Living Your Faith
June 16, 2008
I read this great prayer in the Liturgy of the Hours:
"Make our work today benefit our brothers and sisters, that with them and for them we may build an earthly city, pleasing to you."
We put so much emphasis on the work we do, but do we direct it to the benefit of others? How much is our brother or sister, neighbor, friend or enemy within our sight? How much of what I do is focused on me?
Is your work designed to make you more money, put you in a better position, or is it designed to provide aid to your brother and raise him up out of his poverty?
It's not that we must turn away from success in our lives, but we must be sure that our success is measured in light of the Gospel, not in light of the world. That can be very, very hard to do.
Pray. Ask God to help you see and work for the needs of those around you. He will show you the way.
May 9, 2008
This "advice" comes from My Imitation of Christ which is a wonderful little book (based on The Imitation of Christ) . . .
"If God were always the only object of our desire we would not so easily be disturbed at the resistance of our opinions." (Book 1, Chapter 14)
I was reflecting on this along with the parallel thought about how to fulfill my responsibilities as a Christian in a secular workplace. It is much too easy to get into gossip, to focus on the faults of others, our inadequacies, problems and so forth. We may forget that, ultimately, we must "stand above the things present and contemplate those that are eternal." (Book III, Chapter 38)
If you are frustrated by your co-worker, spouse, children or friend, try to keep your eye on what is beyond your present struggle. Ask yourself:
Is my attitude one of serving others?
Am I pleasing God at this moment?
How well am I reflecting Christian charity?
It helps if you wear (or carry on you) something that reminds you of your discipleship in Christ. When you are tempted to act contrary to God, this will help keep you on track. It is far too easy to get off track when we are dependent on ourselves to resist temptation.
April 22, 2008
Doing some reading for the Evangelization Commission I have joined at church, I came across an article in the National Catholic Register entitled What will Benedict tell America?
It proposed four ideas that I thought would be worthy of reflection by all of us, when we consider what needs to be done in the Church today.
Briefly, those four, are:
1) A need for reflection on what it means to follow Christ.
2) Understanding Jesus correctly--as the One who comes with the Gift of Healing.
3) Know that God loves and a willingness to share it.
4) The realization that modern men and women are pushing God out of the picture.
When you look over the list, you can see that there is a lot of work to be done. Please pray about this and see what you can do. You surely have God-given talents that you could use to help build up the kingdom of God in some small way. Ask God to show you what they are and give it a try.
April 4, 2008
This week, because our church was being cleaned, I found myself in the position of transferring the Eucharist from the church to our hall so that I could do a communion service.
Treating the Eucharist with special care and respect, I noticed that being responsible for it made me feel differently. I noticed that in the quiet of my car, my awareness of the presence of God impacted my whole demeanor.
As people came into the hall and quiet conversations were held, I felt myself being drawn away from them, being ever so careful not to speak inappropriately.
It was really strange, this awareness I experienced. Of course, God is with us all the time and our awareness of Him should be met with the same desire no matter where we are or what we are doing-- regardless of whether or not the consecrated Host is in our view.
That is a great challenge, isn't it? How do I respond to the experience of Christ in others? Do I live with a strong faith and a great confidence in God's movement in my life, overall? The visual experience of the consecrated host in my presence was transforming.
Reflect this week on the presence of God in your life. Let his Holy Presence impact your words and actions. Ask yourself how you would be if you, too, were carrying the consecrated Host alongside you.
March 22, 2008
The Antiphon for Holy Saturday in the Liturgy of the Hours reads:
"Though sinless, the Lord has been put to death. The world is in mourning as for an only son."
Do I feel, in the depths of my soul, as if I am in mourning over the loss of Jesus? Do I experience Jesus as a physical presence in my life? How does my experience of Good Friday truly impact my life?
These are challenging questions we must face. Is the death (and resurrection) of Jesus experienced today only through the emotions we conjure up, the feelings of grief and sadness, or do we mourn "as for an only son" because we are living the loss?
Beyond our sensory experiences, these events in the life of our Savior should be transformative, not simply a brief recollection of a past event.
March 10, 2008
Here we are, just a few weeks remaining of Lent, and I wonder, how are you doing? Are you sort of slogging along, disappointed that Lent hasn't done much for you this year? Don't give up, there's still time.
