ones we love the most. And still, even through all this - God still loves you.

Hosea is a very interesting character. He has a bit of temper, and also the ability to say things that cut to the core. Kind of like Jeremiah in that respect. But Hosea is also very tender and remarkable in his sweetness. His emotions can turn from scary to kind & gentle in an instant. Chapter 11 is my favorite part of the story, which begins:

When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son.
The more I called them, the farther they went from me,
Sacrificing to the Baals and burning incense to idols.
Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
who took them in my arms;
I drew them with human cords, with bands of love;
I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks;
Yet, though I stooped to feed my child,
they did not know that I was their healer.

FYI - The Baals are a reference to a nasty Egyptian God who was all about kinky sex, free love, anything goes, and matters of the flesh. Not that we have those issues in our present society. haha sorry, if you think we are a pure and sweet culture folks, just watch some of the teenage kid channels at night. The tone has gotten so nasty and cruel it is morally repugnant to anyone who still wishes to have a sweet heart.

Thank God for Jesus Christ and the Gospel he gave us, at such a high cost we might better understand how important it is. He lights the way with simple words that are easy to understand.

Hear, O Israel!
The Lord our God is Lord alone!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul,
with all your mind,
and with all your strength.
The second is this:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

If you really understand this, and try to do what He asks, you will live a new life life, be a new person. Beautiful in God's sight. If you really work at these two simple commands, sin will get squeezed out. Better still, you will find a gift waiting for you as you walk down this road, just as Jesus promised.

The scribe said to him, "Well said, teacher.
You are right in saying,
He is One and there is no other than he.
And to love him with all your heart,
with all your understanding,
with all your strength,
and to love your neighbor as yourself
is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding,
he said to him,
"You are not far from the Kingdom of God."
And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Tonight I am blessed to make a big batch of meatless soup, and serve my friends & neighbors at church. This will be followed by a Living Stations of the Cross presentation (people in fixed dramatic poses, as opposed to reflecting on artwork of the important moments as Jesus walked with grace and dignity to his death on a cross). For many reasons, this will be a powerful evening, and I hope as I walk on my Lenten Journey, I find myself in a place ready to endure sorrowful times, and staying focused on faith and hope, believing in the joyful promise, with all my heart, mind, soul and strength - not far from the Kingdom of God. Please pray for Peter, Charlotte, Charlie & Roz, Tim, Jim, Richard, Doug, Amelia, Mishka, Jenny, Louise, Florence, Slugger's family, my 6th graders, Terry, Kate & Hope, and if time allows, please pray for me. Thanks.

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary

Today's readings: March 19, 2009
Reading One: 2 Sm 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29 ;
Reading Two: Rom 4:13, 16-18, 22
Gospel: Mt 1:16, 18-21, 24a;
Or Lk 2:41-51a
go to this page (for all sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

Saint Joseph is one of the greatest heroes in all the bible. During a time when men ruled the world with an iron fist and cared virtually nothing for the rights of a woman, Joseph wanted to divorce his wife quietly when he learned she was pregnant with a child he did not father. Scripture tells us Joseph chose to do this, because he was a righteous man. And then he had a dream, and the angel of the Lord appeared to him in the dream and said,

Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.

And Joseph's response to the message in the dream, was to be obedient, humble and to do exactly what the angel told him to do in his dream without any complaint or second guessing. Joseph also had to flee to Egypt to protect his wife and child. Clearly, Joseph, the simple carpenter, was a man of great faith.

The Catholic church honors Saint Joseph with two special feast days - March 19, as the husband of the blessed virgin Mary, and May 1, to honor Saint Joseph the Worker. There is also a pretty weird practice of burying a statue of St. Joseph to help sell a house. Personally, I not real fond of that one, for me, Saint Joseph is my patron saint, and I know he has been there for me, to help me be good father, and also to be a man who treats women with great respect and honor. He has helped me to increase my faith, to listen well in my dreams, to be obedient, and to be humble, and slow to speak.

I made a new picture album with some of my favorite pictures and old school art of Saint Joseph, and below find the Prayer to Saint Joseph. It is usually offered as a novena, meaning you do well to say it nine days in a row. It is supposed to be a very very old prayer, dating back almost 2000 years.

