Hi Everyone ... my apologies for not posting for a bit. Thank you all for your well wishes during this time.
I witnessed two different actions at Mass this month that really made me think.
The first action happened right before the Readings. The church I was at has a practice of calling up all the kids in attendance before the first Reading. The priest gives one of the children a big book of readings, and that child leads the procession out of the church and to the classrooms where they learn the Gospel in their own terms. Now, normally, the children are reluctant to be the "book carrier". For one, it calls attention to them, and they are usually quite shy. Second, the book is rather large for them and, I imagine, not the easiest thing to carry a decent distance.
But on this day, a lad who looked to be all of 5 years old, came sprinting to the priest to grab the book ... and then proudly held it high over his head as he attempted to proceed back down the aisle. (He didn't make it far before he had to get some assistance carrying it, but it was definitely an A for effort!)
That action had an immediate impact on me. What if we all "raced to God's word" as quickly as that little boy did??
The second action that gave me pause was at a different church the following week. I don't know about churches near you, but when most of our priests perform the Consecration, they hold the body and blood up in the air for about three to five seconds. Ten at the most. The priest that was residing over this particular Mass held each in the air for a full sixty seconds!
I must admit, relative to the normal actions, those sixty seconds felt like ten minutes. And what felt a bit awkward at first, turned into something quite beautiful.
I wondered to myself ... shouldn't we always take an extra minute or two to fully reflect on that most beautiful part of Mass?
God Bless all of you.
Showing posts with label Catholic Blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Catholic Blog. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Sunday, May 28, 2017
It's All Greek to Me, Part II
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever. - John 14:16
I learned something new recently about this encouraging statement by our Savior.
When I have read this passage before, I have always interpreted it as God was going to send us a different Entity. Meaning, Jesus was there at that moment He was speaking to the disciples, and then God was going to send the Holy Spirit .... Someone very different than Jesus. Why else would he say "another"?
That interpretation was in conflict with my belief in the Trinity, of course, and so there was a bit of an irreconcilable difference in my head.
Until I learned a little Greek, that is!
The English language has multiple definitions for another. For example, a restaurant might tell you "Sorry, we are booked this evening ... please come back another day." In that scenario another means a completely different day. In contrast, one might say "That was delicious, I'll have another piece of that cake, please!" In that scenario, another means more of the same.
Well, the Greek language uses two different words. Allos, meaning the same kind, and heteros, meaning a different kind.
The Greek word used in John's passage above is allos. Thus, Jesus is telling his disciples the Lord is sending another Helper just like him. The Third Person in the Trinity!
God Bless you, and prayers that the Holy Spirit continues to strengthen us.
Monday, April 17, 2017
He Bows His Head, as if to Kiss You
A Glorious and Blessed Easter to all of you!
I came across this wonderful reflection from St Augustine of Hippo about St John's Passion, and wanted to share. I can assure you I will not look at the cross the same way again!
God Bless you!
I came across this wonderful reflection from St Augustine of Hippo about St John's Passion, and wanted to share. I can assure you I will not look at the cross the same way again!
As they were looking on, so we too gaze on his wounds as he hangs. We see his blood as he dies. We see the price offered by the redeemer, touch the scars of his resurrection.
He bows his head, as if to kiss you. His heart is made bare open, as it were, in love to you. His arms are extended that he may embrace you. His whole body is displayed for your redemption.
Ponder how great these things are.
Let all this be rightly weighed in your mind: as he was once fixed to the cross in every part of his body for you, so he may now be fixed in every part of your soul.Ponder how great these things are, indeed.
God Bless you!
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Looking at Lazaruz Through A Different Lens
When I get to a Gospel reading that I have heard many, many times - especially one that has a pretty clear message like today's Lazarus story - I try and find a new perspective.
I usually look at the Lazarus story as a microcosm of our larger Faith story. Jesus raises a man from the dead, much like He will be raised from the dead shortly thereafter. His Apostles and other followers start to believe even more after watching the unthinkable happen right before their eyes... much like millions more will over the centuries that follow. Jesus talks about walking in the Light - a metaphor for all of us to follow the path that He illuminates for us.
And so on and so forth.
Today I looked at this passage through a different lens - time.
One of the things that struck me today was that both Martha and Mary say the same thing to Jesus ... basically that "if only You had been here our brother would be alive".