Every year that I try to get creative with my Lenten offering, it just doesn't work. Maybe it's an old habit, but if my offering doesn't involve some sort of real self-denial, it just doesn't feel like Lent.
It doesn't feel like Lent to me if I am not just a touch miserable because of a want. I think it's interesting that right there, in that void, in that deep desire, God comes to us. Perhaps that's why it has never worked for me just to add on some prayer time, or a charitable-act-a-day, or some other creative, non, self-deprivation Lenten commitment.
Of course, on the other hand, I think solid transformations come when we step out of our old ways of doing things. I have noticed that my new, creative Lenten offering is a change that will be long-term, lasting far beyond Lent. As a matter of fact, the offering I made last year is one that I have not forgotten and still continue to try to do!
So, somewhere between self-denial and a desire for real change, Lent can have quite an impact.
If this is what you are looking for, you still have a couple of solid weeks left to make a difference. What can you do today that will allow you to arrive at Easter transformed by new life, rather than guilty or disappointed in yourself?
Think about it. Pray about it. Then, just do it!
February 7, 2008
A new twist on a familiar passage . . .
I was reading the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 8, Verse 34, which says:
He summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me."
Usually, when I read this words, I tend to think of the denying part as giving up my will for God's will, plowing through whatever is my particular cross at the time.
But, today when I read it, it became more personal. I think that to deny yourself may be to do the hard work of change. In our humanity, we are tempted by many opportunities to sin, and to deny ourself could mean giving up our tendency to be:
selfish
jealous
hateful
unforgiving
vengeful
How hard it can be not to respond with a behavior to which you may be entitled! Or to let go of an emotion which is overpowering you!
Only by the grace of God can we truly "deny" ourselves and follow His way. Often we know what we are supposed to do, but we simply don't feel that we can do it because our emotions are so strong.
You may want to refer to my section on Scripture Reflections. There's a good Psalm there that can help.
February 5, 2008
As we head into Lent and the practice of self-denial, perhaps a few words from St. Paul would be helpful. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, St. Paul reminds us that Jesus "comforts us in all our afflictions and thus enables us to comfort those who are in trouble, with the same consolation we have received from him." He goes on to say that "As we have shared much in the suffering of Christ, so through Christ do we share abundantly in his consolation."
What does that mean for us today?
We can apply it to Lent when we contemplate those pains of self-denial as being like a suffering. Jesus understands our afflictions and offers us consolation. We should, in turn, be more compassionate and understanding of others who are suffering and likewise give consolation to them.
When we share in the suffering and consolations of Jesus, which we often do through just being human and living finite lives, we find hope, because Jesus has shown us that following life's trials, there is an eternal destination--a resurrection--that brings the ultimate joy, rest with God in Heaven. On earth, the parallel is the hope and joy that Easter brings.
Happy Lent! January 28, 2008 I welcome your own inspirations on this. God bless!
Today we we celebrate the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, a great Dominican saint and Doctor of the Church! Although you and I may never officially be listed as a saint of the Church, did you know that we can still become a saint?
Yes, a saint is a person who tries to live a holy life, responding to God with a great big Yes! whenever prompted to move in the Spirit. Pray, study and act in accordance with God's Word to the best of your ability and even if you are never named a saint by the church, at least your family and friends will love you for it!!!
January 13, 2008
One of the problems our children face today is that they get bored with church. It may be that discovering the depth and richness of the Mass is beyond the efforts made by many adolescents. We may just have to ride out the storm, when that is the case.
But for older teens who are beginning to assimilate life and faith, it may be an issue of Catechesis. They go through the motions but don't really understand how it is relevant to the struggles they face in life.
As adults, we should have figured this out, but, often, adults are just as disinterested as teens because they, too, lack an experience of God. And that is the key to the Mass, education and experience.
If you, too, are struggling with this, I encourage you not to give up. Be persistent in asking God for help. Ask God to keep you faithful when you experience dryness. Ask God to keep you close to Him, when you feel a great distance. Ask God to show you how to grow in this area of your life.
And, finally, listen intently and follow Him, as he guides you. He never forgets His children and he hasn't forgotten you.