O St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph do assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your Heavenly power I may offer my Thanksgiving and Homage to the most Loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen

For more pictures of Saint Joseph in art, go here.

Wednesday - Third Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 18, 2009
Reading One: Dt 4:1, 5-9;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20 ;
Gospel: Mt 5:17-19; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

In today's world, sometimes it feels like there are about a hundred million versions of the Gospel. But they all begin with, The Gospel according to me. haha. I remember on my way through Georgia last week, I saw a bumper sticker that read - Jesus is a liberal. But somehow, I do not think he would be very charitable toward abortions or stem cell research. But what do I know... in the Gospel according to me. The good news for Catholics, is that the church goes through a lot of effort to try and come up with cohesive policy decisions on current matters of controversy, like abortion, stem cell research, pre-marital sex - you know, all the topics that people have a hard time talking about, even among friends. If you think about that, we the people - can't even discuss a lot of these topics with any semblance of civil discourse. As I reflect upon that, it says a lot about our society, and also reminds me of Monday's Gospel reading, where Jesus said some things that made the people want to throw him over the cliff to his death. They wanted to kill this wonderful, gentle man - because he got them upset, and said something truthful using their own sacred writings. Human nature is quite extraordinary. If you examine the readings from the last few days, from Sunday through Wednesday - you will notice a pattern, and see how the readings tie together. It explains a lot about why people get so angry, and how we twist Jesus' words and manipulate them to our own liking. There is a lot to consider over the past few days. Hard words to listen to, and harder still if you point the words toward yourself, and see where Jesus is shining a bright light on where you could improve yourself.

Tuesday - Third Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 17, 2009
Reading One: Dn 3:25, 34-43;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 25:4-5ab, 6 and 7bc, 8-9 ;
Gospel: Mt 18:21-35; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

Today is a good day to contemplate forgiveness and mercy. Well, actually - every day is a good day for this, but why not actually do soething about this today. When folks get under our skin, or do something to us where we feel wronged, we are given a choice. We can either be mad at them, and hold onto this anger - or we can do what it takes to forgive them, in spite of what transpired. If you are blessed with the wisdom that comes from getting older, and learn life's lessons along the way, you will probably gain a good understanding that being angry and spiteful toward someone who did you wrong, is very much like a gun that shoots bullets in two directions. One toward the enemy, or the offending party, and unfortunately - the other bullet aims straight for your own heart. Yes, you actually shoot yourself - but not in the foot, the bullet goes straight for your own heart.

Or perhaps you find yourself on the other side of this equation - where you did something that offends another person, and a good friend won't forgive you. For your own well being, the answer again lies in forgiveness and mercy. Do you really want to return the animus pointed in your direction? I hope not. Forgive them, and know you really are sorry for what you did that offended them, and go further and forgive them for deciding to undermine the friendship you value. So many times in life, you will see that the anger and animus of righteous indignation gets passed along, to someone other than the person you are mad at in the first place. I remember an interesting story about this from Bishop Fulton Sheen. He compared this phenomenon to a line of people, where the first person slaps the second person. And then, for no good reason, or perhaps maybe there was a reason - the second person slaps the third person in line, and then the third person slaps the fourth person. This chain of anger will continue on down the line, until someone just stops the madness. They get slapped, and forgive. They really don't want to slap anyone else. Guess what - you can be that person.

Why don't you try and be that person today. Perhaps you have a friend that you at odds with, or perhaps a neighbor who you are annoyed with for making your dog crazy. Whatever it is - STOP being annoyed, and actually do something to repair the relationship. Step out of your box of anger, and rise above the madness that slaps back or worse - teaches your beautiful children to share the animus you feel toward your friend or neighbor. The anger you feel inside is a prison of your own making. You do have a choice. Choose to be a person who forgives and doesn't choose to hold onto the anger. Even if you have to forgive 77,000 times - the price of lugging around the animus, will not only weigh you down, it can even make you sick or kill you. And there's no time like now to make that choice. Put the key into the lock of your prison door, and let yourself be free. Trust Jesus on this - He knows what He is talking about. Forgive and you will be forgiven too. By the way, it feels great when you make this choice. But it your choice, stay angry if that is the path you want walk on. If you think about it however, you will what is best for you. Anger and animus - or forgiveness and freedom from the stress of hate. This isn't really rocket science here folks. Go with the choice that makes your burden light, or fill up your soul with a bunch of heavy rocks.

