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.
Showing posts with label hope and peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hope and peace. Show all posts
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
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.
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, March 9, 2009
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?
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?
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Saturday - First Week of Lent
Today's readings: March 7, 2009
Reading One: Dt 26:16-19 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8 ;
Gospel: Mt 5:20-26 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today's readings continue the theme of loving your enemies, and to strive for nothing less than perfection, just as your Father in Heaven is perfect. Well, it's certainly true that this is impossible, if we only rely on ourselves. But nothing is impossible for God, and I would imagine he offers a helping hand to everyone who draws closer to Him, and asks for help overcoming our shortcomings. And I think the journey must begin with a fervent desire to love your enemies. Please check out the wonderful words at the end of yesterday's post from St Aelred on the subject. The comments made hundreds of years ago are just as wonderful as they were when they were originally offered. But better still, reflect on the Gospel, and what Jesus asks of you. Don't give up or settle for something less - ask for His help.
Years ago, I reflected on how beautifully Jesus reduced all the previous commandments into something simple, and easy to understand. Words first offered in the Old Testament, but with an additional codicil, so we might really understand what it means. Love God with all your heart, all your mind and all your soul. And love your neighbor as yourself. Everything regarding how we must act, be and moreover feel deeply within our hearts must go through this litmus test. One day after mass, a wonderful prayer came to me, and I try to say it after every mass. The prayer is never the same, it comes from the heart, not from rote. It goes something like this:
Gracious God, you love me perfectly. So tender and gentle, yet firm when I need to be chided. And even when I screw up, you love me even more, and put me on shoulders to carry me home. I will never understand why you are so sweet to me. I certainly don't deserve it. You give me pure love, each and every day. And I return this perfect gift, by trying, but never as hard as I could try. I find myself failing to offer you anything as wonderful as you give me, without cost. You know I am sorry. How deeply I wish I could return what you give me. Help me try harder, and grant me the grace to do better each day. I thank with all my heart and soul for all the things you do for me. (I rattle off a some big blessings, my children, my friends, the sunshine, animals, flowers, food, shelter, and even my enemies are a blessing, because you teach me how to forgive and grant me a share of your glorious nature). And I ask you in all humility, to please grant me just one gift, yes, I know it is bigger than all the others combined, but if it is Your will Father, let me love with all the sweetness and perfection that your beloved son, Jesus loved you. He said if I asked anything in His name, if it was Your will, that You would grant the request. So I ask you in confidence for this gift Abba, because I ask for this gift in Jesus' name. And please, let me manifest this gift in how I treat all Your beautiful children, especially those who need it most. Amen.
And yes, I am pretty sure this prayer request was a gracious gift (God is so generous!), and not of my own creation. God blessed me with a wonderful mind, and I heard the words about how His word was hidden from folks with smarts, so I knew I had to work harder than others if I wanted to understand His words, and His ways. Honestly, I think the prayer was a blessing. I know some of you out there think this sounds arrogant, but I said quite clearly, my active mind was a gift from God. It was. It was nothing I earned and the fact that I tried to use that gift is of no consequence at all. I believe His words are true, and if He tells me His word will be hidden from the wise, who am I to say, not so.
Today is also the memorial for Perpetua and Felicity, two martyrs who died because of their fervent love for Jesus Christ. There names are mentioned in a rite of the mass, so I thought it might be a good idea to include a recounting of who these lovely, brave ladies were. (From the Liturgy of the Hours, Office Readings)
Reading One: Dt 26:16-19 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8 ;
Gospel: Mt 5:20-26 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today's readings continue the theme of loving your enemies, and to strive for nothing less than perfection, just as your Father in Heaven is perfect. Well, it's certainly true that this is impossible, if we only rely on ourselves. But nothing is impossible for God, and I would imagine he offers a helping hand to everyone who draws closer to Him, and asks for help overcoming our shortcomings. And I think the journey must begin with a fervent desire to love your enemies. Please check out the wonderful words at the end of yesterday's post from St Aelred on the subject. The comments made hundreds of years ago are just as wonderful as they were when they were originally offered. But better still, reflect on the Gospel, and what Jesus asks of you. Don't give up or settle for something less - ask for His help.
