Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race. -- Calvin Coolidge
Gospel text (Mk 10:46-52): As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd, a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth passing by, he began to call out, «Son of David, Jesus, have mercy on me!». Many people scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder, «Son of David, have mercy on me!».
Jesus stopped and said, «Call him». So they called the blind man saying, «Take heart. Get up, He is calling you». He immediately threw aside his cloak, jumped up and went to Jesus. Then Jesus asked him, «What do you want me to do for you?». The blind man said, «Master, let me see again!». And Jesus said to him, «Go your way, your faith has made you well». And immediately he could see, and he followed Jesus along the road.
Today, Christ comes out to meet us. We are all just like Bartimaeus: the blind beggar, by whose side Jesus passed by, and who started to call him out until the Lord stopped and called him. We may have a more advantaged name... but our human weaknesses (moral) resemble the beggar's blindness. We cannot see either that Christ lives amongst our brothers and, thus, we treat them as we do. Perhaps, we fail to see in the social injustices, in the structures of sin, what through our eyes, is a scathing call for social commitment. Perhaps we do not fully grasp that «there is more joy in giving than in receiving», that «Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends» (Jn 15:13). What is bright and steady looks obscure to us: that the mirrors of the world lead to frustration, and that the paradoxes of the Gospel, after their hardships, bear fruits, fulfillment and life. We truly are visually weak, and this is not an euphemism, but a true fact: our will, weakened by the sin, dims the truth in our intelligence making us pick out what is not suitable for us.
Solution: start calling out, like the beggar, that is, humbly pray «Jesus, have mercy on me!» (Mk 10:48). And shout all the louder the more they scold you, the more they discourage you, the more you get dispirited: «Many people scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder...» (Mk 10:48). To call is also to beg: «Master, let me see again!» (Mk 10:51). Solution: to grow in our faith and beyond our certitude, trust in who loved us, created us and came to redeem us and remain amongst us in the Eucharist.
What's standing in the way of your healing? Are you too proud to admit you need help? Are you too proud to confess your sins? Are you too "cool" to be healed? Are you paralyzed by the thought of being laughed at? Are you unwilling to become a fool for Christ? (1 Cor 4:10) Don't let anything or anyone prevent you from receiving your healing and your Healer, Jesus.
Pope John Paul II said the very same with the example of his life: his long hours of meditation —so many that his Secretary complained that he prayed “too much”— this tells us clearly that «he who prays changes History».
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others
I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy. - Rabindranath Tagore
Gospel text (Mk 10:32-45): The disciples were on the road going up to Jerusalem , and Jesus was walking ahead. The Twelve were anxious and those who followed were afraid. Once more Jesus took the Twelve aside to tell them what was to happen to him, «You see we are going up to Jerusalem , and the Son of Man will be given over to the chief priests and the teachers of the Law. They will condemn him to death and hand him over to the foreigners who will make fun of him, spit on him, scourge him and finally kill him; but three days later He will rise».
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, «Master, we want you to grant us what we are going to ask of you». And He said, «What do you want me to do for you?». They answered, «Grant us to sit one at your right and one at your left when you come in your glory». But Jesus said to them, «You don't know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized in the way I am baptized?». They answered, «We can». And Jesus told them, «The cup that I drink you will drink, and you will be baptized in the way I am baptized. But to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to grant. It has been prepared for others».
On hearing this, the other ten were angry with James and John; Jesus then called them to him and said, «As you know, the so-called rulers of the nations act as tyrants and their great ones oppress them. But it shall not be so among you; whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you shall make himself slave of all. Think of the Son of Man who has not come to be served but to serve and to give his life to redeem many».
Today, the Lord teaches us which our attitude before the Cross must be. The ardent love of Jesus for His Father's Will, to carry out the salvation of Mankind, of each man, of each woman, urges Him to quickly move towards Jerusalem, where «the Son of Man will be given over (…) they will condemn him to death (…) they will scourge him and finally kill him» (Mk 10:33-34). Though, at times, we may not understand it or may be afraid of pain and suffering or of every day's contradictions, let us try to lovingly join God's salvific Will with the offering of our daily Cross.
Assiduous prayer and the Sacraments, especially the personal Confession of our sins and the Eucharist, will increase our love for God and our love for others, in such a way that we shall be able to affirm that «We can!» (Mk 10:39), in spite of our misery, fears and sins. Yes, we shall be able to take up our daily Cross and follow Him (cf. Lk 9:23) for love, with a smile; that cross that is evidenced by our ordinary everyday life: tiredness in our job, family difficulties, social relations, etc.