Monday - Third Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 16, 2009
Reading One: 2 Kgs 5:1-15ab;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 42:2, 3; 43:3, 4 ;
Gospel: Lk 4:24-30; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

The one who is the greatest - is the one who is the least, a slave. I think the message for today is all about humility. Namaan was a great man, who contracted leprosy - and he heard from the slave girl about a great prophet who might be able to heal him. His heart was ready - but when Elijah told him to do something simple, he balked at the remedy, until a simple slave set him straight. Likewise, the folks in the Gospel reading thought Jesus was great, but when he told them some stories from the Old Testament, stories they knew and believed, they turned on Jesus in anger because the stories made them feel like they were no longer the chosen people of God. They lost their humility.

On Tuesday evenings, I teach an amazing group of 6th graders, but in truth - it is always these kids who teach me. They teach me what innocence is, they teach me about having a pure heart, they teach about so many things it is not possible for me to write them all down. Thank you to all my sweet kids in 6th grade religious education, who instruct the teacher.

Last week I shared with them a way to help understand humility, and how God fills us with His strength when we are weak. How in weakness, we become strong, because we are filled with God's strength. I did not make up this demonstration, I do not know who did, but I will pass it on. I went over to the sink and filled up a coffee carafe with water. I said to them, this water represents God's life giving water. The I took a balloon and said this represents our pride, how full of ourselves we might be, or as the expression goes - having a big head. I put the balloon in the carafe filled with water and blew it up. The air, hot air no doubt - displaced the God's life giving water and it spilled out over the sides and into the sink. I explained, when we have a big head, there's no room for God's life giving water. But when we are humble, the life giving water can fill up our souls. I let the water out of the balloon and filled up the carafe. I am not sure if they really understood the lesson that night, but I prayed that they might one day when they need it most. And I have faith that my prayer was heard, and hope that God in his kindness, will help them out when they get too full of themselves, and that this simple lesson might serve them well, giving them the real strength that only comes from God. At the times they will need it most. And also, that they will learn to stay humble, like they are now as children, so that they will always be filled with God's strength, which is so much more than a bunch of hot air. Please pray for me - I need to learn this lesson every day, and to apply it every day. Because at some time during the day, I screw up and start blowing up the balloon.

Sunday - Third Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 15, 2009
Reading One:
Ex 20:1-17 or 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11 ;
Second Reading: 1 Cor 1:22-25 ;
Gospel: Jn 2:13-25 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

I found an old book with reflections for Lent on the shelf today and picked it up for some reason after it sat on the shelf for 6 years unopened,since Lent 2003. Why, I have no idea. And I found the day that corresponded to today's readings that offered some thoughts from a priest named Father Richard Veras. He shared that for many people, Jesus is the nicest, sweetest, and kindest person we could ever imagine - and how we can begin to follow a figment of our imagination regarding who Jesus is and what he is about. We become like a little kid who dreams about finding Mr/Mrs Right and how our dreams are limited by our imagination, as opposed to what is actually the truth. The Jesus of our imagination can be malleable, and we can fall into the trap of manipulating this dreamy Jesus to rationalize every sin and leave unchallenged every attitude and behavior.

In today's reading, Jesus refuses to stay in the box of our imagined world. He breaks out of our imagined world and shows himself to be very real, and honestly it is kind of scary too. His disciples are also very confused.

But Jesus does not trust Himself to men because He understands our human nature all too well. He knows how we manipulate the truth and explain away things or situations that make us uneasy. So, what are supposed to do?

He asks us to trust not in ourselves or the imagined Jesus, the one we can put into a box with our limits - but to the Jesus that is beyond our understanding. The Jesus that is very real. The Jesus He really is. Our minds can actually make Him something less than He is if we fall into this trap. His Love is very much like a fire that can refine and purify but that will not be an easy or pleasant process a lot of the time. I spoke with a friend yesterday who told me she once prayed over and over again for patience. And in the course of the next year - so many difficult things happened where she learned to be patient because she had no choice. I laughed because I remembered similar experiences relating to prayer. And I said - you know what is funny, it didn't, in my own experience, have to be so hard, but my stubborn nature made it so. I actually did have a choice, I just needed to trust in Him, and not my imagined Jesus.