Years ago, I reflected on how beautifully Jesus reduced all the previous commandments into something simple, and easy to understand. Words first offered in the Old Testament, but with an additional codicil, so we might really understand what it means. Love God with all your heart, all your mind and all your soul. And love your neighbor as yourself. Everything regarding how we must act, be and moreover feel deeply within our hearts must go through this litmus test. One day after mass, a wonderful prayer came to me, and I try to say it after every mass. The prayer is never the same, it comes from the heart, not from rote. It goes something like this:
Gracious God, you love me perfectly. So tender and gentle, yet firm when I need to be chided. And even when I screw up, you love me even more, and put me on shoulders to carry me home. I will never understand why you are so sweet to me. I certainly don't deserve it. You give me pure love, each and every day. And I return this perfect gift, by trying, but never as hard as I could try. I find myself failing to offer you anything as wonderful as you give me, without cost. You know I am sorry. How deeply I wish I could return what you give me. Help me try harder, and grant me the grace to do better each day. I thank with all my heart and soul for all the things you do for me. (I rattle off a some big blessings, my children, my friends, the sunshine, animals, flowers, food, shelter, and even my enemies are a blessing, because you teach me how to forgive and grant me a share of your glorious nature). And I ask you in all humility, to please grant me just one gift, yes, I know it is bigger than all the others combined, but if it is Your will Father, let me love with all the sweetness and perfection that your beloved son, Jesus loved you. He said if I asked anything in His name, if it was Your will, that You would grant the request. So I ask you in confidence for this gift Abba, because I ask for this gift in Jesus' name. And please, let me manifest this gift in how I treat all Your beautiful children, especially those who need it most. Amen.
And yes, I am pretty sure this prayer request was a gracious gift (God is so generous!), and not of my own creation. God blessed me with a wonderful mind, and I heard the words about how His word was hidden from folks with smarts, so I knew I had to work harder than others if I wanted to understand His words, and His ways. Honestly, I think the prayer was a blessing. I know some of you out there think this sounds arrogant, but I said quite clearly, my active mind was a gift from God. It was. It was nothing I earned and the fact that I tried to use that gift is of no consequence at all. I believe His words are true, and if He tells me His word will be hidden from the wise, who am I to say, not so.
Today is also the memorial for Perpetua and Felicity, two martyrs who died because of their fervent love for Jesus Christ. There names are mentioned in a rite of the mass, so I thought it might be a good idea to include a recounting of who these lovely, brave ladies were. (From the Liturgy of the Hours, Office Readings)
The day of the martyrs' victory dawned. They marched from their cells into the amphitheater, as if into heaven, with cheerful looks and graceful bearing. If they trembled it was for joy and not for fear.
Perpetua was the first to be thrown down, and she fell prostrate. She got up and, seeing that Felicity was prostrate, went over and reached out her hand to her and lifted her up. Both stood up together. The hostility of the crowd was appeased, and they were ordered to the gate called Sanavivaria. There Perpetua was welcomed by a catechumen named Rusticus. Rousing herself as if from sleep (so deeply had she been in spiritual ecstasy) she began to look around. To everyone's amazement she said: "When are we going to be led to the beast?" When she heard that it had already happened she did not at first believe it until she saw the marks of violence on her body and her clothing. Then she beckoned to her brother and the catechumen, and addressed them in these words: "Stand firm in faith, love one another and do not be tempted to do anything wrong because of our sufferings."
Saturus, too, in another gate, encouraged the soldier Pudens, saying: "Here I am, and just as I thought and foretold I have not yet felt any wild beast. Now believe with your whole heart: I will go there and be killed by the leopard in one bite." And right at the end of the games, when he was thrown to the leopard he was in fact covered with so much blood from one bite that the people cried out to him: "Washed and saved, washed and saved!" And so, giving evidence of a second baptism, he was clearly saved who had been washed in this manner.
Then Saturus said to the soldier Pudens: "Farewell, and remember your faith as well as me; do not let these things frighten you; let them rather strengthen you." At the same time he asked for the little ring from Pudens' finger. After soaking it in his wound he returned it to Pudens as a keepsake, leaving him a pledge and a remembrance of his blood. Half dead, he was thrown along with the others into the usual place of slaughter.
The people, however, had demanded that the martyrs be led to the middle of the amphitheater. They wanted to see the sword thrust into the bodies of the victims, so that their eyes might share in the slaughter. Without being asked they went where the people wanted them to go; but first they kissed one another, to complete their witness with the customary kiss of peace.