Only if we embrace our cross every day, denying us to serve others, shall we be able to identify ourselves with the Christ, who «came to serve and to give his life to redeem many» (Mk 10:45). John Paul II explained «the servitude of Jesus attains its culmination with his death in the Cross, that is by the total gift of himself». Let us, therefore, imitate Jesus Christ, by constantly transforming our love for Him in servicing actions for other people: wealthy or poor, educated or uneducated, young or old, without distinction. Servicing actions to get them closer to God and free them from sin.
So, I will leave you with one of my favorite Bible verses.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9
Gospel text (Mk 10:32-45): The disciples were on the road going up to Jerusalem , and Jesus was walking ahead. The Twelve were anxious and those who followed were afraid. Once more Jesus took the Twelve aside to tell them what was to happen to him, «You see we are going up to Jerusalem , and the Son of Man will be given over to the chief priests and the teachers of the Law. They will condemn him to death and hand him over to the foreigners who will make fun of him, spit on him, scourge him and finally kill him; but three days later He will rise».
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, «Master, we want you to grant us what we are going to ask of you». And He said, «What do you want me to do for you?». They answered, «Grant us to sit one at your right and one at your left when you come in your glory». But Jesus said to them, «You don't know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized in the way I am baptized?». They answered, «We can». And Jesus told them, «The cup that I drink you will drink, and you will be baptized in the way I am baptized. But to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to grant. It has been prepared for others».
On hearing this, the other ten were angry with James and John; Jesus then called them to him and said, «As you know, the so-called rulers of the nations act as tyrants and their great ones oppress them. But it shall not be so among you; whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you shall make himself slave of all. Think of the Son of Man who has not come to be served but to serve and to give his life to redeem many».
Today, the Lord teaches us which our attitude before the Cross must be. The ardent love of Jesus for His Father's Will, to carry out the salvation of Mankind, of each man, of each woman, urges Him to quickly move towards Jerusalem, where «the Son of Man will be given over (…) they will condemn him to death (…) they will scourge him and finally kill him» (Mk 10:33-34). Though, at times, we may not understand it or may be afraid of pain and suffering or of every day's contradictions, let us try to lovingly join God's salvific Will with the offering of our daily Cross.
Assiduous prayer and the Sacraments, especially the personal Confession of our sins and the Eucharist, will increase our love for God and our love for others, in such a way that we shall be able to affirm that «We can!» (Mk 10:39), in spite of our misery, fears and sins. Yes, we shall be able to take up our daily Cross and follow Him (cf. Lk 9:23) for love, with a smile; that cross that is evidenced by our ordinary everyday life: tiredness in our job, family difficulties, social relations, etc.
Only if we embrace our cross every day, denying us to serve others, shall we be able to identify ourselves with the Christ, who «came to serve and to give his life to redeem many» (Mk 10:45). John Paul II explained «the servitude of Jesus attains its culmination with his death in the Cross, that is by the total gift of himself». Let us, therefore, imitate Jesus Christ, by constantly transforming our love for Him in servicing actions for other people: wealthy or poor, educated or uneducated, young or old, without distinction. Servicing actions to get them closer to God and free them from sin.
So, I will leave you with one of my favorite Bible verses.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Be living sacrifices in the vocation God has called you too
"We must, each of us, be willing to sacrifice our own will, even at a heavy cost. There is no need to sacrifice one’s health or money or to undergo privations, penances, or extraordinary fasts. The sacrifice that is needed is the sacrifice of the will. Each of us must be equally prepared to preach or to cook, to teach or to sweep, to catechize or to pray, to supervise or to obey. Such an attitude shall obtain God’s blessing on us because then we shall be true, faithful disciples and servants.” - St. John Bosco
Gospel text (Mk 10:28-31): At that time Peter began to tell Jesus, «We have given up everything to follow you». Jesus answered, «Truly, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters, or father or mother, or children, or lands for my sake and for the Gospel, who will not receive his reward. I say to you: even in the midst of persecution he will receive a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and lands in the present time and in the world to come eternal life. Do pay attention: Many who now are first will be last, and the last, first».