January 4, 2007
If you are looking for a bit of inspiration to begin the new year, check out St. Elizabeth Ann Seton whose feast we celebrate today.
St. Elizabeth is one of my favorite Saints. It is amazing the work she accomplished in her short life. She was only 46 years old when she died, but as a wife, mother and eventually a vowed religious, she (and her religious sisters) is responsible for establishing schools and an orphanage. Her life is an amazing story of perseverance and faith in the midst of suffering.
Read more about her at:
http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=180
December 19, 2007
Are you frustrated as you are making your way through Advent? Have you experienced some anxiety over how you are going to get everything done in time for Christmas? Does the shopping seem to be endless?
I was thinking the other day that if we are too focused on shopping, we simply cannot be focused on Jesus. If our days are consumed with the details of our table or the number of items on a list, then we are focusing on the wrong thing.
Our traditional Christmas preparations have become no more than a race for presents. This is very, very sad. I encourage you to re-think the practice that you are establishing in your home and reclaim Jesus as the center of your celebration. It may be a bit uncomfortable for you at first, as you cut back on the stream of presents, or your ideals about perfection, but once you experience the peace and joy that comes with the freedom of letting go, you will never want to go back to the way it was!
I read recently that if the kids are only focused on what they are giving, because we adults make it so, then they will naturally lose sight of the meaning of Christmas. Can your baby Jesus be seen amidst the Christmas wrapping?
Christ is the greatest gift. Start celebrating that!
December 10, 2007
It's a simple question, but one that caught my attention in our local paper. The following essay question (from Scholarship Experts.com) was posed to students: "If you could get one 'do-over' in life, what would it be and why?"
We were discussing this around our kitchen table and someone asked if high school students were too young to need a do-over in life already.
How would you answer this question? I would love to hear your thoughts on it. Write me at johnseven38@yahoo.com!
November 14, 2007
"I shall praise the Lord all my life, sing praise to my God while I live."
This beautiful passage comes from Psalm 146. I would encourage you to refer to my comments under Did You Know? about purgatory as you reflect on this.
Do we really understand the necessity of praising God while we live? Praising God with our lives? It is only after we reflect on Eternal Life that we can come to see how important it is to live our earthly life fully.
How do you sing praise to God? Is it in ministry? Is it in contemplation? Is it through an awareness of God as you serve your family and friends? A life dedicated to God, transformed by His Word and converted in faith, is a life that truly sings praise.
November 6, 2007
Be sure to check out the quotes I have added from the new Mother Teresa book, Come Be My Light. In that same book, she talks a lot about the dryness she felt for many years. Her sense of the presence of God was completely gone, but in great faith, she was continually faithful to Jesus and would not deny Him anything.
The book says that in one of her letters, she revealed how she sometimes prayed during this dry time. Quoting from the book, she said:
"often during Adoration--faces of the people I have met come before me and I remember them to Jesus."
I thought you might want to try this way of praying for yourself if you feel that there are no words to express your thoughts, or if you have a great number of people to pray for. What a beautiful way to pray, trusting in God to meet their needs!
November 1, 2007
I saw the actor Ethan Hawke being interviewed, and he was asked, "What is it with your obsession with your own obituary?" I thought his response was thought-provoking . . .
He said that when he has to make a decision, he considers whether the activity he is considering is something he would want listed in his obituary. He gave the example of a drug dealer. He said, "Would you want that listed in your obituary?" If not, then maybe you shouldn't do it.
Now I was thinking that it seems kind of shallow if you are only concerned about your public image and what will be printed about you in the end, but, I really think he has a great point. I've often thought it would be a good exercise to write your own obituary because I think it would make you really think about how you live your life.
What would you want written about you in your obituary? Take some time to think about it and see if you want to do anything differently. If you come up with any observations, be sure to let me know! You can reach me through the GENERAL INFORMATION page.
Bits & Pieces
March 13, 2008
I wasn't there, so I don't really know, but I have to share this homily with you as it was told to me. It is a GREAT way of helping children understand sin and Reconciliation . . .
The priest asked someone in the congregation to give him a bill. He was given a $20 bill. He asked if someone would like it, and of course, they affirmed they would. Then he wadded it up and asked again. Yes, of course, they still wanted it. He stomped on the crumpled up bill and once again, the child said they wanted it because it still had worth.