The others stood motionless and received the death-blow in silence, especially Saturus, who had gone up first and was first to die; he was helping Perpetua. But Perpetua, that she might experience the pain more deeply, rejoiced over her broken body and guided the shaking hand of the inexperienced gladiator to her throat. Such a woman - one before whom the unclean spirit trembled - could not perhaps have been killed, had she herself not willed it.
Bravest and happiest martyrs! You were called and chosen for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Friday, First Week of Lent
Today's readings: March 6, 2009
Reading One: Ez 18:21-28 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8 ;
Gospel: Mt 5:20-26 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today's readings are especially difficult. Frankly, very few people cut the mustard here. Are we not all guilty of what is brought to light? Are we perfectly charitable to everyone, even to those who mistreated us? In politics? At work? At play? At home? When no one is hearing our inner thoughts? Isn't there someone who you have said a bad word about recently, or felt anger in your heart because you felt poorly treated? The only way out of this, is to raise your eyes to the truth, and to acknowledge it, feel sorry, and seek to change your ways. Lent is not easy, as we are all called to seek to be perfect, and the words in today's reading show how far we have to go. Like all long journeys, the first step is often the hardest. Acknowledge your guiltiness, and the rest of the journey is much easier. The best part is, if we have faith in Jesus, he will help us over this chasm and show us the way. But we need to make the first step on our own, and admit we have room for improvement. If we refuse to hear the words, and know He is telling the truth about some things we need to fix, we condemn ourselves in our pride.
Try it for a day, and see how hard it is. Don't let one bad word about a brother or a sister, or a parent or a child, a friend or foe leave your mouth. One of the best ways to start on this road, is to be eager to listen, and slow to speak. But you first need to accept the reality, that this is something we all need to focus on, and amend our ways. And then, after a successful day, try to make it a habit. Our goal is to make that - who we are.
Just got back from mass at St. Patrick's in Charlotte and feel much, much better today. I also had a chance to go to reconciliation, which is indeed a sacrament, though it is unfortunately not very widely accepted as such by many in the Catholic faith. It really is a wonderful blessing, in that one is allowed to take the first, and vital step to ridding yourself from what ails you. My problem yesterday, was feeling sadness about so many friends who for some reason have felt the need to tell me I am crazy. And also, hearing a lot of people saying they didn't care about the weakness in the stock market, because it doesn't matter to them. They are already poor, they assured me, so what. But also, and this is really the big part of my sorrow, is how we are heading for disaster and civil unrest, and no one seems to be making changes to face up to the reality. For me, I have only one issue that really matters, not that other things do not, but the gravity of my one issue burns so deeply into my heart, that I have no choice. That issue - is abortion. How is it possible that we can say, fine - no problem, to kill thousands of innocent people each day, and go on with our day as if nothing happened. During Lent, we remember how we killed the kindest and gentlest of men, for no good reason. How is abortion any different. As a nation, our heart has become so covered in stone, we use excuses like - oh, I agree abortion is bad, but we can't legislate morality. (ok, let someone kill your children, and then say, no problem). We are all God's children, and we allow to process to go on day after day as if our hearts are not effected. In truth, stone builds around your hearts, and from this one monster sized evil - our moral compass has no direction left. It is like trying to navigate a ship with no magnetic north. Mother Teresa said it better than me, ponder on her words today, and I hope at least one of you has a change of heart.
The good news for me, is that I went to reconciliation today, and asked for forgiveness concerning the profound sorrow and despair I felt, knowing in my heart, we were inviting the full wrath of God to beset our nation. I know, very few understand what fear of the Lord means anymore, but if you read scripture, you would be scared. Really scared. Thank God for my faith, mostly a gift, though I have also tried to do what I can on my own to increase, including offering prayers and songs asking to increase my faith. (A prayer for Sara).
God is so good to me, as this morning I read some amazing words offered Saint Aelred in Mirror of Love. The words soothed my troubled mind, and gave me the strength I had lost by the sorrow I feel for every child that is lost due to the horror of abortion. It is my hope, it has the same effect on my friends who share this grief with me, and that it brings you peace of mind, just as the words did for me this morning.