The heart of love is sacrifice. Jesus was sacrificed on Calvary in the greatest act of love in history. Today, just like that landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard, the Lord is seeking disciples, followers and friends. His, is a universal call. A captivating offer, the Lord entrust us with! On one condition, though. One condition that may dishearten us: «For my sake and for the Gospel» you are to leave «house, brothers or sisters, or father or mother, or children, or lands» (cf. Mk 10:29). This is not communism but a sharing in love which involves a permanent personal responsibility and stewardship over the gifts. God has given us the power to dispose of His gifts and their fruits; He does not do it only once or all at once. Neither can we make an absolute gift of ourselves to Him once and for all. It must be a constant part of our lives.
But, is there any compensation? Shall there be any reward? Shall we make any gain out of it? Peter, in the name of the Apostles, reminds the Master: «We have given up everything to follow you» (Mk 10:28), as if asking: what benefit shall we get?
The Lord's promise is very generous: «but he will receive one hundred times more now in this time (…) and in the age to come eternal life» (Mk 10:30). He cannot be surpassed as far as generosity. But He adds: «even in the midst of persecution». Jesus is very realistic and He does not want to deceive anybody. To be a disciple of his, if we are truly so, will bring us troubles and problems. However, Jesus considers persecutions and troubles a reward, for they help us to grow, if we accept and live through them as an opportunity to gain in maturity and responsibility. Whatever act of sacrifice makes us more like Jesus Christ who, by dying in the Cross, saves us.
We have always time to revise our life and get closer to Jesus Christ, especially during the times of Advent and Lent. Through prayer and the sacraments, these times and all times, we can find out whether we are amongst the disciples He is seeking, and decide which our answer must be to that call. Next to radical responses (such as those from the Apostles) there are others. For many, “to leave house, brothers or sisters, or father or mother…” will just mean whatever unables us to live deeply in Jesus' close friendship and, as a consequence, become his testimony before the world. And this is urgent, don't you think so?
A very wise priest once told me that he imagines standing under a waterfall and the water being God’s love and graces pouring down. We often hold umbrellas, for many reasons, which prevent us from becoming completely drenched. So pull those umbrellas away and rejoice in all the blessings God wishes to give you!
***Today is a gift. Live it like that. ****
Gospel text (Mk 10:28-31): At that time Peter began to tell Jesus, «We have given up everything to follow you». Jesus answered, «Truly, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters, or father or mother, or children, or lands for my sake and for the Gospel, who will not receive his reward. I say to you: even in the midst of persecution he will receive a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and lands in the present time and in the world to come eternal life. Do pay attention: Many who now are first will be last, and the last, first».
The heart of love is sacrifice. Jesus was sacrificed on Calvary in the greatest act of love in history. Today, just like that landowner who went out early in the morning to hire men to work in his vineyard, the Lord is seeking disciples, followers and friends. His, is a universal call. A captivating offer, the Lord entrust us with! On one condition, though. One condition that may dishearten us: «For my sake and for the Gospel» you are to leave «house, brothers or sisters, or father or mother, or children, or lands» (cf. Mk 10:29). This is not communism but a sharing in love which involves a permanent personal responsibility and stewardship over the gifts. God has given us the power to dispose of His gifts and their fruits; He does not do it only once or all at once. Neither can we make an absolute gift of ourselves to Him once and for all. It must be a constant part of our lives.
But, is there any compensation? Shall there be any reward? Shall we make any gain out of it? Peter, in the name of the Apostles, reminds the Master: «We have given up everything to follow you» (Mk 10:28), as if asking: what benefit shall we get?
The Lord's promise is very generous: «but he will receive one hundred times more now in this time (…) and in the age to come eternal life» (Mk 10:30). He cannot be surpassed as far as generosity. But He adds: «even in the midst of persecution». Jesus is very realistic and He does not want to deceive anybody. To be a disciple of his, if we are truly so, will bring us troubles and problems. However, Jesus considers persecutions and troubles a reward, for they help us to grow, if we accept and live through them as an opportunity to gain in maturity and responsibility. Whatever act of sacrifice makes us more like Jesus Christ who, by dying in the Cross, saves us.
We have always time to revise our life and get closer to Jesus Christ, especially during the times of Advent and Lent. Through prayer and the sacraments, these times and all times, we can find out whether we are amongst the disciples He is seeking, and decide which our answer must be to that call. Next to radical responses (such as those from the Apostles) there are others. For many, “to leave house, brothers or sisters, or father or mother…” will just mean whatever unables us to live deeply in Jesus' close friendship and, as a consequence, become his testimony before the world. And this is urgent, don't you think so?