There's a good book on this subject that is called Your God is Too Small. Check it out for the first time or read it again if you find yourself in spot where your faith is dry or that you find yourself getting little out of your relationship with God. Have a great day of rest, and please pray for those you know that could use a prayer, including yourself. We all need prayers for ourselves and each other. And please, if you can - say a prayer for me.

Saturday - Second Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 14, 2009
Reading One: Mi 7:14-15, 18-20 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12 ;
Gospel: Lk 15:1-3, 11-32 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

We are all familiar with the story of the prodigal son, who returns home to his father after a life of dissipation. Note the juxtaposition of Psalm 103, which offers a song about how the Lord is kind and merciful, is not an accident of nature. Just like the father in the story, he forgives all His sons (and daughters too I would think). He is kind and merciful. But you say the one son who stayed home and didn't waste his life away like his younger brother who was acting like a fool. But he came home, and stopped doing what was wrong. And wasn't the older brother angry at his brother, and also his father too because it seemed unfair to him. Why was his father so happy to see the difficult son return, and then make him a succulent feast of fresh roasted lamb. Doesn't it seem unfair? I think most of us has played each of the characters in this story. The prodigal son, the loyal son, and also the father who forgives everyone in the story. The Lord is kind and merciful, ready to heal all the things you hold inside that might fill you with anger or animus, or all the things you want to get red of. It is such a shame we have to so often come home to God, like the prodigal son who followed his own designs. The funny thing though - all too often it is the older good son who takes longer to heal, because that character often feels a sense of righteous indignation. and this keeps him from changing his ways. The character we should strive for, is the father, who forgives each of sons. But that is God. Recognize all his children are less than God, who doesn't need us for anything. Still, he loves to help us. God helps you let it go, whatever that might be, and he live you live again, not afraid to love, if you only allow yourself to see, the things in yourself - where you are the prodigal son, and in situations where you are the older son who bears a grudge, or a chip on their shoulder. Let it go, give that up for Lent okay, you will make us all happy. Gos is the best doctor, and faith in Him is your medicine. that sometimes needs to be washed down with some humble pie.

In case you missed the photos from Black Mountain, Asheville and Cornelius NC posted yesterday, here's a link. (in a new easy, handy dandy photo album. Thank Brad for his helping hands and neurons installing the RPM Library and doing a few php tweaks.

Friday - Second Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 13, 2009
Reading One: Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21 ;
Gospel: Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

Today's readings make so much more sense - if you read scripture, and know what happens to Joseph after he is tossed down the well by his brothers. The story is much better than my quick summary, so please read it for yourselves (chap 37 thru the end of Genesis), and also know you will better appreciate the Gospel and the words spoken by Jesus, if you are well versed in the Old Testament. I mean, do you think you could understand chemistry if you never did your homework? Anyway - Joseph gets tossed down the well, and goes to Egypt as a prisoner. He becomes a trusted mentor of a pharaoh, and does a great job. BUT - the next pharaoh throws him in prison, where he interprets the dreams of two men. The first dream comes out well, so the second guy asks for Joseph his thoughts. Joseph tells him he will be killed, which happens. He asks the first guy to tell pharaoh about him, looking for help - but the man doesn't say a thing until much later, when pharaoh has some dreams and needs a wise man of God ways to tell him what is going on. THEN he remembers Joseph, and pharaoh (the 2nd pharaoh) asks him to tell him about his dreams. Joseph tells him that Egypt will have seven great years of harvests, followed by seven years of famine. And he appoints Joseph as head of all the country's food to help avert the impending disaster. All that he said came to pass, and ultimately he meets up with his old brothers who tossed them down the well (his brothers are starving, so they come to Egypt, where Joseph helped them be ready). In the end, he tells his brothers he is not mad at them at all, he loves them - and here's the big point... Everything turns out well, because it is in God's hands. God is GREAT and he is so thankful to God, because God is amazing.

