January
Jan. 31
Today we experience two parents in sadness about their children. David is saddened over the death of his son Absalom, and Jairus over the illness and apparent death of his daughter. The loss of a child, at any age, is a tremendous blow to any family. To these two fathers, nothing could hurt as deeply or with greater pain. But for Jairus, his pain would turn to great hope and promise. The Lord would come to his house and bring a child to his parents again.
The woman afflicted with hemorrhages for 12 years, touches the Lord's clothes and she is healed. But afterward she is afraid to approach him. Why? Do we not experience the same when we receive a blessing from the Lord? Do we return to Him with thanksgiving? Especially when the healing or blessing is not what we expected.
As we approach the Presentation of the Lord and the feast of St. Blase, may we be open the the healing power of Christ and give him THANKS.
Listen, Lord, and answer me.
Jan. 30
What are the shackles of our lives? What is it that keeps us from being totally free? We have those habits, fears, temptations that haunt us. They keep us from truly being free to befriend both God and our neighbor. Those restrictions keep us tied in knots which can only be loosened by our openness to the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Do we really wish to be set free or are we comfortable to keep in our little world like the man from the tombs in today's Gospel?
How often do we ask, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?" Are we willing to even ask the question? If we do, we may be called to proclaim what Jesus told the man in the Gospel, "Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you."
Jan. 29
What is authority? Who has authority? When Jesus speaks today, the said that He spoke with authority, not like the scribes. From whence did he receive this authority. It appears pretty clear to us that his authority was that of God! How well do we accept the Lord's authority in our own lives. Do we listen to his word or do we listen only to ourselves?
Moses in the First Reading from Deuteronomy told the people, "I am your prophet." But they were not that interested in listening to Moses, after all they knew his background. They knew who he was. We don't have to listen to him. But when we fail to listen to the prophets in our lives, who suffers? We do. But we are to listen only to the prophets of God. Beware of those coming who speak on behalf of other Gods or of their own volition.
Who has our ear? Who do we trust?
"If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."
Jan. 27
Today, St. Mark reminds us that the smallest of seeds (mustard) can provide for the needs of the birds of the sky. So it is with each of us. As small and insignificant as we may feel. Despite our lowliness, the Lord can use us in the most extra-ordinary ways. The simple smile, the warm handshake, a kind word, can change the entire day for another person. To often we feel that there is nothing we can do to change the world. The angel told Mary, "nothing is impossible for God." Do we really understand the full meaning of the angels' words? Are we open to the Lord changing our lives so we may change the lives of others?
With faith the size of a mustard seed, we can change the world. Believe it!
Jan. 26
Today, the feast of Sts. Timothy and Titus. These two great followers of St. Paul on his missions and leaders in their own right to the communities they served, are inspirations to each of us on our journeys of faith. As St. Paul address his beloved friend Titus at the beginning of this letter to him, "For this reason I left you in Crete so that you might set right what remains to be done and appoint presbyters in every town, as I directed you."
Each and everyone of us has been directed by the Lord to "go out to all the nations," and proclaim to the world that we are to bring light to all the people. For St. Mark, in today's Gospel, shares the "lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be place on a lamp stand?" Where do we place the light of Christ in our lives? Are we willing to express our faith in the public arena? When we go out to dinner, alone or with family and friends, are we willing to express our faith with a simple prayer before we eat? Or, do we place our faith under the basket, or bed, or the dining table?
"The measure with which we measure will be measured out to us." (Paraphase)
Have a great day, and share your light!
Jan. 25
Today is the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. When we think of "conversion" we ponder change. A change, or "Metanoia" is necessary as a Catholic and as a Christian, is we wish to grow closer to God. What needs to change? Is this a question that really needs to be asked? When we look into the depth of our souls, we all know that are avenues that lead us away from the "truth". We often would rather not face them. They are much easier to just ignore and hope they go away (at least from our thought processes). But they are always there! The never go away on their own. Such was true of St. Paul. He knew the law, both civil and religious, but he was so determined to get rid of anything that was contrary to his "path" of doing what was "right" that he never looked at what was just ahead.
But then can a great light from the sky. A blinding light. So powerful that it would it threw him to the ground. "Saul, Saul, why are your persecuting me?" He asks who the voice is. The voice gives answer, "I am Jesus the Nazorean whom you are persecuting." He is the only one to hear the voice. At least he was listening. Are we willing to listen to the voice of Jesus and respond? Are we willing to change? Can we become the beautiful butterfly that emerges from the ugly cocoon?
Lent is quickly approaching. A true time of "conversion". Are we willing to listen to the voice of God in our own lives?
