Today at Holy Mass in the Gospel of St Matthew Jesus tells us to address our own “issues” before we address the “issues” of others…..”Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?”…..When my children fight with each other and then tell me or my wife what their brother or sister did wrong - I constantly tell them - “Worry about yourself, that is a full time job!”……Its very easy to “see” the faults of others, to point to them and even criticize them…..It’s something all together different to address our own faults and trust me - We all have them!…..This is why frequent Sacramental Confession is vital and must be made available to the Catholic faithful once again…..Each time we confess our sins, we are reminded of the fact that we are flawed and that is a good thing - Why? - Because it humbles us…Its very easy to forget the fact that we are sinners when we get the “big things” right as practicing Catholics…Jesus goes on today in the Gospel to tell us….”For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you”…..Objective Truth cannot change but with that said, when we see others fail in their life to measure up to what the Catholic Church teaches - We have no power to change that person…And if we care about them, and we should, all we really can do is pray and fast for them….We can also give a good example…That is about it! - Constantly criticizing people for their faults and sins does no one any good…..And as Jesus said today…We will be “measured” by the same “measure” we evaluate others by - And that is a scary thought! - And good reminder indeed!……But this idea of “judging others” does not mean excusing bad behavior or mortal sin…Objective Truth can not change and clearly as Catholics we want what is best for others and the Universal Church….Speaking about what needs to be addressed in the Church in a charitable manner is needed and should take place….And if what we say is ignored - Pray and Fast - For the world and the Church!…And leave the rest up to God - Trust me - God will address what needs to be addressed in time!
“The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart”
The teachings of the Catholic Church are perfect - However, the people in the Catholic Church are far from perfect - That includes me!….There was a time in my life when I saw the many flaws of Priests, Bishops & Cardinals - Whether it was statements made, how they presided over the Mass or simply how they preached from the pulpit….When I saw these flaws - I would go ballistic!!!!…..As the years have passed, I realized that my reaction did not change the situation and it only took away my inner-peace…..So I decided to take a different approach - Every Wednesday, I fast for the Church and in doing so I channel my frustrations, allowing God to use my fast to renew what needs to be renewed and address what needs to be addressed…As this Wednesday practice continued in my life, I found I would not get as upset at the faults of others - While I still saw those faults, I was more at peace…God gave me grace through my fast and I am sure too God is using my Wednesday fasting for the great good others….I share this with the readers of this reflection and offer the practice of fasting for the Church and the clergy as a suggestion…..Renewal of the Church can only happen from within the “Barque of St Peter” - That means leaving the Church is not an option, if you find yourself to be frustrated!…As St Peter famously said to Jesus when he was challenged - “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life”…..There comes a point when words do help the situation - When we get to that point - Pray and Fast!
“Give us aid against the foe, for worthless is the help of men……Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us”
Today Jesus in the Gospel asks us to stop criticizing others - He also reminds us of our own faults - Because we all have them…..Obviously as practicing Catholics we what the Church to thrive - And when injustices occur, we what them to be addressed…But what happens when they are not addressed due to the fallen nature of men?….Do we go ballistic?……Before we do, stop and pray…..Its important to address wrongs, but at the root of addressing a wrong there must be charity….And if we address what is wrong charitably and are efforts are ignored…Sometimes its best to simply pray and fast…..”As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words—go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town”….The perennial teachings of the Church will never be altered by men - And if people “try”, no matter who they are, they will fail in time! - So give it time, and let God work because God will work…..When we as Catholics stand with the Truth and suffer persecutions because of the Truth - Trust that God will defend us - Because he will - Just give it time and offer up your sufferings for the sins of the world…In the meantime - Pray and Fast……Human beings, both inside and outside the Church have tried to “change” Church teachings for centuries - And they all have failed! - And they will fail again!….There is only so much we can do individually, when we see the sins of men within the Church do the Body of Christ harm - But remember this - God sees everything! - “For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible, and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light”…..And know this - ”Every valley shall be lifted up, every mountain and hill made low; The rugged land shall be a plain, the rough country, a broad valley. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken”…….Be Still - Trust, Pray & Fast - “Every mountain and hill made low”…..JMJ
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