A very wise priest once told me that he imagines standing under a waterfall and the water being God’s love and graces pouring down. We often hold umbrellas, for many reasons, which prevent us from becoming completely drenched. So pull those umbrellas away and rejoice in all the blessings God wishes to give you!
***Today is a gift. Live it like that. ****
Monday, February 28, 2011
What are you holding back from God?
There is no other remedy for your ills but patience and submission to the Will of God. St. Margaret Mary
Gospel text (Mk 10:17-27): Just as Jesus was setting out on his journey again, a man ran up, knelt before him and asked, «Good Master, what must I do to have eternal life?». Jesus answered, «Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not cheat, honor your father and mother». The man replied, «I have obeyed all these commandments since my childhood». Then Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him and he said, «For you, one thing is lacking. Go, sell what you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me». On hearing these words, his face fell and he went away sorrowful for he was a man of great wealth.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, «How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God !». The disciples were shocked at these words, but Jesus insisted, «Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God ! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God ». They were more astonished than ever and wondered, «Who, then, can be saved?». Jesus looked steadily at them and said, «For humans it is impossible, but not for God; all things are possible with God».
Today’s Gospel is one of the most famous and one of the hardest to live out. A man asks Jesus what it takes to gain eternal life. Jesus gives the typical answer of the Ten Commandments. Follow those and you should be good, right? That’s what the man thinks, and that is what he answers. Yet Jesus, as he does throughout the Gospels, takes what the people have known one step further. He says, “Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” Basically, 'give up everything you have, give up your very self and come follow me.' The man leaves, disheartened, because he doesn’t think he can do this.
Nobody can doubt of the good intentions of that man who knelt down before Jesus Christ to ask him: «Good Master, what must I do to have eternal life?» (Mk 10:17). St. Mark tells us that it is clear that in the man's heart there was a need for something else, for we must assume that —as a good Israelite— he knew quite well what the Law said, but, deep inside him, he felt an uneasiness, a need to go further on and, hence, his questioning Jesus.
In our Christian life we must learn to master that tendency we have to consider our faith just as a mere matter of fulfillment. Our faith is much more than that. It is a sincere adhesion to Someone's heart, Someone who is God. When we set our heart upon something, we also place our life therein and, in the case of our faith, we then overcome the conformism that seems to grip the existence of so many believers. He who truly loves is never satisfied with giving just anything. He who loves is seeking a close and personal relationship; he takes advantage of the smallest details and knows how to discover in everything an opportunity to grow in his love. He who loves surrenders himself.
In fact, Jesus' reply to that man is an open door to his total deliverance to love: «Go, sell what you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me» (Mk 10:21). It is not a matter of quitting everything for the sake of it; it is actually quitting to abandon oneself into Jesus' hands and it is abandoning oneself because that is a the genuine expression of one's loving. It would be great if our relation with God is of such a magnitude. To pray, to serve, to work, to excel, to sacrifice oneself... all these are forms of deliverance and, consequently, forms of love. Let the Lord find in ourselves not only a sincere heart, but also a generous heart open to the demands of love. Because —as John Paul II said— «the love which comes from God, a tender and spousal love, gives rise to profound and radical demands».
Gospel text (Mk 10:17-27): Just as Jesus was setting out on his journey again, a man ran up, knelt before him and asked, «Good Master, what must I do to have eternal life?». Jesus answered, «Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not cheat, honor your father and mother». The man replied, «I have obeyed all these commandments since my childhood». Then Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him and he said, «For you, one thing is lacking. Go, sell what you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me». On hearing these words, his face fell and he went away sorrowful for he was a man of great wealth.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, «How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God !». The disciples were shocked at these words, but Jesus insisted, «Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God ! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God ». They were more astonished than ever and wondered, «Who, then, can be saved?». Jesus looked steadily at them and said, «For humans it is impossible, but not for God; all things are possible with God».
Today’s Gospel is one of the most famous and one of the hardest to live out. A man asks Jesus what it takes to gain eternal life. Jesus gives the typical answer of the Ten Commandments. Follow those and you should be good, right? That’s what the man thinks, and that is what he answers. Yet Jesus, as he does throughout the Gospels, takes what the people have known one step further. He says, “Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” Basically, 'give up everything you have, give up your very self and come follow me.' The man leaves, disheartened, because he doesn’t think he can do this.
Nobody can doubt of the good intentions of that man who knelt down before Jesus Christ to ask him: «Good Master, what must I do to have eternal life?» (Mk 10:17). St. Mark tells us that it is clear that in the man's heart there was a need for something else, for we must assume that —as a good Israelite— he knew quite well what the Law said, but, deep inside him, he felt an uneasiness, a need to go further on and, hence, his questioning Jesus.