In their view of the world, Jesus was not there when they wanted Him to be. He was "late" by their clock. Likewise the near-term outcome was not what they wanted either. In their all-too-human plan, Jesus is with them when Lazarus falls ill and prevents him from dying.
(On a side note, twice in this reading John tells us that Jesus was "perturbed". That word really struck me.)
Jesus knew that not only were they going to get the outcome they wanted, but because it happened on HIS time, and not theirs, there would be an even greater good. They - like us - were thinking much too myopically.
In God's plan, this was a moment in time that could not only bring those present closer to Him, but one that would resonate for eternity.
I hope you are having a Blessed Lent.
I usually look at the Lazarus story as a microcosm of our larger Faith story. Jesus raises a man from the dead, much like He will be raised from the dead shortly thereafter. His Apostles and other followers start to believe even more after watching the unthinkable happen right before their eyes... much like millions more will over the centuries that follow. Jesus talks about walking in the Light - a metaphor for all of us to follow the path that He illuminates for us.
And so on and so forth.
Today I looked at this passage through a different lens - time.
One of the things that struck me today was that both Martha and Mary say the same thing to Jesus ... basically that "if only You had been here our brother would be alive".
In their view of the world, Jesus was not there when they wanted Him to be. He was "late" by their clock. Likewise the near-term outcome was not what they wanted either. In their all-too-human plan, Jesus is with them when Lazarus falls ill and prevents him from dying.
(On a side note, twice in this reading John tells us that Jesus was "perturbed". That word really struck me.)
Jesus knew that not only were they going to get the outcome they wanted, but because it happened on HIS time, and not theirs, there would be an even greater good. They - like us - were thinking much too myopically.
In God's plan, this was a moment in time that could not only bring those present closer to Him, but one that would resonate for eternity.
I hope you are having a Blessed Lent.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Serving Two Masters: A Sports Analogy
In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us we cannot serve two masters.
We must love one and hate the other.
This can be hard to explain or understand in a world that is not so easily seen in black and white.
One analogy that I came across tries to explain this in sporting terms ...
Let's say you live in Chicago. You have two baseball teams you can root for ... the American League White Sox, or the National League Cubs. (This analogy works for many cities and sports by the way... in England, for example, you could have Manchester United vs Manchester City in soccer/football).
Some fans will tell you that you can root for both hometown teams, especially since, in the baseball example, they are from different leagues. They argue that they can watch both teams compete, and root for them against whoever they are playing. This would sort of equate to us saying we can serve both our material lives and God equally at the same time.
On the flip side, some fans will argue you absolutely positively cannot root for both teams. You must choose one, or the other, and throw all of your passion, loyalty and love behind that one team.
Let's go back to that first example, though - the fan that says they can root for both teams. This might be true for most of the season. But what if the White Sox and Cubs both made it to the World Series and had to play each other? (Or when Man U and City play each other for the Manchester Cup?) Wouldn't that fan then have to ultimately choose one? To love one and thus hate the other? And what about when the two teams are playing a game at the same time? How does the fan choose which team to watch? He/she either chooses one, or splits his/her attention ... and thus does not give their entire self to one or the other.
While this analogy is not perfect, I think it does help explain that when we think we can serve both masters (read: root for both teams), we end up, at best, only giving a piece of ourselves.
And we all know that God deserves all of us. Not just a piece!
We need to be more like the fan that knows this is not possible, and chooses one team to serve for with all of his/her self.
God Bless you.
We must love one and hate the other.
This can be hard to explain or understand in a world that is not so easily seen in black and white.
One analogy that I came across tries to explain this in sporting terms ...
Let's say you live in Chicago. You have two baseball teams you can root for ... the American League White Sox, or the National League Cubs. (This analogy works for many cities and sports by the way... in England, for example, you could have Manchester United vs Manchester City in soccer/football).
Some fans will tell you that you can root for both hometown teams, especially since, in the baseball example, they are from different leagues. They argue that they can watch both teams compete, and root for them against whoever they are playing. This would sort of equate to us saying we can serve both our material lives and God equally at the same time.
On the flip side, some fans will argue you absolutely positively cannot root for both teams. You must choose one, or the other, and throw all of your passion, loyalty and love behind that one team.
Let's go back to that first example, though - the fan that says they can root for both teams. This might be true for most of the season. But what if the White Sox and Cubs both made it to the World Series and had to play each other? (Or when Man U and City play each other for the Manchester Cup?) Wouldn't that fan then have to ultimately choose one? To love one and thus hate the other? And what about when the two teams are playing a game at the same time? How does the fan choose which team to watch? He/she either chooses one, or splits his/her attention ... and thus does not give their entire self to one or the other.