Even when we sin and get stained or crumpled up, God still loves us; He still wants us; we still have worth. Our condition doesn't change that at all!
Isn't that awesome! Thanks, Fr. Kusi for continuing to be a great inspiration to us all!
February 6, 2008
I was reading a reflection by St. Catherine of Siena in the *Magnificat when it occurred to me that maybe we don't really love God as we ought . . .St. Catherine was writing about the reality that the very first garment we put on in this life, is that of love. She said, "It was only by love that we were created in God's image and likeness. So we cannot exist without love since we are made of nothing less than love."
From our mother and father, she reminds us, a child comes into existence because of love. And that since "God created us out of love alone, we feel drawn to him, and cannot bear to see him offended. We want to avenge such offense because of our love for our Father."
Somewhere in the mix of her words, I had the thought that maybe a good Lenten exercise would be to explore our love for God. Asking the hard questions could be helpful:
--Do I deeply love God? How can I know if I do?
--What does a loving relationship with God look like? How would it be different than my current relationship with God?
*Letter to Frate Tommaso dalla Fonte, from Letters of St. Catherine of Siena,Vol. 1
January 15, 2008
I was told recently about a woman who was on a surgical table waiting to procure an abortion when she realized she was going to have to have an IV. Fearing needles, she left the room and walked straight into the arms of a sidewalk counselor who proceeded to help her.
The ensuing discussion revolved around whether it was prayer that prompted the woman to leave, or simply her fear of needles.
To say there was no divine intervention, is to doubt the power of prayer and God's presence among us.
To say it was divine intervention, leaves open the question about why this woman? Why this child and not all children?
Anytime good overtakes evil, God must be present. We have free will that can go directly against God, but, when that woman left the table, good took place, and, as I say, whenever good takes place, we can see God's hand in it.
Of course we don't manipulate God or His plans, we cooperate with them--or we can choose not to. Who knows if prayer overcame the evil that was about to take place in that abortion clinic, giving the woman the courage to leave, but I believe it did.
If I do not believe in the possibility of prayer, then I believe in a humanity uncared for by God. Then I believe that my own power alone saves, and God is no longer relevant. Pope Benedict says in Spe Salvi: ". . . .man needs God, otherwise he remains without hope." And more to the point, he says:
"Yet neither is there any doubt that God truly enters into human affairs only when, rather than being present merely in our thinking, he himself comes towards us and speaks to us."
Amen to that!
December 20, 2007
Have you ever wondered where God is when you are in the midst of life's most difficult challenges?
I was praying The Liturgy of the Hours and the words of this Psalm-prayer inspired some thoughts:
"You command the seed to rise, Lord God, though the farmer is unaware. Grant that those who labor for you may trust not in their own work but in your help."
Yes, indeed! God, at times, works silently, without our awareness. You may never know how. You may never see the results. But, you must be confident that God is always present, even when you do not sense Him.
The second, very important part of this prayer is a reminder to us that we should not trust in our own work, but we must count on God. How often do we set about doing something without a thought of God's help? We trudge along on our own, always being surprised when it doesn't work out like we'd planned!
I encourage you to spend some time on these words and let them challenge you.
December 6, 2007
I was watching television one morning and I saw a Walmart ad. In the ad the mother wanted to be sure to get her daughter what she wanted for Christmas. She comments that her daughter will be happy because of the gift she will be getting.
I just happened to catch a line from the ad that most of us would usually tune out. It said something like, "The more you save, the more Christmas you can give."
There is soooo much wrong with that statement I don't even know where to begin! Let me just say that it reflects my concerns that are addressesd in my column this week in The Catholic Times. Christmas isn't ours to give in the form of a present!
If you see the commercial and feel frustrated by it, maybe you could write Walmart and help them understand this.
November 14, 2007
I heard the actress Meryl Streep in an interview the other day. She made a comment that has stuck in my head. She said that people today write in their blogs or dash off their opinions to their friends and feel as though they have done something significant. The implication was that to do such things is not making a significant contribution to change.
I've been debating about that.
As a writer, I believe that words are very powerful. I have been impacted tremendously by words. Words can be life-giving as well as life-changing. Our Lord Himself revealed Himself to us through words.