In our Christian life we must learn to master that tendency we have to consider our faith just as a mere matter of fulfillment. Our faith is much more than that. It is a sincere adhesion to Someone's heart, Someone who is God. When we set our heart upon something, we also place our life therein and, in the case of our faith, we then overcome the conformism that seems to grip the existence of so many believers. He who truly loves is never satisfied with giving just anything. He who loves is seeking a close and personal relationship; he takes advantage of the smallest details and knows how to discover in everything an opportunity to grow in his love. He who loves surrenders himself.
In fact, Jesus' reply to that man is an open door to his total deliverance to love: «Go, sell what you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me» (Mk 10:21). It is not a matter of quitting everything for the sake of it; it is actually quitting to abandon oneself into Jesus' hands and it is abandoning oneself because that is a the genuine expression of one's loving. It would be great if our relation with God is of such a magnitude. To pray, to serve, to work, to excel, to sacrifice oneself... all these are forms of deliverance and, consequently, forms of love. Let the Lord find in ourselves not only a sincere heart, but also a generous heart open to the demands of love. Because —as John Paul II said— «the love which comes from God, a tender and spousal love, gives rise to profound and radical demands».
Sunday, February 27, 2011
A coin can not be “HEADS” and “TAILS” at the same time
There are two gates, two roads, but only ONE WAY leads to life! ..... CHOOSE LIFE!
Gospel text (Mt 6:24-34): Jesus said to his disciples, «No one can serve two masters; for he will either hate one and love the other, or he will be loyal to the first and look down on the second. You cannot at the same time serve God and money.
»This is why I tell you not to be worried about food and drink for yourself, or about clothes for your body. Is not life more important than food and is not the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow, they do not harvest and do not store food in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than birds? Can any of you add a day to your life by worrying about it?
»Why are you so worried about your clothes? Look at the flowers in the fields how they grow. They do not toil or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his wealth was clothed like one of these. If God so clothes the grass in the field which blooms today and is to be burned tomorrow in an oven, how much more will he clothe you? What little faith you have! Do not worry and say: What are we going to eat? What are we going to drink? Or: what shall we wear? The pagans busy themselves with such things; but your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Set your heart first on the kingdom and justice of God and all these things will also be given to you. Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own».
This text from Mathew is very optimistic, it allows us to contemplate a Son who is proud of his own Father because He is a provider and constantly looks out for the welfare of His creation. We should share in Jesus’ optimism so as we can stand firm in hope —«Do not worry» (Mt 6:31)— when we come across difficult situations in our lives. It should also be an incentive to us to be a source in a world that needs to live true charity, in other words, love in action.
In the broadest sense, we are told that we should be the feet, the hands, eyes and the mouth of Jesus in the middle of the world, but, in terms of charity this is even more profound: we must be charity itself, and the Father will provide from heaven. We human beings are called to make the providence of God a reality by being sensitive and helping those most in need.
In the words of Benedict XVI, «those men, who have the love of God in them, are converted into instruments of Gods charity and weave a web of charity». But the Holy Father also reminds us that charity must always be accompanied by the Truth that is Christ, so as it is not converted into mere philanthropic deeds, that are bare of any Christian spiritual sense that is typical of those of us who live by the teaching of the Master.
The gospel reading today also makes a not so optimistic claim, “O you of little faith.” It is easy to ignore the blessings bestowed upon us in the daily rush of our lives. Finding any time to recognize God’s hand is a struggle.
Yet I find comfort knowing that God never forgets us. While we are all very human, and thus prone to forgetting and ignoring much of the world around us, God remains steadfast. We are never forgotten, never ignored, because we are God’s creations – the infants a mother can never forget , as Isaiah beautifully notes.
We may fall into darkness and ignore God’s love. Yet through his son, light will illuminate the love we’ve hidden in darkness. Even creatures of little faith find glorious love in God and his son. Never give up!
Gospel text (Mt 6:24-34): Jesus said to his disciples, «No one can serve two masters; for he will either hate one and love the other, or he will be loyal to the first and look down on the second. You cannot at the same time serve God and money.
»This is why I tell you not to be worried about food and drink for yourself, or about clothes for your body. Is not life more important than food and is not the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow, they do not harvest and do not store food in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than birds? Can any of you add a day to your life by worrying about it?