While this analogy is not perfect, I think it does help explain that when we think we can serve both masters (read: root for both teams), we end up, at best, only giving a piece of ourselves.
And we all know that God deserves all of us. Not just a piece!
We need to be more like the fan that knows this is not possible, and chooses one team to serve for with all of his/her self.
God Bless you.
Sunday, February 12, 2017
World Marriage Sunday Humor
Today is World Marriage Sunday, and I came across this little joke in a few different places:
All in good fun, of course! My prayers go out to all the married couples reading, as well as those who have been married before, or are about to be married this year!
God Bless you.
A little girl, who was at her very first wedding Mass, whispered to her mother, "Why is the bride dressed in white?"
The mother replied, "Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life."
After pondering that for a bit, the girl asked, "So why is the groom wearing black, then?"
All in good fun, of course! My prayers go out to all the married couples reading, as well as those who have been married before, or are about to be married this year!
God Bless you.
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Take This Post With a Grain of Salt
In today's Gospel, Jesus tells his followers that they are the "salt of the earth".
He then reminds them that if salt loses its taste, it is "no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."
Now ... I'm no salt expert ... so take the following with the proverbial grain of it:
Back in Jesus' time, salt was quite valuable. Obviously, it was used for seasoning. But it was also used for wounds and for preserving food.
I recently learned, however, that salt could also be quite evil to agriculture. In fact, conquering tribes would often salt the land of the conquered ... thus ruining any current crops and sometimes preventing future growth as well.
So which kind of salt are we?
The kind that tastes good, preserves God's word, and cleans spiritual wounds?
Or the kind that has no taste, that increases blood pressure, and prevents others from growing in Faith?
God Bless you, and may you be the salt of the earth and the light of the world!
He then reminds them that if salt loses its taste, it is "no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."
Now ... I'm no salt expert ... so take the following with the proverbial grain of it:
Back in Jesus' time, salt was quite valuable. Obviously, it was used for seasoning. But it was also used for wounds and for preserving food.
I recently learned, however, that salt could also be quite evil to agriculture. In fact, conquering tribes would often salt the land of the conquered ... thus ruining any current crops and sometimes preventing future growth as well.
So which kind of salt are we?
The kind that tastes good, preserves God's word, and cleans spiritual wounds?
Or the kind that has no taste, that increases blood pressure, and prevents others from growing in Faith?
God Bless you, and may you be the salt of the earth and the light of the world!
Friday, January 27, 2017
Sharing a Post: A song saves that lives
My blogging friend Victor at Time for Reflections has a beautiful post about a song that has saved many babies from abortion.
Today, on March for Life 2017 day, I thought it would be a very timely post to share with you.
Please pray for the unborn, and any mothers or fathers struggling with their decisions.
God Bless you, and thank you Victor for sharing this with us.
Today, on March for Life 2017 day, I thought it would be a very timely post to share with you.
Please pray for the unborn, and any mothers or fathers struggling with their decisions.
God Bless you, and thank you Victor for sharing this with us.
Monday, January 16, 2017
Transfer of Power
In case you have not seen a newspaper, or been on the world wide web at all, over the past year, we have a pretty significant transfer of power happening this week in the United States.
That transfer, so far, has been ... not so smooth. Both current and elect seem to be ridiculing one another at every turn, trying to bring the other down or at least keep public opinion on their side.
Which is why our deacon, this past weekend, reflected on St. John the Baptist. He commented on how hard it must have been for John to decrease, while allowing Jesus to increase - even for someone as Holy as a Saint.
After all, John had many, many followers ... that came to him in the wilderness and praised him often.
And yet, when our Savior arrived, John "transferred" quite seamlessly to Him ... and ended up dying alone.
It seems like such a sharp contrast to what is happening in the U.S. - and other parts of the world - and is something I probably take for granted without thinking about how hard it must have been for John.
Please pray for peace in our world, and God Bless.
That transfer, so far, has been ... not so smooth. Both current and elect seem to be ridiculing one another at every turn, trying to bring the other down or at least keep public opinion on their side.
Which is why our deacon, this past weekend, reflected on St. John the Baptist. He commented on how hard it must have been for John to decrease, while allowing Jesus to increase - even for someone as Holy as a Saint.