Knowing that story and how it turns out - makes the Gospel come alive. Yes, Jesus is going to get humiliated and crucified. A terrible death of a totally innocent man. But in the end, He is glorified by God His Father, so much so - that His name, Jesus is above all names for all time. The story told today is a wonderful comfort for all those undergoing hardships, especially those who are being destroyed, humiliated, sent to prison, abandoned by their families, but are innocent of the crimes they are being accused of or even if guilty, if they amend their ways, and turn to God for help, God will be there to help. He doesn't draw away from us, we draw away from Him. Trust in God, hope in Him still. Hang in there. Don't get dragged down by evil men or women, or evil ways. It all works out in the end, and indeed the truth does and will come out. You are asked to follow Him, and that means if you are focused on being good, loving God with all your heart, mind, soul & strength - you will probably get pounded in this world. By your enemies, but also - by your friends and even perhaps your family, just like Joseph was. Jesus is quite clear about this reality. Keep the faith, and keep your heart, mind and soul focused on God. He will give you the courage to rise above any and all adversities. I can tell you from experience, he pulled my sorry self out of the well many times. Thank you.

Or, as my neighbor Freddie likes to say - sometimes you have to wade through a pig sty to come out smelling like a rose. His dad told him that. And remember to take great solace in the words of today's psalm - Remember the marvels that God has done. But how can you remember, if you are far away from God? and haven't done a lick of work to get close? So do your homework, learn more about God. Go to church, say thank you, and get close to Him, just like a good parent wants to have his or her child love and respect them, you are God's children. Love God. With all your heart, mind and soul.

In case you missed the post from yesterday - read the readings, and learn more about what Jesus wants you to do. (love each other, especially those who need love the most). And if you want to see some cool pictures of my journey to Asheville, check it out. I was blessed to take some really wonderful pictures, that helped remind me of how marvelous God is.

Thursday Second Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 12, 2009
Reading One: Jer 17:5-10 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6 ;
Gospel: Lk 16:19-31 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

UPDATE - Just added some pix. Links at the bottom of this post.

Honestly, you could spend a lifetime reflecting on the words offered in today's readings. Go read them, or listen to the mp3 audio file and follow along with words. Etch the words in your hearts, or dust off your hearts, because the words are already written there. Words of Truth will always be true, and never change. And if you are a smart person, listen to them again - it costs nothing but your time. And in understanding the words, the gift you will receive will be a whole new life. You might understand, how you were actually dead because of how you were living your life, a wonderful gift that you were squandering. But God is kind and gracious and generous beyond your imagination. He will let you live again, and rise above the zombie life you once called "MY story". The first of many resurrections, before the really big one at the end of your life.

Today I received a wonderful note from a friend in high school, I never really knew, because I only cared about myself at the time. She offered words of encouragement after reading the post from yesterday. A small token you might say, but in the words were a gift of a priceless kindness, and no, this is not a Mastercard commercial. (i personally prefer American Express, but I digress). Thank you, my dear friend, i am sorry, I was foolish enough many years ago, to squander the opportunity of seeing how delightful you were. I know now.

And another total... freak of chance. I was answering today's massive bombardment of emails, mostly spam wanting me to do all kinds of things I have no interest in doing - but I came across an old email from Sept. 2, 2009, from a dear friend who told me about some classes that were offered to become a Extraordinary minister (the laymen and laywomen who assist in feeding us lambs during church services). Well, I took those classes, and in addition I decided to take an additional 15 minute session that provided training for being an EM (Extraordinary Minister, we used to be called Eucharistic Ministers, but the name was changed because we are not innocent. hahaa) to the folks who are sick and home bound. Anyway, this simple task of service really changed my life. The truth is, Jesus tells us when you minister to those we consider the least of us... like Lazarus in today's Gospel, or perhaps the sick, the home bound, and those forgotten people who often are left just sitting by a window as they prepare for the next leg of the journey - Jesus tells us - that you are serving Him. Words will never do justice to what this small act of service has done for me. It changed my life. I really do think that I am holding Jesus' hand when we say the Lord's prayer together. And yes, I do tremble sometimes, so profound is my joy. No one gives me the respect and love these people do. It pours out of them like an an endless waterfall of kindness. All I want to do, is to try and do that for everyone else... you will want to be like them, because they love without any fears or concerns. I share this with you, speaking from the deepest parts of my heart, because I really want others to know what a blessing this is. It feels like heaven, and you don't even have to die to get there, it is that good. Honestly, I am left with the feeling that I never even lived, until I knew this feeling.