»Why are you so worried about your clothes? Look at the flowers in the fields how they grow. They do not toil or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his wealth was clothed like one of these. If God so clothes the grass in the field which blooms today and is to be burned tomorrow in an oven, how much more will he clothe you? What little faith you have! Do not worry and say: What are we going to eat? What are we going to drink? Or: what shall we wear? The pagans busy themselves with such things; but your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Set your heart first on the kingdom and justice of God and all these things will also be given to you. Do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own».
This text from Mathew is very optimistic, it allows us to contemplate a Son who is proud of his own Father because He is a provider and constantly looks out for the welfare of His creation. We should share in Jesus’ optimism so as we can stand firm in hope —«Do not worry» (Mt 6:31)— when we come across difficult situations in our lives. It should also be an incentive to us to be a source in a world that needs to live true charity, in other words, love in action.
In the broadest sense, we are told that we should be the feet, the hands, eyes and the mouth of Jesus in the middle of the world, but, in terms of charity this is even more profound: we must be charity itself, and the Father will provide from heaven. We human beings are called to make the providence of God a reality by being sensitive and helping those most in need.
In the words of Benedict XVI, «those men, who have the love of God in them, are converted into instruments of Gods charity and weave a web of charity». But the Holy Father also reminds us that charity must always be accompanied by the Truth that is Christ, so as it is not converted into mere philanthropic deeds, that are bare of any Christian spiritual sense that is typical of those of us who live by the teaching of the Master.
The gospel reading today also makes a not so optimistic claim, “O you of little faith.” It is easy to ignore the blessings bestowed upon us in the daily rush of our lives. Finding any time to recognize God’s hand is a struggle.
Yet I find comfort knowing that God never forgets us. While we are all very human, and thus prone to forgetting and ignoring much of the world around us, God remains steadfast. We are never forgotten, never ignored, because we are God’s creations – the infants a mother can never forget , as Isaiah beautifully notes.
We may fall into darkness and ignore God’s love. Yet through his son, light will illuminate the love we’ve hidden in darkness. Even creatures of little faith find glorious love in God and his son. Never give up!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Old men can make war, but it is children who will make history
It is better to be the child of God than king of the whole world - Saint Aloysius Gonzaga;
Gospel text (Mk 10:13-16): People were bringing their little children to Jesus to have him touch them, and the disciples rebuked them for this. When Jesus noticed it, He was very angry and said, «Let the children come to me and don't stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it».
Then He took the children in his arms and laying his hands on them, blessed them.
This notion of God as a father figure to humans continues into the Gospel for today. Jesus is portrayed as a father to all of the children—probably not necessarily children in a literal sense, but rather those who wanted to live as children of God. When it says, “Whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it,” I think the scripture may be referencing what is typically thought of as a child’s innocence and purity of heart. Anyone who desires to live a life in God should not be held back like some of the people in today’s Gospel were, but should instead be allowed to be free and live a life fulfilling God’s covenant.
We must learn the art of receiving the Kingdom of God. He who is like a child can easily perceive that everything is a gift, a grace. From our smallness we should be open to receive. And, “to receive” God's favor, we must listen and contemplate with “receptive silence”. St. Ignatius of Antioch, to the Ephesians noted « He who possesses the word of Jesus, is truly able to hear even His very silence, that he may be perfect, and may both act as he speaks, and be recognized by his silence».
What is it about “little children” that captured Jesus’ imagination?
Children are honest and express themselves easily or “say what they think”. Adults may think the same things, i.e., “that food tastes like dog poop…that hat is ugly…etc”, but we would not dare to say it aloud.
Little children are openly affectionate. They will run and hug you as you walk in the door. They will climb into your lap and give you a kiss. They will hold your hand or make you chase them and catch them with giggles. They love to laugh.
Little children trust you. They go through the “terrible two’s” to learn their own authority and then they know it is good to follow your adult directions. When you tell them something is harmful, they will listen.
Little children are fascinated with life and living creatures. They can watch a caterpillar or butterfly or bird or insect for a good while. Their curiosity is easily peaked.
Little children express awe. They let themselves be touched by a sunset, a deer loping across a suburban lawn or garden, waves on a beach or the vastness of an ocean. Beauty is held and relished.
We, “sophisticated adults“, could learn a thing or two from our “little children”.
Gospel text (Mk 10:13-16): People were bringing their little children to Jesus to have him touch them, and the disciples rebuked them for this. When Jesus noticed it, He was very angry and said, «Let the children come to me and don't stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it».