Reading One: Ez 18:21-28 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8 ;
Gospel: Mt 5:20-26 ; go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page) And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today's readings are especially difficult. Frankly, very few people cut the mustard here. Are we not all guilty of what is brought to light? Are we perfectly charitable to everyone, even to those who mistreated us? In politics? At work? At play? At home? When no one is hearing our inner thoughts? Isn't there someone who you have said a bad word about recently, or felt anger in your heart because you felt poorly treated? The only way out of this, is to raise your eyes to the truth, and to acknowledge it, feel sorry, and seek to change your ways. Lent is not easy, as we are all called to seek to be perfect, and the words in today's reading show how far we have to go. Like all long journeys, the first step is often the hardest. Acknowledge your guiltiness, and the rest of the journey is much easier. The best part is, if we have faith in Jesus, he will help us over this chasm and show us the way. But we need to make the first step on our own, and admit we have room for improvement. If we refuse to hear the words, and know He is telling the truth about some things we need to fix, we condemn ourselves in our pride.
Try it for a day, and see how hard it is. Don't let one bad word about a brother or a sister, or a parent or a child, a friend or foe leave your mouth. One of the best ways to start on this road, is to be eager to listen, and slow to speak. But you first need to accept the reality, that this is something we all need to focus on, and amend our ways. And then, after a successful day, try to make it a habit. Our goal is to make that - who we are.
Just got back from mass at St. Patrick's in Charlotte and feel much, much better today. I also had a chance to go to reconciliation, which is indeed a sacrament, though it is unfortunately not very widely accepted as such by many in the Catholic faith. It really is a wonderful blessing, in that one is allowed to take the first, and vital step to ridding yourself from what ails you. My problem yesterday, was feeling sadness about so many friends who for some reason have felt the need to tell me I am crazy. And also, hearing a lot of people saying they didn't care about the weakness in the stock market, because it doesn't matter to them. They are already poor, they assured me, so what. But also, and this is really the big part of my sorrow, is how we are heading for disaster and civil unrest, and no one seems to be making changes to face up to the reality. For me, I have only one issue that really matters, not that other things do not, but the gravity of my one issue burns so deeply into my heart, that I have no choice. That issue - is abortion. How is it possible that we can say, fine - no problem, to kill thousands of innocent people each day, and go on with our day as if nothing happened. During Lent, we remember how we killed the kindest and gentlest of men, for no good reason. How is abortion any different. As a nation, our heart has become so covered in stone, we use excuses like - oh, I agree abortion is bad, but we can't legislate morality. (ok, let someone kill your children, and then say, no problem). We are all God's children, and we allow to process to go on day after day as if our hearts are not effected. In truth, stone builds around your hearts, and from this one monster sized evil - our moral compass has no direction left. It is like trying to navigate a ship with no magnetic north. Mother Teresa said it better than me, ponder on her words today, and I hope at least one of you has a change of heart.
America needs no words from me to see how your decision in Roe v. Wade has deformed a great nation. The so-called right to abortion has pitted mothers against their children and women against men. It has sown violence and discord at the heart of the most intimate human relationships. It has aggravated the derogation of the father's role in an increasingly fatherless society. It has portrayed the greatest of gifts a child as a competitor, an intrusion, and an inconvenience. It has nominally accorded mothers unfettered dominion over the independent lives of their physically dependent sons and daughters.Abortion makes the preamble of our constitution a joke. Life is not an inalienable right, if we can kill our children. And now there is a move to make abortion a constitutional right. (called the FOCA amendment in case you are uninformed, and President Obama has promised he would sign it if it came to his desk. Pray for him to have a change of heart). The issue is coming to a head, and how deep our wounds will be if it passes. Here's an article today from St. Louis. To people of faith, passing this would be the same as asking us to kill our own children, our own families, because we feel we are all brothers and sisters. As God's children, there is little difference between my own kids, and your kids. I share this so you might better understand our hearts
The good news for me, is that I went to reconciliation today, and asked for forgiveness concerning the profound sorrow and despair I felt, knowing in my heart, we were inviting the full wrath of God to beset our nation. I know, very few understand what fear of the Lord means anymore, but if you read scripture, you would be scared. Really scared. Thank God for my faith, mostly a gift, though I have also tried to do what I can on my own to increase, including offering prayers and songs asking to increase my faith. (A prayer for Sara).
God is so good to me, as this morning I read some amazing words offered Saint Aelred in Mirror of Love. The words soothed my troubled mind, and gave me the strength I had lost by the sorrow I feel for every child that is lost due to the horror of abortion. It is my hope, it has the same effect on my friends who share this grief with me, and that it brings you peace of mind, just as the words did for me this morning.