On the other hand, Words alone are not enough. Jesus did not stop at words. He gave his life.
So for us, then, I believe, it is important to blog or write--if it has been well-thought out, but actions should also be a part of the change. When we love and serve others through our acts of kindness or generosity, we are balancing our words and following the model set for us by Christ.
What do you think? Let me know.
Scripture Reflections
April 4, 2008
Last week we heard many readings that reflected an identity crisis. People simply were not recognizing Jesus! Mary Magadalene, at the tomb, mistook Jesus for the gardener, for instance. It wasn't until he spoke her name that she realized it was him. Then, the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus didn't recognize Jesus until he broke bread with them. Then, there was a miracle for the fisherman as well.
This week, our readings reveal the actions of the witnesses to the resurrection. Earlier in the week, we see that the "Apostles bore great witness" to the resurrection in their living arrangements. They lived in community, sharing their possessions, taking care of anyone in need.
Later, we read about them being imprisoned because they simply could not follow orders to stop teaching about Jesus. The foundation for all of these readings is the awareness of the need to be "born from above," i.e., born of the Spirit.
It really isn't until the Holy Spirit touches your life that you can move with such zeal. The fire in the hearts of the Apostles is a flame that we should take care to stir in our own lives so it will continue to shine brightly.
When you read and pray the scriptures, look for how they connect to each other, and to your own life, so that the inspiration of the Holy Spirit may find a home in you.
Psalm 143: 1-11
If you are experiencing some stress in your life, this Psalm has some beautiful lines for you to meditate on. They are especially helpful when you know that YOUR attitude or feelings must change, but you don't feel they can.
"Make me know the way I should walk: to you I lift up my soul."
"Teach me to do your will for you, O Lord, are my God."
"Let your good spirit guide me in ways that are level and smooth."
If you spend some time on these excerpts from Psalm 143 (or the whole Psalm for that matter!), you will be amazed at their power to comfort and truly impact your unforgiving heart, your feelings of vengeance, or even give you wisdom in the way you should go.
Jeremiah 14: 17-21
This canticle which is a "lament of the people in war and famine" speaks directly from the heart, particularly for us today, who suffer from the war in Iraq and various conflicts around the globe. Striking are the verses that question God, expressing fear that he has forgotten His people:
"Have you cast Judah off completely? Is Zion loathsome to you?"
We know today, don't we? that God has certainly not cast us off. Of course, it may be a little more questionable whether or not we are loathsome to Him! Certainly God is displeased with our actions at times, but, honestly, since He created this changing world, we can be confident of His enduring love and commitment to us.
Continuing with this Canticle, we can see that in Jeremiah's day there was a sense that God punished His people by striking against them, as is revealed in these lines:
"Why have you struck us a blow that cannot be healed?"
We can be sure, however, that God does not work this way. Whatever ills come your way, know that our loving God did not raise a hand against you. Our understanding as it has been revealed through Jesus, is that God cares for His creation and never causes injury to us. The notion that God somehow makes bad things happen is particularly frustrating to me today whenever I see stories of people whose lives have been in some way torn apart by an event which they attribute to "God's plan." Be careful of this attitude and do not allow it to become part of your theology.
The last part of this Canticle I'd like to comment on is the line:
"For your name's sake spurn us not, disgrace not the throne of your glory: remember your covenant with us, and break it not."
The plea hints at the idea that we reflect God's glory through our actions and is a solid reminder that the Covenant that God has made with His people--including us--is everlasting.
He will be our God, and we will be His people.
Nothing greater could be said that would speak to his love and compassion for us, and his dedication to us, than these Covenant words. Be assured on this day--no matter what you may be going through personally, or if war is disturbing your peace--that God has not forgotten you.
January 16, 2008
Reading: Tobit 4: 15a
"Do to no one what you yourself dislike."
This reminds me of "Do unto others what you would have them do unto you," but it prompted me to reflect on what I do to others.
Perhaps, you might do the same and see if it helps you put your faults in check as well. For instance, as a parent, do you nag your children? Imagine what it would be like to have someone "at" you all the time. How would you like that?
Or, maybe you secretly manipulate others into guilt. It's not a secret. People know you do it. Would you want that done to you?