Shortly after beginning the service I described above, I began to see everything in a new light. I was just a tiny frayed piece in a gigantic jig-saw puzzle. If I wanted to see God, all I had to do was put together the jig-saw puzzle and see every piece as divine, and everyone in the world was a piece of the puzzle, though not as torn and frayed as my little piece. I began to see how God manifested His Glorious presence in every living creature. And the people who were forgotten - were the most important pieces of all, just like when you are doing a puzzle, and you couldn't find this one puzzle piece and it was driving you nuts. The enigmatic puzzle was right in front of me, in everyone's eyes and smiles. What a beautiful new world I saw, dazzling like the sun, like freshly fallen snow, or a little bee delighting in a fragrant rose. God's Glory was everywhere. And from time to time, I ran across someone who was really angry and ornery - and whenever I met these folks, I would smile, and say to myself - Jesus I know you are in there. Help my eyes to see You. I didn't get angry anymore.

Bishop Curlin once passed on a great story about his friend Mother Teresa. She was ministering to the homeless in India, when a man sat up, cursed her up and down, and then - spit in her face. Bishop Curlin said he was so angry, he wanted to ring the guy's neck. And Mother Teresa's response - was to have tears her eyes, joyful wonderful tears - and she told Him, she had just seen Jesus. In the man who spit on her. For Mother Teresa, the man who spit on her, was Jesus in all His Glory. Think about that for a while, and see Jesus in those who spit on you. Your life will never be the same.

Today's readings begin with a deep understanding of feeling humble and hoping in the Lord. For the last several years, I asked the priests I met - what is your favorite prayer in the Bible. I was curious because I wanted to learn the prayers, but the only way I can remember stuff like this, is to write a song about it. Not only does it help me remember, but when I sing a prayer, it actually comes from deeper spot inside me. Catholic tradition says that when you sing, you pray twice. My own experience is that this is true. So, here's the favorite prayer of a humble priest I have been blessed to know, and to listen to his homilies. Today he gave one of the best homilies (sermons to my Protestant friends) I ever heard. His favorite prayer is Psalm 131. Short and sweet - with more layers of profound wisdom than a divine sweet onion that you can peel apart layer after layer... forever.

Please find time to say a prayer for Charlotte, Peter, Missy & her kids, Jim, Debbie, Lisa and her son, Kim, Shelley, Richard & Andy, Claire, Florence, Louise, Stewart, my family, and especially those I forgot to mention. And if time allows, please say one for me.

UPDATE - Today's mass was celebrated in Asheville, NC at St Lawrence Basilica in Asheville. What a wonderful time I had on my short trip down the road. Spent an hour in adoration before mass, and about a half hour after mass. The homily offered today was terrific, all about how we need to take care of the homeless, and those less fortunate than ourselves, and also - how when we approach God in weakness, asking for help - we are filled with something so amazing words do no justice. They don't. Check out some new pictures from my Lenten Journey. I love Black Mountain and Asheville.

Wednesday Second Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 11, 2009
Reading One: Jer 18:18-20 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 31:5-6, 14, 15-16 ;
Gospel: Mt 20:17-28 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

As I reflect on today's readings, I find myself thinking that there is a test that comes from loving God with all your heart, your mind, your soul and your strength. Other people will test your devotion, and I found this to be true as I walk on my Lenten Journey this year. I thought I would get some grief, but I never expected the level of animus that some folks have regarding your love of a God that is so gentle, kind, generous, sweet, and above all, loving. The words offered in the Gospel are beautiful, full of patience and a parental type of love, of a perfect parent. I do not understand it at all, but I would be lying if I said I have gotten total support from all my friends. I have been told by many people I dearly love, that I have lost my mind, or that I am an idiot. Why is this I wonder. As I said, it makes no sense to me at all. But if I look at scripture, little has changed since the Old Testament. Poor Jeremiah was murdered, Isaac was sawed in half alive, and eleven of the original twelve apostles all met with unnatural deaths by the hands of those who hated them. And the Catholic church could fill volumes on all the martyrs who died for their love of God, especially for their love of Jesus Christ. Even as a baby, Jesus was seen as a threat. We have the story of the death of the Holy Innocents, where Herod decided to kill all the one year old children because he heard from the wise men about a new king that was born in Bethlehem. I urge all those who wish to draw closer to Christ, to strengthen your faith. As you get closer to His amazing light, you will be tested. Do you really love Him? How many times did I just stay quiet when someone was attacking Him, people who felt compelled to state He was nothing but a fairy tale? People don't get upset when I mention Paul Bunyan and his blue ox babe. These moments are just small tests. If you continue to get draw closer and closer, and your love grows stronger and stronger, as you become overwhelmed by His generosity, the tests get bigger. Pray for the faith that gives you courage during these moments, a courage that can only come from God. He will not let you down, if your heart wants to really love God. But I can tell you from my own experience, your love, and the depth of your love will be severely tested. Perhaps even to the point of shedding blood.