After all, John had many, many followers ... that came to him in the wilderness and praised him often.
And yet, when our Savior arrived, John "transferred" quite seamlessly to Him ... and ended up dying alone.
It seems like such a sharp contrast to what is happening in the U.S. - and other parts of the world - and is something I probably take for granted without thinking about how hard it must have been for John.
Please pray for peace in our world, and God Bless.
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Random Musings from Christmas Season
As we celebrate the Epiphany, and close out the Christmas Season, there have been some random thoughts crossing my mind ...
We hear much about the shepherds and wise men visiting the baby Jesus. But what about the relatives of Joseph in Bethlehem? Did they spend time with the Holy Family? Every day? Did they clear space for them in their homes immediately? Or did they think they were just crazy? And how about the people of Bethlehem? Surely they heard the commotion, and were told what was going on. How many of them believed? How many of them took the opportunity to gaze upon the Face of God? And how many went about their merry way, oblivious to the Gift in their midst?
Speaking of the wise men ... and the star they followed ... I realized at Mass that today there are millions of stars that can lead to Jesus ... us. The problem is some of us don't shine as brightly as we need to to get people to follow us.
I wonder if anyone found it odd that one of the gifts from the wise men was myrrh. Why give a child something that is more common for the dead? (Although I am reminded of the saying that from the minute you are born you are constantly one step closer to death...)
What about Mary's family? When did they receive news of Jesus' birth? Did they make the journey to Bethlehem to visit Him?
I imagined the birth of our Lord happening in today's day in age. So many things would have been different. For example, on the plus side, the world would have been able to watch His arrival because someone in Bethlehem would have captured it on their cell phone. On the downside, social media probably would have made it very easy for Herod to find the Holy Family.
I still can't believe how fortunate we are that God chose to come here in human form, and all of its constrictions, and suffer for us. His love is incomprehensible.
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas season. God Bless you and your families.
We hear much about the shepherds and wise men visiting the baby Jesus. But what about the relatives of Joseph in Bethlehem? Did they spend time with the Holy Family? Every day? Did they clear space for them in their homes immediately? Or did they think they were just crazy? And how about the people of Bethlehem? Surely they heard the commotion, and were told what was going on. How many of them believed? How many of them took the opportunity to gaze upon the Face of God? And how many went about their merry way, oblivious to the Gift in their midst?
Speaking of the wise men ... and the star they followed ... I realized at Mass that today there are millions of stars that can lead to Jesus ... us. The problem is some of us don't shine as brightly as we need to to get people to follow us.
I wonder if anyone found it odd that one of the gifts from the wise men was myrrh. Why give a child something that is more common for the dead? (Although I am reminded of the saying that from the minute you are born you are constantly one step closer to death...)
What about Mary's family? When did they receive news of Jesus' birth? Did they make the journey to Bethlehem to visit Him?
I imagined the birth of our Lord happening in today's day in age. So many things would have been different. For example, on the plus side, the world would have been able to watch His arrival because someone in Bethlehem would have captured it on their cell phone. On the downside, social media probably would have made it very easy for Herod to find the Holy Family.
I still can't believe how fortunate we are that God chose to come here in human form, and all of its constrictions, and suffer for us. His love is incomprehensible.
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas season. God Bless you and your families.
Monday, December 12, 2016
Mary Christmas
I've been thinking a lot about Mary lately.
Given the recent Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and the ongoing Nativity story during Advent, it is hard not to.
Mostly I have been trying to "feel" what it must have been like for her the day the Angel Gabriel came to visit her.
I'm trying to remove the numbness that hearing the same passage over and over brings with it.
Trying to get past the words I have heard hundreds of times.
Trying to forget that I know the answer in the back of the book.
Mary was given a choice. Say yes, or no, to a request that is almost beyond human comprehension.
In her early teens.
And by the way, saying "yes" to God's Will would bring with it the overwhelming threat of public humiliation and, likely, punishment by death. (Side note ... was Mary the first person that every risked her life for Jesus? Interesting.)
In any case, we have the luxury of knowing how the story ends. Mary, at least to our knowledge, did not.
She had to say yes to an idea that probably went against everything she had expected. The Savior they had been waiting for was going to be born to a virgin? In the poor area of Nazareth? To her???
It was her faith against all that. And her faith won.
May God grant all of us just a small portion of our Blessed Mother's faith ...
I hope you are all having a Blessed Advent.