February
Feb. 23
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Luke 9:22-25
Jesus, today, tells the disciples: "If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Taking up the cross is never easy. Even the smallest of things can be a burden at times. Sometimes the cross we need to bear, especially during Lent is an added burden.
Often during the season of Lent we think of giving something up rather than adding something to. We would do well to add something positive to our lives during these 40 days. To add a smile to the "grump" in the waiting line at the grocery store, or to assist and elderly person by buying some groceries for them, to offer a dinner to a veteran or returning military person from the war. A small gesture here and there can make an other-wise burdensome day for another, a brighter one. When we think about it, is that such a great cross to bear? Giving something up, or giving something to? How will we respond to the Lord's call this Lent?
Feb. 22
Ash Wednesday
Psalm 5
Today we look forward to the 40 days of cleansing. A time of renewal and optimism. Our response to the First Reading is, "Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned." As a petition, it bring us hope. As a statement, it shows optimism. To acknowledge our sinfulness is probably one of the hardest things we do in our lives. It is a humbling experience. It reflects the knowledge that we are not in control of our lives! We need to rely on one that is greater than ourselves.
It has always facinated me that so many Catholics come to Ash Wednesday, that do not come on Holy Days of Obligation. With Ash Wednesday being just the day before "Lent". But the sign, the ashes placed on our foreheads is a symbol to others that we are Catholic. What does that mean if it is not lived out the rest of our days. Everyday should reflect we are Catholic, not just on a day when we outwardly show who we are.
Jesus says today, do not look like the hypocrites. Excellent words indeed!
Feb. 21
Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Psalm 55; Mark 9:30-37
Today the Lord asks the disciples, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all." For a group of men who had just been discussing which of them was the greatest, this was a very disturbing moment! A truly penetrating moment, a time of uh oh. If we take the time to reflect on this scripture passage, don't we as well say, Uh oh to that statement of Jesus. To be first we must be the last of all and serve all. It's quite the challenge, but one that confronts us often as Christians.
As we look forward to Lent, we put aside our own selfishness and serve others is the ultimate goal of any Christian.
"Then taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, 'Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.'" Do we welcome the innocence of our Christianity? Are we open to the wonders of God graces and creation? Or do we turn inward and only see ourselves and our own selfishness. This is a definitly a challenge. To set aside our own wants for the needs of others.
Let us "throw our cares on the Lord, and he will support us."
Feb. 20
Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
What is the commotion at the base of the mountain, from which Jesus, Peter, James and John are descending?
The Lord's disciples are unable to relieve a young man's state of possession from the mute spirit. The young man's father has brought his son for relief from this awful state. The boy was convulsing and foaming at the mouth. When asked by Jesus, how long his has been going on, the father states, "since childhood." The man says, "If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us."
The Lord's response is priceless! "If you can! Everything is possble to one who has faith."
To which the father replies, "I do believe, help my unbelief!"
As we approach Lent, in just a couple of days, should not our approach to Jesus be the same, "I do believe, help my unbelief!" I think, most of us, having good to strong faith, find that there are those moments when we are not quite so sure. What if? Is it real? Can I truly trust God?
Jesus responds to the man's statement and rebukes the spirit, "Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!" The spirit throws the young man into convulsions one last time and leaves the young man "like a corpse." Many thought he was dead, but Jesus takes him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up!
The disciple are confused, "Why could we not drive the spirit out?"
Jesus said to them, "This kind can only come out through prayer."
The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, requires prayer and trust in God. In the seminary we were taught, "If you do not believe the Lord will heal through the Sacrament, it won't happen." Trust in the Lord is important both for the individual receiving the Sacrament as well as for the priest dispensing the Anointing. "I do believe, help my unbelief!"
Feb. 19
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
We heard in the Scriptures this week, that the Lod was unable to enter the towns and villages openly because of his healing of the blind man. Today the Lord returns to his home in Capernaum "after some days"! And it becomes know that he was at home. The people cannot wait to come to his home to see him. And crowd was immense, so much so that the door to his home was blocked by the people, keeping any more from entering. Then 4 friends of a paralyzed man bring the man to Jesus' home for the Lord to heal him. But there being such a throng of people that they could not enter the house, they decide to climb to the roof of Jesus' home and open it up, in order to lower their friend to Jesus.
Just imagine the thoughts of those people inside the house! What in the world is happening. But the Lord sees their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Child your sins are forgiven." (Mark 2:5) But the scribes were not happy. How dare Jesus forgive sins! So the Lord responds, "Which is easier to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven' or to say, 'Rise, pick up your mat and walk?'" And they were amazed when the man picked up his mat and went home.
As we look forward this week to the beginning of Lent, will we be amazed at the healing power of the Lord in our midst this Lenten season? Will we even be looking to find miracles in these 40 days?
