Friday - Fifth Week of Lent

Today's readings: April 3, 2009
Reading One: Jer 20:10-13;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 18:2-3a, 3bc-4, 5-6, 7 ;
Gospel: Jn 10:31-42;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)

The volume gets louder and louder, like the thumpedy thump of a motorcycle engine with loud pipes as Jesus gets closer and closer to His day, that horrible day when He will die for all of our sins. How is it that some wish to put Him to death, and slander His Holy name, a name above all others - while countless other people will praise Him throughout the end of days. I regret my Lord, there were days when I didn't understand and was counted on the wrong side of this endless equation. But as I read the psalm today I recalled the day you saved me from death. And it wasn't the first time either. My prayer of sorrow and thankfulness came before you, and you heard me, and rescued me. And then, You held my hand, and You healed me.

The breakers of death surged round about me,
the destroying floods overwhelmed me;
The cords of the nether world enmeshed me,
the snares of death overtook me.
R. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.
In my distress I called upon the LORD
and cried out to my God;
From his temple he heard my voice,
and my cry to him reached his ears.
R. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice.

Mt dear sweet Lord, you rescued me on December 10th, 2007 when I was riding my motorcycle home from work, getting off a little early to avoid the cold weather that comes as it gets dark in Decemeber. At the time, my heart was sad, but thanks to your love and comfort I was ok, just doing fine. No worries. While driving home on a 45 mile an hour two lane highway called Mt Holly-Huntersville road, a car pulled out from a side street on my right, to make a left turn. Darn, my pipes were not Vance and Hines Screaming Eagles, so he didn't hear me or see me for that matter (must have pushed the stealth button by accident I guess). Anyway, he pulled out to make a left turn right in my path. There was no time to react, I just tried to slow down, by braking and laying the bike down, I think that is what happened. I couldn't remember a thing. However, I do remember being thankful that I was not allowed to finish my sentence which began - What the... SLAM. I have no idea when the ambulance arrived or how long I was laying in the road, looking quite dead. My windshield, a GE Lexane piece of plastic was sliced in half, my front end bent like a paper clip. The bike was totaled. And so was I. When I regained consciousness in the ambulance, I remember my first thoughts. In a blurry empty place.

Oh my Lord, was this what it felt like? I am so sorry to have contributed, even in the smallest way. Forgive me, and remember me in Your Kingdom.

It was still blurry ... but I remember saying those words to myself. And then the blurriness receded, and I saw I was in an ambulance. The medics were talking about something, and I wanted to make sure I was still alive - so I asked them a question.

Does everyone still hate George Bush?

They paused, looked at each other, then let out a nervous chuckle, Yeah, everyone still hates George Bush. I was alive, still in the Earthly realm I thought to myself. And I thanked God for such a funny joke. I can be funny sometimes, but that was too good a joke for me. HA!

I was taken to a hospital - Oh NO! the same hospital where my buddy Frank was nearly killed by the treatment he received. All I wanted to do was get out of there, as soon as possible. Against my will, they performed a bunch of MRIs, and finally after much pleading, they put some drops in my right eye, which deadened the pain. I was also given a pain killer to ease the hurt of a crushed skull around my nose and right eye, and a few broken ribs, and a bunch of road scrapage from sliding before I hit the car. I still have a big indent in my right hip that looks like someone took an ice cream scoop into my leg 16 months later. Why this hospital I wondered - get me outta here! I sat in a hallway as they looked and looked through possible insurance carriers, to see if this poor slob had insurance that would cover the expenses, which were being charged for every second I was in their care. I was there for a few hours, and I would receive bills that would total over 10,000 bucks from the hospital, and the $700+ ride to the place where some very high dollar folks, were ummm ... looking out for me. Wow, that is the most expensive hallway I was ever in. And I have no intention of ever going back to that over-priced restaurant again. I never even got any food.

The next morning, I went to 7:00 am mass, looking a little nasty as Monsignor asked me politely if I would please wear sunglasses the next time I came to mass. It was hard getting out of bed, but after rocking back and forth a few times, I got the momentum to help myself out of bed. Mass was especially wonderful, as I knew the healing process had begun. How blessed I felt to know the feast day of St Lucy, patron saint of eyes was just a few days away. I would pray to her help because my eye felt like it was sliced in a million pieces.

I went to an eye doctor to have him look at it. He was a wonderful guy, and did a great job. Thank you, Dr. Spicola - my surfer dude eye guy from Ridgemont High. He explained to me, that the covering layer of the membrane on my eye was sliced into countless little pieces. HA! And he gave me a prescription for a bunch of different kinds of eye drops and told me I would probably need eye surgery. Nah, St. Lucy was hard at work with her sewing needle.

One day, a month or two later on follow-up visits to his office, I was asked by the receptionist to provide some answers to her questions. I told her I was in a motorcycle accident in early December. Her eyes got big... When? December 10th. Oh no, where? Mt Holly-Huntersville Rd I told her. She said, oh my God, I saw YOU lying in the road as I was going home. I was certain you were dead, and you were the first dead person I ever saw! I replied, well I hate to disappoint you! ahahaha. And I once again felt compelled to thank God for such a great comeback line. You see, I am not that funny, at least my kids tell me that all the time.

The truth is, the recovery felt like a sewing needle bobbing in and out of my eye. I imagined St. Lucy hard at work and prayed for comfort with all my strength. I would be fine, God willing. Thank you my Lord for saving... is all I can say.

Let me close again with a few tunes. This one, Funky Motorcycle was written in 1994 or 1995 and recorded in my garage. My buddy Frank is engineer and came up with the wicked bass line. I didn't have a bike at the time, never even rode on on the road yet for that matter. Kinda ironic, huh? It is about how hard it is to understand women. One day they are sweet, the next day they are like a cornered badger. Don't get me wrong, I think women are the greatest thing since sliced bread, well better than sliced bread - you know what I mean. But let's face it, women are hard to understand sometimes, for us men especially.

This next song is a song I wrote when Frank was in the hospital, called Sweet Raphael. When I sing it, and really mean it as a solemn prayer - I can't sing it without sobbing. Inexplicable groaning. Wailing like a woman in labor. I have sung this song so many times, with many many different names of friends I know who are sick, and in need of comfort and healing that can only come from God. I am helpless. But I can't just do that when a microphone is shoved in my face. But please know, I have song this song for Doug, Richard, Andy, Louise, Florence, Debbie, Vivian, Christine, Charlotte, Morgan, Peter, Pat, Rodrigo, Tom, Jennie, Kathy, Kate, Dave, Phoebe, Amy, and ad infinitum... the list is too long. I love you all so much. And yes, I have sung the song for myself, a sinner and a man in need of healing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.