Then He took the children in his arms and laying his hands on them, blessed them.
This notion of God as a father figure to humans continues into the Gospel for today. Jesus is portrayed as a father to all of the children—probably not necessarily children in a literal sense, but rather those who wanted to live as children of God. When it says, “Whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it,” I think the scripture may be referencing what is typically thought of as a child’s innocence and purity of heart. Anyone who desires to live a life in God should not be held back like some of the people in today’s Gospel were, but should instead be allowed to be free and live a life fulfilling God’s covenant.
We must learn the art of receiving the Kingdom of God. He who is like a child can easily perceive that everything is a gift, a grace. From our smallness we should be open to receive. And, “to receive” God's favor, we must listen and contemplate with “receptive silence”. St. Ignatius of Antioch, to the Ephesians noted « He who possesses the word of Jesus, is truly able to hear even His very silence, that he may be perfect, and may both act as he speaks, and be recognized by his silence».
What is it about “little children” that captured Jesus’ imagination?
Children are honest and express themselves easily or “say what they think”. Adults may think the same things, i.e., “that food tastes like dog poop…that hat is ugly…etc”, but we would not dare to say it aloud.
Little children are openly affectionate. They will run and hug you as you walk in the door. They will climb into your lap and give you a kiss. They will hold your hand or make you chase them and catch them with giggles. They love to laugh.
Little children trust you. They go through the “terrible two’s” to learn their own authority and then they know it is good to follow your adult directions. When you tell them something is harmful, they will listen.
Little children are fascinated with life and living creatures. They can watch a caterpillar or butterfly or bird or insect for a good while. Their curiosity is easily peaked.
Little children express awe. They let themselves be touched by a sunset, a deer loping across a suburban lawn or garden, waves on a beach or the vastness of an ocean. Beauty is held and relished.
We, “sophisticated adults“, could learn a thing or two from our “little children”.
Friday, February 25, 2011
True love is a choice
If you truly love someone, you want what is best for them – What is best for them is heaven!
Gospel text (Mk 10:1-12): Jesus went to the province of Judea , beyond the Jordan River . Once more crowds gathered around him and once more He taught them, as He always did. Some (Pharisees came and) put him to the test with this question, «Is it right for a husband to divorce his wife?». He replied, «What law did Moses give you?». They answered, «Moses allowed us to write a certificate of dismissal in order to divorce». Then Jesus said to them, «Moses wrote this law for you, because you are stubborn. But in the beginning of creation God made them male and female, and because of this, man has to leave father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one body. So they are no longer two but one body. Therefore let no one separate what God has joined».
When they were indoors at home, the disciples again asked him about this and He told them, «Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against his wife, and the woman who divorces her husband and marries another also commits adultery».
The Sacrament of Marriage represents a lifelong commitment on the part of the spouses. For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part; marriage is forever.
Increasingly the dominant American culture has intensified the barrage against marriage. Every day millions of living rooms are inundated with the lustful images depicted in soap operas, situation comedies, movies, talk shows and music videos. Magazines extol immoral lifestyles. Weekly tabloids play up the scandalous sexual proclivities of film, sports and television celebrities.
This onslaught against marriage has been relentless, seemingly working toward discrediting the notion of Christian marriage as an institution and cornerstone of society.
It is very easy for married couples to become discouraged and overwhelmed.
Many Catholic priests agree, that in the majority of cases, the large number of failed marriages has resulted from the couples having been insufficiently prepared for the Sacrament of Marriage in the first place. True, many couples do marry for the wrong reasons; however, parishes in many parts of the country have been negligent in providing thorough and caring marriage preparation for engaged couples.
Still, the best preparation for marriage is Christian chastity. It is this virtue of chastity that helps a married couple to remain faithful to one another. But, if young people are not being sufficiently challenged to cultivate this virtue, the Church may be marrying many who have developed profound sexual addictions through a promiscuous life style; and these addictions in and of themselves may not allow for the necessary full and free consent to take place.
Whether clergy or concerned lay people, we need to take the time to help young people live chastely in a very difficult world. Encouraging them to develop a rich Eucharistic life, to use the Sacrament of Confession frequently, to practice devotion to Mary and to avail themselves of on-going spiritual direction, all these are the proven ways by which we can help strengthen young people to live out their relationship with Jesus and each other.
The Church must not capitulate to the clamors of the secular world. By the holiness of their lives, both the clergy and married couples can be a wonderful help to those who are called to the Sacrament of Marriage.
