Tuesday, Second Week of Lent

Daily Readings for Lent
Today's readings: March 2, 2010
First Reading: Is 1:10, 16-20;
Responsorial Psalm: 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23 ;
Gospel: Mt 23:1-12 ;

And here's an audio file and a video of a priest offering reflections.

 First Reading:  Is 1:10, 16-20
Wash yourselves clean!
Put away your misdeeds from before my eyes;
cease doing evil; learn to do good.
Make justice your aim: redress the wronged,
hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.
Come now, let us set things right,
says the LORD:
Though your sins be like scarlet,
they may become white as snow;
Though they be crimson red,
they may become white as wool.
If you are willing, and obey,
you shall eat the good things of the land;
But if you refuse and resist,
the sword shall consume you:
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken!

Responsorial Psalm  50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23
R.      To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,
for your burnt offerings are before me always.
I take from your house no bullock,
no goats out of your fold.”
R.        To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“Why do you recite my statutes,
and profess my covenant with your mouth,
Though you hate discipline
and cast my words behind you?”
R.        To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
“When you do these things, shall I be deaf to it?
Or do you think that I am like yourself?
I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.
He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;
and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”
R.        To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

Gospel   Mt 23:1-12
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,
“The scribes and the Pharisees
have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,
but do not follow their example.
For they preach but they do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry
and lay them on people’s shoulders,
but they will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works are performed to be seen.
They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,
greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’
As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’
You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father;
you have but one Father in heaven.
Do not be called ‘Master’;
you have but one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you must be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled;
but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Commentary: Yesterday I had the opportunity to accompany a priest
to a local hospital where he was asked to perform the rite of Annointing of the Sick, which back in the day, was called Extreme Unction. It is such a lovely rite and is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. The rite begins with the priest absolving the sick person of all their sins - all of them committed in the course of their lifetime. And a sweet reminder, of how deeply they are loved by Jesus. Soon the time will come, when Jesus will come for them and for the sick person to make the final surrender into God's loving hands. No matter how tough or faithful one might be, I sincerely doubt anyone is ever really ready for this moment, except for maybe the saints. It is not an easy trial - the final suffering and death. That said, I am convinced it is much easier if we spend time in prayer and seek to grow close to God all the days of our life. When we do that - we are less afraid, and better still - we might even be anticipating this cross-over to the heavenly kingdom. And also - find ourselves with a much lighter load to carry while we live. We can actually live the full life God is offering to all of us, and allow Him to make our joy complete. If you are honest with yourself - you know, we are the ones holding back.

So take advantage of the Lenten Season - and make amends. Humble yourself and grow closer in  God's loving relationship. He will help you get there - just ask.

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.

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.

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.

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.