The perfection of brotherly love lies in the love of one’s enemies. We can find no greater inspiration for this than grateful remembrance of the wonderful patience of Christ. He who is more fair than all the sons of men offered his fair face to be spat upon by sinful men; he allowed those eyes that rule the universe to be blindfolded by wicked men; he bared his back to the scourges; he submitted that head which strikes terror in principalities and powers to the sharpness of the thorns; he gave himself up to be mocked and reviled, and at the end endured the cross, the nails, the lance, the gall, the vinegar, remaining always gentle, meek and full of peace.Please pray for the people we elected to office to do the right thing. And also I ask you to continue your prayers for Charlotte, Peter, Jim and his family, Frank, Christopher, and if time allows, please say a prayer for me. Thanks.
In short, he was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb before the shearers he kept silent, and did not open his mouth.
Who could listen to that wonderful prayer, so full of warmth, of love, of unshakable serenity – Father, forgive them – and hesitate to embrace his enemies with overflowing love? Father, he says, forgive them. Is any gentleness, any love, lacking in this prayer?
Yet he put into it something more. It was not enough to pray for them: he wanted also to make excuses for them. Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. They are great sinners, yes, but they have little judgment; therefore, Father, forgive them. They are nailing me to the cross, but they do not know who it is that they are nailing to the cross: if they had known, they would never have crucified the Lord of glory; therefore, Father, forgive them. They think it is a lawbreaker, an impostor claiming to be God, a seducer of the people. I have hidden my face from them, and they do not recognize my glory; therefore, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.
If someone wishes to love himself he must not allow himself to be corrupted by indulging his sinful nature. If he wishes to resist the promptings of his sinful nature he must enlarge the whole horizon of his love to contemplate the loving gentleness of the humanity of the Lord. Further, if he wishes to savor the joy of brotherly love with greater perfection and delight, he must extend even to his enemies the embrace of true love.
But if he wishes to prevent this fire of divine love from growing cold because of injuries received, let him keep the eyes of his soul always fixed on the serene patience of his beloved Lord and Savior.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Wednesday of the First Week in Lent
Today's readings: March 4, 2009
Reading One: Jon 3:1-10 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19 ;
Gospel : Lk 11:29-32 ;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page)
And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today's readings all speak to the need to feel regret for the things you did wrong. And not just for the sake of feeling badly. The truth is, feeling regret is usually the first step toward losing your foolishness, and becoming free from the bondage associated with one's sinfulness. Such an easy straightforward lesson, but all too often, it is the first step that is the hardest. Doing foolish things is basically a universal character trait. We all make mistakes, hence we are all sinners. But in this world, all too often we not only feel little or no regret for our foolishness, sometimes we even take pride in our sinfulness. I know I have, and also am guilty of this. It is hard to hear the words spoken today, and I expect to recall the words offered by Teresa of Avila all through the day.
She compared her sinfulness to a glass of water. When you looked at the glass of water without much light, it appeared to be just fine and dandy. No problems, beautiful and easy to drink. But when you hold the glass next to a candle, you see all kinds of things floating in the water, and are revolted. The candle represented Jesus and as you drew closer and closer to Christ, the light became brighter and brighter. He helped raise all your sins in front of your eyes. She described the process of drawing closer and closer to Christ as a violent affair, and indeed this has been my own experience. It is violent and extremely difficult to face up to your foolishness. It is much easier to stay far away from the Light, but then you remain in your prison of your foolishness.
She offered another way of looking at it too - you are a beautiful painting, and if you look at it across the room, it looks just lovely. But take the painting into harsher light, and you see all the cracks, and worse you see the mold growing between the cracks. You are left feeling ashamed and terrible - you are not that beautiful at all. Again, she describes the process as a violent affair. That is the hardest part - seeing yourself as you really are, in great need of help and in need to amend your ways, to repent and be faithful to the Gospel. We are called to not just be ok, and nice. We are called to be perfect, like God the Father is perfect.
This is going to be a very hard day for me, as I plan to spend a lot of time in reflection, asking Jesus to help me see how muddy my water is, and to take that difficult step of being humble and contrite. The good news is, He helps us break free from our prison of sinfulness, you only need faith to get you through. May each of us have the courage to take the first step, and not be afraid of engaging in this violent affair. Getting out of prison will make it all worth it. I ask that you pray for me to have the courage to get closer to the Light, and take the first step.
