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?