Tuesday Second Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 10, 2009
Reading One: Is 1:10, 16-20 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23 ;
Gospel: Mt 23:1-12 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

It depends on how you see the world - today's readings will leave you either making excuses about why you do the things you do, or I hope, remind you of some good advice you already know to be true. Consider the reality of being a good parent. If you spend all your time grumbling that your kids are a burden, guess what - they will feel like burden. If however, you give up the many things you have to so you can do as much as you want to provide for your children, it is a light burden. In fact, the joy you have watching your kids graduate from college or completing a course or sports activity that demanded not only your money but your time too - the stuff you gave up to make it happen, will be no big deal. If you are blessed enough to do these kinds of sacrifices for everyone, you will be a very happy person, as long as your attitude is right, and you learn to be a joyful giver.

For much of my life, I struggled with the message of today's Gospel. It is true that I wasted many years and opportunities - exalting myself. Till one fine day, God got my attention - my full and undivided attention. And I found myself in a position where most everyone, especially those I loved most, didn't really care that much for me. And, I was blessed to have the reasons for this (exalting myself), raised in front of my eyes and in truth, I couldn't really blame them for acting this way. The good news however, is that in this position of weakness, and awareness of my weakness - I was humbled (humiliated would be a better description - ouch). I didn't think that much of myself either and felt far away from the treasures deep in my heart that I valued most. The good news is that this emptiness was filled with something far beyond what I could have created for myself. As I look back, it was just beginning of a wonderful road that led to a joy I never before experienced. The words are an excellent guide to how to live a happy and fruitful life. Trust in the words, and be a joyful servant.

The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Monday of the Second Week of Lent

Today's readings: March 9, 2009
Reading One: Dn 9:4b-10 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 79:8, 9, 11 and 13 ;
Gospel: Lk 6:36-38 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

Today we reflect of the nature of mercy. Like many words, the definition has been altered from the original meaning. Today, when someone says have mercy on me, they are asking you to be lenient with me, or perhaps show me some pity. In fact the original meaning is much deeper, and comes from the Latin, miserere cors - which means a sorrowful heart. I think this is closer to the meaning of what Jesus is asking of us, when he says be merciful. Huh? A sorrowful heart? Yes, in the deeper sense of understanding mercy, you feel the other person's pain, and as such, share the sorrow of the heart, hence miserere cors, or a sorrowful heart makes sense. So much deeper than pity, this old school mercy is where you share the other's pain, and actually put yourself in the other person's shoes, and feel saddened as you really understand their pain. Before this can happen at a deeper level, one is required to let go of their opinion, which might be in a mode to judge or condemn anothers action.

I think the easiest way to explore this concept of mercy, and where it is most helpful as good medicine for the soul, is to look at broken love relationships. Whether a friendship, a broken love between two people, or a broken marriage - the concept is the same, the intensity is different of course, but broken love relationships can become very bitter without mercy. And the bitterness is like a cancer that can infect not only the two people who lost their love for each other, but in the case of broken marriages, it also can easily hurt the children too. And bitterness is such a terrible thing as it eats away at all the good things you once felt about each other but also, takes away from your relationship with God. We are all His children, and no parent likes it when two kids are not loving toward each other. It doesn't need to end this way. The remedy is mercy and forgetting the hurt or righteous indignation you feel, or most often, your opinion on matter, and really explore the other persons feelings, and better still how your actions might have contributed to the love relationship becoming damaged. It much easier to show mercy if you explore your own shortcomings, since it isn't all the other person's fault.

But there's no need to make this matter complex, it always comes down to a simple choice, that we all have the option to make. Do we choose to stay bitter or do we listen to Jesus, and show mercy and stop judging. Do we love our own opinion - or do we love each other?