I met with Louise yesterday, and she told me her lovely grand daughter Morgan is doing just great and is in full remission. Thanks to all the kind souls who prayed for Morgan to get well. She is well now. Thanks to our gentle and loving God, who binds all wounds. Finally, please pray for my friends Peter, Charlotte, Jim, Florence, Jennie, Stewart and Amelia. And anyone else who is on your list of prayers. I am certain the time will be well spent.
Reading One: Jon 3:1-10 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19 ;
Gospel : Lk 11:29-32 ;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page)
And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
Today's readings all speak to the need to feel regret for the things you did wrong. And not just for the sake of feeling badly. The truth is, feeling regret is usually the first step toward losing your foolishness, and becoming free from the bondage associated with one's sinfulness. Such an easy straightforward lesson, but all too often, it is the first step that is the hardest. Doing foolish things is basically a universal character trait. We all make mistakes, hence we are all sinners. But in this world, all too often we not only feel little or no regret for our foolishness, sometimes we even take pride in our sinfulness. I know I have, and also am guilty of this. It is hard to hear the words spoken today, and I expect to recall the words offered by Teresa of Avila all through the day.
She compared her sinfulness to a glass of water. When you looked at the glass of water without much light, it appeared to be just fine and dandy. No problems, beautiful and easy to drink. But when you hold the glass next to a candle, you see all kinds of things floating in the water, and are revolted. The candle represented Jesus and as you drew closer and closer to Christ, the light became brighter and brighter. He helped raise all your sins in front of your eyes. She described the process of drawing closer and closer to Christ as a violent affair, and indeed this has been my own experience. It is violent and extremely difficult to face up to your foolishness. It is much easier to stay far away from the Light, but then you remain in your prison of your foolishness.
She offered another way of looking at it too - you are a beautiful painting, and if you look at it across the room, it looks just lovely. But take the painting into harsher light, and you see all the cracks, and worse you see the mold growing between the cracks. You are left feeling ashamed and terrible - you are not that beautiful at all. Again, she describes the process as a violent affair. That is the hardest part - seeing yourself as you really are, in great need of help and in need to amend your ways, to repent and be faithful to the Gospel. We are called to not just be ok, and nice. We are called to be perfect, like God the Father is perfect.
This is going to be a very hard day for me, as I plan to spend a lot of time in reflection, asking Jesus to help me see how muddy my water is, and to take that difficult step of being humble and contrite. The good news is, He helps us break free from our prison of sinfulness, you only need faith to get you through. May each of us have the courage to take the first step, and not be afraid of engaging in this violent affair. Getting out of prison will make it all worth it. I ask that you pray for me to have the courage to get closer to the Light, and take the first step.
I met with Louise yesterday, and she told me her lovely grand daughter Morgan is doing just great and is in full remission. Thanks to all the kind souls who prayed for Morgan to get well. She is well now. Thanks to our gentle and loving God, who binds all wounds. Finally, please pray for my friends Peter, Charlotte, Jim, Florence, Jennie, Stewart and Amelia. And anyone else who is on your list of prayers. I am certain the time will be well spent.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Tuesday, First Week of Lent
Today's readings: March 3, 2009
Reading One: Is 55:10-11 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19 ;
Gospel : Mt 6:7-15 ;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page)
And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
A few days ago, I mentioned the Gospel reading from several weeks ago, on February 11 - and how the words just stuck with me. Basically, it said that we sin, a.k.a. how we mess up our relationship with God, by what comes from our hearts, not by what we eat. I bring it up again because for most folks, all we do for Lent to sacrifice is give up something that we eat, or drink - something that we put INTO our mouths. But Jesus tells us, that is not where sin comes from. He tells us it has much more to do with what comes OUT of our mouths, and how these bad words, come from the heart. In the course of my exciting life, I have had many situations where someone really came down on me very hard, and I was left with a difficult choice. Do I stay angry, and curse the day they were born - or do I follow Jesus' advice, and forgive. At many times during my life, what was done to me was beyond my capacity to forgive, and thank God, I was blessed to learn at an early age that I STILL needed to forgive and forget, otherwise I would carry a huge load, an unbearable burden, that was a lot like a cancer. But I could ask for Divine help, to forgive the unforgivable. I understood all too well - I needed to forgive, not only for the sake of the offending party, but I also needed to forgive in order to take care of myself. Today's Gospel continues along this line of thought and ends with these words.