For those who are already married, mutual fidelity is the path that provides personal joy and peace. However, subject as we are to the effects of Original Sin, we are all fallen creatures of flesh and blood, and it is normal that fidelity can prove a struggle. For married couples a daily renewal of their personal commitment to their spouses, a well disciplined spiritual life and a realistic acceptance of their own personal limitations will provide the lasting strength to remain faithful until death.
Finally, although the Catholic Church upholds the indissolubility of marriage, the Church always welcomes her children who are divorced and separated. Those who suffer from difficult marital situations are always welcomed as living members of Christ’s Church. Even in those situations where individuals may not be able to participate fully in the Eucharist, the doors of the Catholic Church remain open to all, welcoming all to be living members of the family of God.
No matter how difficult a personal history or situation may be, there is always a solution for those who are open to doing God’s will. And all those who are entrusted with the pastoral care of souls must be kind, patient, compassionate, understanding and willing to spend a lot of time ministering to all those who seek their loving care.
Gospel text (Mk 10:1-12): Jesus went to the province of Judea , beyond the Jordan River . Once more crowds gathered around him and once more He taught them, as He always did. Some (Pharisees came and) put him to the test with this question, «Is it right for a husband to divorce his wife?». He replied, «What law did Moses give you?». They answered, «Moses allowed us to write a certificate of dismissal in order to divorce». Then Jesus said to them, «Moses wrote this law for you, because you are stubborn. But in the beginning of creation God made them male and female, and because of this, man has to leave father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one body. So they are no longer two but one body. Therefore let no one separate what God has joined».
When they were indoors at home, the disciples again asked him about this and He told them, «Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against his wife, and the woman who divorces her husband and marries another also commits adultery».
The Sacrament of Marriage represents a lifelong commitment on the part of the spouses. For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part; marriage is forever.
Increasingly the dominant American culture has intensified the barrage against marriage. Every day millions of living rooms are inundated with the lustful images depicted in soap operas, situation comedies, movies, talk shows and music videos. Magazines extol immoral lifestyles. Weekly tabloids play up the scandalous sexual proclivities of film, sports and television celebrities.
This onslaught against marriage has been relentless, seemingly working toward discrediting the notion of Christian marriage as an institution and cornerstone of society.
It is very easy for married couples to become discouraged and overwhelmed.
Many Catholic priests agree, that in the majority of cases, the large number of failed marriages has resulted from the couples having been insufficiently prepared for the Sacrament of Marriage in the first place. True, many couples do marry for the wrong reasons; however, parishes in many parts of the country have been negligent in providing thorough and caring marriage preparation for engaged couples.
Still, the best preparation for marriage is Christian chastity. It is this virtue of chastity that helps a married couple to remain faithful to one another. But, if young people are not being sufficiently challenged to cultivate this virtue, the Church may be marrying many who have developed profound sexual addictions through a promiscuous life style; and these addictions in and of themselves may not allow for the necessary full and free consent to take place.
Whether clergy or concerned lay people, we need to take the time to help young people live chastely in a very difficult world. Encouraging them to develop a rich Eucharistic life, to use the Sacrament of Confession frequently, to practice devotion to Mary and to avail themselves of on-going spiritual direction, all these are the proven ways by which we can help strengthen young people to live out their relationship with Jesus and each other.
The Church must not capitulate to the clamors of the secular world. By the holiness of their lives, both the clergy and married couples can be a wonderful help to those who are called to the Sacrament of Marriage.
For those who are already married, mutual fidelity is the path that provides personal joy and peace. However, subject as we are to the effects of Original Sin, we are all fallen creatures of flesh and blood, and it is normal that fidelity can prove a struggle. For married couples a daily renewal of their personal commitment to their spouses, a well disciplined spiritual life and a realistic acceptance of their own personal limitations will provide the lasting strength to remain faithful until death.
Finally, although the Catholic Church upholds the indissolubility of marriage, the Church always welcomes her children who are divorced and separated. Those who suffer from difficult marital situations are always welcomed as living members of Christ’s Church. Even in those situations where individuals may not be able to participate fully in the Eucharist, the doors of the Catholic Church remain open to all, welcoming all to be living members of the family of God.
No matter how difficult a personal history or situation may be, there is always a solution for those who are open to doing God’s will. And all those who are entrusted with the pastoral care of souls must be kind, patient, compassionate, understanding and willing to spend a lot of time ministering to all those who seek their loving care.
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