Given the recent Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and the ongoing Nativity story during Advent, it is hard not to.
Mostly I have been trying to "feel" what it must have been like for her the day the Angel Gabriel came to visit her.
I'm trying to remove the numbness that hearing the same passage over and over brings with it.
Trying to get past the words I have heard hundreds of times.
Trying to forget that I know the answer in the back of the book.
Mary was given a choice. Say yes, or no, to a request that is almost beyond human comprehension.
In her early teens.
And by the way, saying "yes" to God's Will would bring with it the overwhelming threat of public humiliation and, likely, punishment by death. (Side note ... was Mary the first person that every risked her life for Jesus? Interesting.)
In any case, we have the luxury of knowing how the story ends. Mary, at least to our knowledge, did not.
She had to say yes to an idea that probably went against everything she had expected. The Savior they had been waiting for was going to be born to a virgin? In the poor area of Nazareth? To her???
It was her faith against all that. And her faith won.
May God grant all of us just a small portion of our Blessed Mother's faith ...
I hope you are all having a Blessed Advent.
Sunday, November 13, 2016
What to do post-election?
Well, we have finally reached the end of a troubling election cycle here in the U.S.
Some people are happy, some are angry.
Most are confused and now waiting to see what this all means.
But there is one piece of advice we should follow no matter what platform we believe in - PRAY.
PRAY for our country and for all countries. And PRAY for the Salvation of the World.
Some people are happy, some are angry.
Most are confused and now waiting to see what this all means.
But there is one piece of advice we should follow no matter what platform we believe in - PRAY.
PRAY for our country and for all countries. And PRAY for the Salvation of the World.
Prayer for the Salvation of the World
Father, hear our prayers for the salvation of the world.
Grant Mercy to all souls that turned away from You.
Open their hearts and minds with Your light.
Gather Your children from the east and the west, from the north and the south.
Have mercy O God on those who do not know You.
Gather Your children from the east and the west, from the north and the south.
Have mercy O God on those who do not know You.
Bring them out of darkness into Your light.
You are our saving God Who leads us in our salvation. Protect us from evil.
Bless and praise You O Lord, hear our prayers and answer us. You, our Savior, are the hope of all the ends of the Earth and the distant seas.
Bless and praise You O Lord, hear our prayers and answer us. You, our Savior, are the hope of all the ends of the Earth and the distant seas.
May Your way be known upon Earth; among all nations Your salvation.
We put the world in Your hands; fill us with Your love. Grant us peace through Christ, our Lord.
Amen
We put the world in Your hands; fill us with Your love. Grant us peace through Christ, our Lord.
Amen
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Comprehending Marriage
In today's Gospel, some Sadducees give Jesus a hypothetical scenario where a woman marries seven brothers, one by one.
They ask Him which of the seven will be the woman's husband at the time of the Resurrection.
Jesus' answer, in essence, is that marriage is an earthly thing. It is not "needed" in a Heaven without death - one where our relationship with God is paramount.
This is hard to comprehend, especially for married folks. But it is fair to say that we are just not capable of fully understanding these kinds of things yet.
I equate it to when we were young children, and the thought of marrying someone was "gross". We just didn't have the capacity at that time to appreciate how wonderful marriage could be, just like we do not now - at this point in our journey - have the capacity to fully appreciate what happiness in the Eternal Paradise is like.
Hopefully some day we will, and it will be more beautiful and amazing than we ever thought possible.
For now, we have Faith.
God Bless you.
They ask Him which of the seven will be the woman's husband at the time of the Resurrection.
Jesus' answer, in essence, is that marriage is an earthly thing. It is not "needed" in a Heaven without death - one where our relationship with God is paramount.
This is hard to comprehend, especially for married folks. But it is fair to say that we are just not capable of fully understanding these kinds of things yet.
I equate it to when we were young children, and the thought of marrying someone was "gross". We just didn't have the capacity at that time to appreciate how wonderful marriage could be, just like we do not now - at this point in our journey - have the capacity to fully appreciate what happiness in the Eternal Paradise is like.
Hopefully some day we will, and it will be more beautiful and amazing than we ever thought possible.
For now, we have Faith.
God Bless you.
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Inspiration from St Paul and St JP2
It is easy to get discouraged these days.
Between the poverty, suffering and endless bickering in society, it is not always easy to stay positive.
But the "stars" of this weekend give us hope.