Or maybe you are disrespectful to your spouse or another relative. Maybe your words cut them, or you have not given them much of your attention. How would you feel if others were mean to you or ignored you?
Use this passage from Tobit to reflect on your own harmful actions and see if you would like to be treated the same as you treat others. Ask God for help in improving whatever you discover needs improvement.
October 4, 2007
Reading: Luke 10: 1-12 (Alternative reading was for St. Francis of Assisi)
In this passage, we hear about The Mission of the Seventy-Two as we concentrate on being sent out into the world. A few points to consider in this passage:
The disciples are being sent out without possessions. This could indicate the urgency of the mission as well as a warning to avoid attachments to materials things.
There is an abundant harvest, but the laborers are few. There are many people, in other words, that are yet to hear the Word of God and we need to take up this work, as the laborers, to spread the Good News.
The seventy-two are being sent as lambs among the wolves. Whenever God calls you, do not expect that it is going to be easy. You may be rejected or despised, but you must not let it stop you.
We also hear in this passage that when the disciples entered a home they were to say "Peace to this household." That wasn't just a kind expression, but an offering of the gift of peace from God.
After reflecting on these points in this passage, ask yourself, "Am I ready to go?" Can I trust God that I am ready for the task He puts before me?
The ultimate question is really, "Am I willing?"
May the spirit of God inspire you through this passage to become an ardent laborer for God.
September 20, 2007
Reading: Romans 8:18-21
I was feeling a little frustrated over the latest news. Sometimes I just cannot comprehend the things, seemingly normal people, do. When I opened the Liturgy of the Hours that morning, I came across this passage from Romans that totally lifted me up and filled me with hope. I have underlined the part that stood out for me . . .
Romans 8:18-21
The sufferings of the present are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed in us. Indeed, the whole created world eagerly awaits the revelation of the sons of God. Creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but by him who once subjected it; yet not without hope, because the world itself will be freed from its slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.
I went to my Bible to check out the footnotes on this passage and learned that for all the suffering we must endure in our earthly life—we can look forward to, and hope for—an eternal glory with God that will be so much greater! It seems proportion is the theme in this passage as
For me, the notion that we are enslaved to corruption was striking. When you consider our enslavement to sin due to the temptations all around us, it is so encouraging to hear that—as children of God—we will be free of all of it, in the future. With pornography, abortion, infidelity, the sexualization of children, addictions and so many others obstacles to holiness on the rise, now is the time for Christians everywhere to become leaven in the world. We must not be silent. We must be proactive.
When apparently good people are drawn into immoral situations, it indicates a great need for a call to holiness through prayer and action. The transformation begins with every believer working to loosen the grip of sin that is diminishing the moral fabric of our society. Look around you. What can you do, starting today?
The Word of God is one of hope. The power of God will prevail. We are called to spread the Good News, and now, more than ever, we must rise to the challenge.
September 7, 2007
Reading: Luke 5:1-11
This is the story of the fisherman whom Jesus commanded to return to the water after they had been fishing all night unsuccessfully. Jesus spoke to Simon and said, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply: “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” After doing as Jesus asked, the fisherman caught so many fish that their nets were near tearing. Please refer to your Bible for the full version of this passage . . .
Reflection:
Just imagine how it must have sounded to the fisherman to hear Jesus say, “You will be catching men!” What does that mean? Can you imagine how even more ridiculous His command to return to the water would have seemed? The key here is that Simon trusted Jesus enough to do what he asked, even though it wouldn’t have made much sense after a night of unsuccessful fishing.
While reflecting on this passage, you may want to ask: Where is God sending me? What is He asking me to do that seems ridiculous? Do I trust Him enough to do it?
It’s not clear whether Simon actually expected to catch any fish when he returned to the water. Was Simon expecting a miracle? If not, then clearly by his words and his actions, we know he followed Jesus out of trust.
Finally, you may want to reflect on the outcome. After all, we can see that in following Jesus, Simon was abundantly blessed with more fish than he could handle!