This Sunday our response to the first reading is, "Lord, heal my soul, for I have sinned against you." Isn't that the truth in our lives? We have sinned, we need his healing in our lives.
May the season of Lent bring us such healing.
I encourage you to use the Lenten materials on our website during the next 4o days.
Feb. 17
Today, St. James calls the people "ignoramus" is they do not recognize that faith without works is useless. He uses the example of Abraham sacrificing his son, Isaac, on the altar. To trust in the Lord in all our actions is critical to being a Catholic and a Christian. But to only have works without faith, is equally as bad. We can do lots of acts of kindness, but if they are for the wrong reasons, then they lack a genuine spirit.
Jesus by his own sacrifice on the Cross, showed the importance of giving completely of self to the rest of humanity. How willing are we to sacrifice for the greater good? Are we willing to show the world what is of greater importance?
The Church has asked us to stand up for the integrity of marriage, respect for the gifts of life (from conception to natural death), to recognize the evils of contraception, sterilization and abortion, to defend our religious freedoms. Are we willing to follow after Jesus? To take up our cross and follow Him?
For "Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels." (Mark 8:38)
Feb. 16
The Lord asks today, "Who do people say that I am?" Are we able to tell others who Jesus is in our lives? Are we able to say, "He is the Christ." Isn't it easier to just pretend we didn't hear the question? Or to walk away. It could also be the fear of having to defend what we know in our hearts is the truth, and we would rather not go there! But the disciples were quick to reply, that the people said, "John the Baptist, or Elijah, or one of the prophets." But the Lord turns to the disciples and asks, "Who do you say that I am?"
St. Peter in his wonderful (often open mouth issert foot) way says, "You are the Christ." This was a great moment for Peter, but it only lasted a short while. Are we not like Peter in so many ways, first to reply, but later slow to respond. To give our all, is and always seems to have been our downfall. Energetic at first, but then we slow down. Because we are confronted by the truth. Does the Lord say to us, "Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do."
May we not get behind the Lord, but help lead others to Jesus. For He is the Christ.
Feb. 15
"Do you see anything?" A great question to ask a blind man. I recognize that that is a rather cynical statement. But then, the blind man didn't see clearly. It took a second laying on of hands for the man to see clearly. How often has the Lord said to us, "Do you see anything?"
I have to admit, I do not see things clearly very often. It often takes two or even three times of being clobbered over the head to finally begin to see. Don't we all wish we could see clearly after the first time we are confronted with the truth. Wouldn't life be easier? Maybe, but then again, that may be too easy.
Often when I have watched a crime show on T.V. or gone to a movie, I can tell what the conclusion should be or what is going to happen, but when something happens in "real" life, it is never as clear. These are the times when we truly need the Lord's healing touch in our lives, allow him to grant us the true insight to respond and act appropriately.
Lord, help me to see clearly.
Feb. 14
Do we still not understand?
When the Lord provided the food for the multitudes, the disciples still did not understand what he was trying to tell them. It was a concept that they wouldn't fully comprehend until after the resurrection, when on the road to Emmaus they would finally see that He was the life-giving bread. It would not be a material, earthly bread, but rather one that would sustain them for eternity.
Once in the seminary we were asked would we rather have lived and walked along side of Jesus in His ministry on earth or to be living in the present with the eternal Christ? At the time this seemed a rather difficult question to answer. But with time and a greater understanding, it is more clear that to live in the present with a risen Lord is by far a greater gift. There is no doubt that it would be a blessing to have walked with the Lord, but to see today is 20/20 hindsight. Would I have known then what I know today, it would have been far more insightful. However, to experience the Lord in the world today, is to experience the Eucharist in its fullness.
Do we still not understand? I hope that we break the Bread of Salvation with a greater insight and back-sight that we did yesterday, and an ever greater knowledge and understanding tomorrow.
Feb. 12
Where is the leprosy in our lives? As the Lord healed the leper in today's Gospel, he does so with great compassion and mercy. He "touched" the man. The touch of an individual is so important and genuine. The Lord touched or was touched many times in the Gospels. To touch another person in today's society takes courage and genuine love. With all of the accusations that a being brought against priests today, touching often becomes an impediment to the gift of love.
Very often, children love to come up to a priest and give him a hug. To often today, the priest pushes a child (and even an adult) away, for fear that it may be miss interrupted. I am so happy that the Lord did not have these restrictions placed upon him a the time of his ministry on earth. He welcomed the children to come to him (even over the warnings of the disciples)! Have we made "touch" the leprosy of our times? Are we afraid to touch and bring a gift of physical presence to others?
May we be touched this day by the healing touch of our Lord in the Eucharist, and not be afraid to being that presence to our brothers and sisters.