Yesterday was the Feast Day of St. John Paul II (Oct 22) and some of his more famous quotes include:
And in today's second reading, St. Paul tells us:
These positive and uplifting reminders are certainly welcome at times like these. With them in mind, hopefully we can - like St. Paul - compete well, keep the faith and finish the race.
God Bless you.
Between the poverty, suffering and endless bickering in society, it is not always easy to stay positive.
But the "stars" of this weekend give us hope.
Yesterday was the Feast Day of St. John Paul II (Oct 22) and some of his more famous quotes include:
Do not abandon yourself to despair. We are the Easter people and Alleluia is our Song!
There is no evil to be faced that Christ does not face with us. There is no enemy that Christ has not already conquered. There is no cross to bear that Christ has not already borne for us, and does not now bear with us.
From Mary we learn to surrender to God’s will in all things. From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary we learn to love Christ her Son and the Son of God.
And in today's second reading, St. Paul tells us:
But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom.
These positive and uplifting reminders are certainly welcome at times like these. With them in mind, hopefully we can - like St. Paul - compete well, keep the faith and finish the race.
God Bless you.
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Quick Bytes: Where are the other nine(ty)?
I couldn't help but feel like today's Gospel was being re-enacted right in front of me today.
From my Church's half-filled parking lot, to the empty pews during Mass, I could feel Jesus looking around, asking "what happened to the other nine(ty)?"
The Lord gives so many gifts to us ... please pray that more people act like the Samaritan in today's Gospel and come back to praise Him.
God Bless you.
From my Church's half-filled parking lot, to the empty pews during Mass, I could feel Jesus looking around, asking "what happened to the other nine(ty)?"
The Lord gives so many gifts to us ... please pray that more people act like the Samaritan in today's Gospel and come back to praise Him.
God Bless you.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
A Twist on Poor Man / Rich Man
I was listening to Bishop Robert Barron's podcast on this weekend's Gospel, and he certainly gave me a lot to think about.
This Gospel is one we all know well - about Lazarus, a poor man, and an unnamed rich man.
First things first, I have always considered all of us the "rich man" in this reading. After all, if you can read this blog, and type a response, you are richer than most of the world.
Bishop Barron comments that being "wealthy" (remember, it is a relative term, and not just material) is not a bad thing. Perhaps, he states, God has given us this wealth so that it gets to the people that need it most.
What an inspirational comment! Rather than feeling guilty that we have three meals a day (plus dessert!), can read and write, can afford a roof over our heads and a computer to blog ... we can act as stewards of God's treasures and be his "distribution arm" on earth.
However, just when I had absorbed that thought, Bishop Barron turned that idea on its head. He reflected that, perhaps, the rich are not just here to help the poor ... what if God also put the poor here to help the rich get to heaven? What if all those beggars in the street, letters asking for donations, and volunteer emails are opportunities for us to take a step towards our Eternal Home?
Either way, the guidance is clear. Love one another, share your gifts, and care for those in need.
God Bless you!
This Gospel is one we all know well - about Lazarus, a poor man, and an unnamed rich man.
First things first, I have always considered all of us the "rich man" in this reading. After all, if you can read this blog, and type a response, you are richer than most of the world.
Bishop Barron comments that being "wealthy" (remember, it is a relative term, and not just material) is not a bad thing. Perhaps, he states, God has given us this wealth so that it gets to the people that need it most.
What an inspirational comment! Rather than feeling guilty that we have three meals a day (plus dessert!), can read and write, can afford a roof over our heads and a computer to blog ... we can act as stewards of God's treasures and be his "distribution arm" on earth.
However, just when I had absorbed that thought, Bishop Barron turned that idea on its head. He reflected that, perhaps, the rich are not just here to help the poor ... what if God also put the poor here to help the rich get to heaven? What if all those beggars in the street, letters asking for donations, and volunteer emails are opportunities for us to take a step towards our Eternal Home?
Either way, the guidance is clear. Love one another, share your gifts, and care for those in need.
God Bless you!
Monday, September 5, 2016
I reflected this weekend on the Gospel (where Jesus reminds us that the Father comes before anything else) and the Sainthood of Mother Teresa.
I started thinking about St. Teresa, and all she did to help the poor and needy. Of all the people she came in contact with - all the people God sent her way - I wondered what percentage of them she helped. Because she gave up so many worldly things so early, she probably helped a good percentage of them.