The message for us is clear:
Trust in God. Do what He asks, even when it doesn’t make sense to you. By doing so, you will be richly blessed. Take to heart Jesus’ words to Simon: Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”
August 25, 2007
Reading: Luke 10:38 Martha & Mary
In a retreat with Teresa of Avila, Living by Holy Wit, St. Teresa, the first woman Doctor of the Church, had this to say about Martha & Mary:
"Believe me, Martha and Mary must join together in order to show hospitality to the Lord and have Him always present and not host Him badly by failing to give Him something to eat. How would Mary, always seated at His feet, provide Him with food if her sister did not help her?"
How insightful--and almost a bit rebellious--for Teresa to note that Jesus would not be provided for if it weren't for Martha. We always tend to look down on Martha because Jesus admonished her, but the best way to reflect on this passage is to consider the balance between work, prayer and listening.
July 28, 2007
Reading: Galatians 2:19-20
St. Paul says: "I still live my human life, but it is a life of faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Oh, the beauty of conversion! Isn't this really what Paul is talking about? When your life is converted to a life of faith in Jesus, by all appearances it remains a human life, but, in reality, it is different. When the recognition of what Jesus has done for us is awakened in us, our entire life becomes one that is a dedicated to God. When you dedicate your life to God, the "old" you is no more. You think, act and speak, in all ways, in relation to God. St. Paul, who I suppose we could consider the King of Conversions really understood this. It would do us well to reflect on our own lives and this experience of conversion.
July 26, 2007 Memorial of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the Blessed Virgin's parents
Readings: Exodus: 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20b and the Gospel of Matthew: 13:10-17
In this passage, when the people encounter God in the Old Testament book of Exodus, they do so through Moses. After three days, the Lord comes to them, and it's quite noisy. The mountain (Mt. Sinai) is trembling, there's smoke, clouds and even a trumpet.
When you contrast this with the reading from Matthew, notice that Jesus speaks to the crowd in parables. Quite a different form of communication! The disciples ask Jesus why he speaks in this figurative way that often requires some reflection for understanding, and Jesus tells them, in so many words, the crowd isn't "getting it" and they need clarification.
A good question for us is, "Where/how do I encounter God? Is it in a noisy event, or the quiet of contemplation?" Remember, God always speaks to us in language we can understand. The quote from Isaiah in this passage is a good reminder that we should "understand with our hearts" and "be converted." When I think of "heart" I think of love. From there, then, we can see that, since God is Love, the language in which God speaks to us--the only language God speaks--is love.
Reading Suggestions
--The Imitation of Christ, Thomas 'a Kempis
This is a great little book that you can carry with you everywhere. It gives a ton of advice on living your faith. It is a classic.
--Spe Salvi, Pope Benedict, XVI
Find it at:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xvi_enc_20071130_spe-salvi_en.html
--The Faith of the Early Fathers, Jurgens. Wonderful reference
--Mother Teresa: Come be my light
--Decree on Apostolate of Lay People
(From Vatican II--www.vatican.va/)
--Catholic Laity in the Mission of the Church by Russell Shaw
--Journal of a Soul, The Autobiography of Pope John XXIII
--A Retreat with . . .series (especially Pope John XXIII), St. Anthony Messenger Press
--Dark Night of the Soul, St. John of the Cross (E. Allison Peers)
This is a heavy read, but wonderful as it identifies the stages in our spiritual journey and warns of the dangers "beginners" may encounter.
--The Way To Love, The Last Meditations of Anthony De Mellow
Favorite Quotes
My father used to say, "Don't raise your voice. Improve your argument." Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in Reader's Digest
God cannot fill what is full.--He can fill only emptiness--deep poverty--and your "Yes" is the beginning of being or becoming empty. It is not how much we really "have" to give--but how empty we are--so that we can receive fully in our life and let Him live His life in us.
Mother Teresa, Come Be My Light
It is only when we realise [sic] our nothingness, our emptiness, that God can fill us with Himself. When we become full of God then we can give God to others, for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.
Mother Teresa, Come Be My Light
Bad company corrupts good morals.
St. Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:33
People demand freedom of speech to make up for the freedom of thought which they avoid.
Soren Kierkegaard
It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish.
Mother Theresa
You can't see paradise if you don't peddle.
The movie, Chicken Run
Sometimes when I'm faced with an unbeliever, an atheist, I am tempted to invite him to the greatest gourmet dinner that one could ever serve, and when we finished eating that magnificent dinner, to ask him if he believes there's a cook.