And if it is too much for you to do on your own, because the hurt was so deep and all consuming, ask for Divine help. My own experience is that prayers of this nature are so warmly welcomed by God, that not only does he answer these prayers, and grants you the grace to forgive - he also in His infinite generosity, gives you blessings beyond what you deserve, just because you listened well and asked for help where you needed in it most, in matters of utmost importance. How deeply I hope at least one person who reads this, heeds the call, not from me, but from the perfect being who only told the truth. Jesus.
Seven years ago, and many times since - I was faced with this very situation and absolutely needed to forgive things beyond my strength and capacity. I asked for God's help. I asked again and again, because I was stubborn and foolish. He healed me each time, more and more each time - and my life has never been the same. Not only did I lose the cancer of the animus I held onto, but I was blessed beyond my wildest dreams for trying and trying again to simply do what was asked of me. FORGIVE.
Other areas to really focus on - is to love those who need it most. The folks who are alone, sick, abandoned and desperately poor. Reach out your hand and help them out of the hole, whether the hole was created by difficult times, or whether they dug the hole for themselves. As Jesus said in the Gospel on Sunday - what you do for the least of you. Offer your hand and help to God in those poor folks who need it most. God will remember his friends. He will also remember those who turned their backs on Him.
Reading One: Is 55:10-11 ;
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19 ;
Gospel : Mt 6:7-15 ;
go to this page (for all three sections listed above on one page)
And here's an audio file; & reflections (video)
A few days ago, I mentioned the Gospel reading from several weeks ago, on February 11 - and how the words just stuck with me. Basically, it said that we sin, a.k.a. how we mess up our relationship with God, by what comes from our hearts, not by what we eat. I bring it up again because for most folks, all we do for Lent to sacrifice is give up something that we eat, or drink - something that we put INTO our mouths. But Jesus tells us, that is not where sin comes from. He tells us it has much more to do with what comes OUT of our mouths, and how these bad words, come from the heart. In the course of my exciting life, I have had many situations where someone really came down on me very hard, and I was left with a difficult choice. Do I stay angry, and curse the day they were born - or do I follow Jesus' advice, and forgive. At many times during my life, what was done to me was beyond my capacity to forgive, and thank God, I was blessed to learn at an early age that I STILL needed to forgive and forget, otherwise I would carry a huge load, an unbearable burden, that was a lot like a cancer. But I could ask for Divine help, to forgive the unforgivable. I understood all too well - I needed to forgive, not only for the sake of the offending party, but I also needed to forgive in order to take care of myself. Today's Gospel continues along this line of thought and ends with these words.
If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.The words are quite serious, and I hope you get a better understanding of what is meant by "Fear of the Lord". The words are not couched in any disclaimers. Jesus is not a liar - he is indeed telling it like it is. As such, I urge you - if you are giving up a glass of wine each night, or chocolates, fast food, you are really missing the point. Raise the bar! Try this in addition to the tiny sacrifice, and follow the suggestion offered by God's beloved son, whose only wish is to make your joy complete - give up your anger and animus to the folks who wronged you. Forgive them. Give up the part in your heart that holds onto hatred and bitter feelings. If you do, I think you will have the same experience that countless folks have learned for themselves - you will get rid of the part of you, that is killing you.
And if it is too much for you to do on your own, because the hurt was so deep and all consuming, ask for Divine help. My own experience is that prayers of this nature are so warmly welcomed by God, that not only does he answer these prayers, and grants you the grace to forgive - he also in His infinite generosity, gives you blessings beyond what you deserve, just because you listened well and asked for help where you needed in it most, in matters of utmost importance. How deeply I hope at least one person who reads this, heeds the call, not from me, but from the perfect being who only told the truth. Jesus.
Seven years ago, and many times since - I was faced with this very situation and absolutely needed to forgive things beyond my strength and capacity. I asked for God's help. I asked again and again, because I was stubborn and foolish. He healed me each time, more and more each time - and my life has never been the same. Not only did I lose the cancer of the animus I held onto, but I was blessed beyond my wildest dreams for trying and trying again to simply do what was asked of me. FORGIVE.
Other areas to really focus on - is to love those who need it most. The folks who are alone, sick, abandoned and desperately poor. Reach out your hand and help them out of the hole, whether the hole was created by difficult times, or whether they dug the hole for themselves. As Jesus said in the Gospel on Sunday - what you do for the least of you. Offer your hand and help to God in those poor folks who need it most. God will remember his friends. He will also remember those who turned their backs on Him.
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