I contrasted that with what my percentage would be. I wondered how many opportunities I missed because I was preoccupied with other things. I imagine I have missed as many as St. Teresa helped.
As I began to despair over that fact, I came across this quote from her :
What an inspiring quote from our newest Saint.
God Bless you.
I started thinking about St. Teresa, and all she did to help the poor and needy. Of all the people she came in contact with - all the people God sent her way - I wondered what percentage of them she helped. Because she gave up so many worldly things so early, she probably helped a good percentage of them.
I contrasted that with what my percentage would be. I wondered how many opportunities I missed because I was preoccupied with other things. I imagine I have missed as many as St. Teresa helped.
As I began to despair over that fact, I came across this quote from her :
"Never worry about the numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you."
What an inspiring quote from our newest Saint.
God Bless you.
Monday, August 29, 2016
Overheard at Mass: Humility
This week's Gospel was all about humility. In the passage from Luke, Jesus talks about sitting at the lowest place at the table instead of the seat of honor.
At Mass, we were reminded of an excellent quote by C.S. Lewis:
In that quote, lies an important distinction for us Catholics.
God created us in His image - and gave us the gifts and tools we need to carry out His mission for us. Therefore it is probably not a great idea to think less of what God created! Besides that, sometimes this version of "humility" is forced and not genuine.
Rather, true humility is spending more time thinking about God, and others, than ourselves. This will lead us to more appropriate actions, like generosity of talent and means, as well as servitude.
God Bless you.
At Mass, we were reminded of an excellent quote by C.S. Lewis:
True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.
In that quote, lies an important distinction for us Catholics.
God created us in His image - and gave us the gifts and tools we need to carry out His mission for us. Therefore it is probably not a great idea to think less of what God created! Besides that, sometimes this version of "humility" is forced and not genuine.
Rather, true humility is spending more time thinking about God, and others, than ourselves. This will lead us to more appropriate actions, like generosity of talent and means, as well as servitude.
God Bless you.
Monday, August 1, 2016
There's an "I" in "Rich Man"
In yesterday's Gospel, we heard about the Parable of the Rich Fool. As I listened to it, I realized how many times the word "I" was repeated.
But, He is also telling us that this man thought and acted alone. He did not seem to consult others (which was common back in those days). He did not pray for guidance, or ask the religious leaders. Any of those could have reminded him to share some of his wealth.
But this man, in his richness, has seemingly isolated himself.
True, there is no "I" in team ... but there is one in "Rich Man".
God Bless you.
Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!”’Likely not a coincidence, of course. Jesus is telling us that when we focus too much on ourselves, and not enough on others, we run the risk of being spiritually foolish.
But, He is also telling us that this man thought and acted alone. He did not seem to consult others (which was common back in those days). He did not pray for guidance, or ask the religious leaders. Any of those could have reminded him to share some of his wealth.
But this man, in his richness, has seemingly isolated himself.
True, there is no "I" in team ... but there is one in "Rich Man".
God Bless you.
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Weighed Down
In today's Gospel, Jesus tells the 72 to go out to the surrounding towns - but to carry nothing.
No money bag, no sandals, no sack, no food.
I've heard two explanations for why Jesus might have done this.
The first, and more obvious, is that these possessions might weigh down the disciples. Literally and figuratively. Yes, they would be quicker afoot if they weren't carrying lots of stuff. But their minds would also be lighter without having to worry about it as well.
(Mental note: how weighed-down are we with all the possessions and worries we have?)
The second, and less obvious, is that perhaps Jesus knew that if the disciples had to ask for everything, it would force interactions with people. Instead of camping out and eating amongst themselves, they would be forced to dine with people from the town.
(Mental note: how many new people do we interact with every day, that might be open to the words of Christ?)
I hope you all have a blessed week!
No money bag, no sandals, no sack, no food.
I've heard two explanations for why Jesus might have done this.
The first, and more obvious, is that these possessions might weigh down the disciples. Literally and figuratively. Yes, they would be quicker afoot if they weren't carrying lots of stuff. But their minds would also be lighter without having to worry about it as well.
(Mental note: how weighed-down are we with all the possessions and worries we have?)
The second, and less obvious, is that perhaps Jesus knew that if the disciples had to ask for everything, it would force interactions with people. Instead of camping out and eating amongst themselves, they would be forced to dine with people from the town.
(Mental note: how many new people do we interact with every day, that might be open to the words of Christ?)
I hope you all have a blessed week!
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