Ronald Reagan (as quoted in House to House, Heart to Heart)
The first degree of humility is obedience without delay.
St. Benedict
Always in the midst of busy lives and much activity, we must continually strive to maintain our interior quiet.
Attributed to St. Elizabeth Seton, in A Retreat with
Elizabeth Seton (St. Anthony Messenger Press)
If you hear criticisms, pray for me, that the Lord may forgive me if the criticism is just and, if it is unjust, forgive whoever utters it.
Pope John XXIII, Journal of a Soul
"We do not experience an open confrontation against the Church, but there is a sustained effort to erode the Christian culture and replace our core values with a strange list of 'rights' that attacks life, family and community under the mantle of a false 'freedom of choice.'"
Cardinal Jaime Lucas Ortega y Alamino,
Archbishop of Havana [Cuba] in The National
Catholic Register
"[the document] calls for a Church "not depending so much on great programs and structures, but in men and women who have incarnated the values of the Gospel in their hearts."
The National Catholic Register, The Document
of Aparecida [Brazil], No. 11
Janet's Favorite Prayers
From Magnificat, June, 2008
Holy Apostle Paul, help me at the beginning of this new day to offer my body and the whole of my life as a living sacrifice to God. Do not permit me to conform myself to this age but rather, by your intercession, may I be transformed by the renewal of my mnd. Through this renewal help me to judge what is God's will, what is good, pleasing, and perfect. For the one whom I seek and serve is Jesus Christ who is the Lord, now and for ever. Amen.
From Mother Teresa, Meditations from a Simple Path comes this prayer by John Henry Cardinal Newman. It is just beautiful . . .
Dear Lord, help me to spread thy fragrance everywhere I go.
Flood my soul with Thy spirit and life.
Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly that all my life may only be a radiance of Thine.
Shine through me, and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel Thy presence in my soul.
Let them look up and see no longer me but only Thee O Lord!
Stay with me, and then I shall begin to shine as Thou shinest; so to shine as to be a light to others.
The light O Lord will be all from Thee; none of it will be mine;
It will be Thou, shining on others through me.
Let me thus praise Thee in the way Thou dost love best, by shining on those around me.
Let me preach Thee without preaching, not by words but by my example, by the catching force, the sympathetic influence of what I do, the evident fullness of the love my heart bears to Thee.
If you have trouble with the Thee's and Thou's, use what's most comfortable for you. I suggest you memorize this prayer and carry it in your heart, enabling you to "spread thy fragrance" of Christ, everywhere you go.
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I received this prayer while on retreat. If you have someone in your life that you would like to pray for, this is really very nice. Reflect slowly on each line as you fill their name in the blank:
PERSONAL LORD'S PRAYER
_____________'s Father
Who is in heaven
Holy be your name in _____________
Your kingdom come in ________________
Your will be done in __________________
On earth just as if _________________were with you now in heaven.
Give ______________all that he/she needs to sustain and enrich his/her life . . .
Forgive _____________for he/she is weak like the rest of us,
And help _____________to forgive others.
Have ______________not be led into the evil one's lies of despair, fear and hate.
But deliver ____________into your loving arms.
And may ______________'s joy be found in your kingdom
In your power and in your glory, forever and ever. Amen
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If you are a preacher or a teacher, these lines from Deuteronomy 32:1-3 are wonderful for private prayer while you are preparing:
Give ear, O heavens, while I speak; let the earth hearken to the words of my mouth! May my instruction soak in like the rain, and my discourse permeate like the dew, like a downpour upon the grass, like a shower upon the crops: For I will sing the Lord's renown. Oh, proclaim the greatness of our God!
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Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
The Memorare
Father, creator of unfailing light, may our lips praise you; our lives proclaim your goodness; our works give you honor, and our voices celebrate you for ever.
Christian Prayer: The Liturgy of the Hours
You made man in your image and renewed him in Christ, mold us into the likeness of your Son. Pour out your love through the Holy Spirit, heal our hearts, wounded by hatred and jealousy. Today grant work to laborers, bread to the hungry, joy to the sorrowful, grace and redemption to all men.
Christian Prayer: The Liturgy of the Hours
