Honesty and Humility: Twin Sisters

In today's first reading, 2 Sam 11: 1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17, we are presented with the story of King David and his giving into the temptation of having a sexual relationship with Uriah's wife Bathsheba. We are presented with the lengths that he goes to cover up his sin when he finds out that Bathsheba conceived that night.  David arranges for Uriah to be  put in the front lines of a fierce battle and asked that he be abandoned there in the knowledge that he would not survive!  And he didn't!  David, we can say, arranged for Uriah's murder to cover up his sinful behavior with Uriah's wife.  His cover up is worse than the murder itself, I believe. 

This kind of behavior goes on to this very day in varying degrees.  In shame, it is not unusual for us to cover up our sins and to go to any length to do so!  It takes  lots of humility to be honest when we have done wrong.  But only honesty frees us. Lying ensnares us and drags us into a pit out of which it is difficult to climb. And again, honesty is the ladder that leads us out of whatever pit we have dug for ourselves.

Whose example helps you be honest with yourself and others?  To whom do you look for help?

A Shining Light in the World of our Day

In today's Gospel,  Mark : 21-25, Jesus asks us:  "Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand?  For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light."

As I hear, read and reflect upon those words, I think of such people as King David, his son Solomon and other great men and women of the Old Testament, as well as Mary and Joseph, Joachim and Anna, Jesus, the apostles--both men apostles  and such women as Mary of Magdala, considered an apostle to the apostles and all those who followed Jesus during his times here on earth and to the cross on Calvary. Their light has been placed on the lampstand of the world for all to see. I think, too, of men and women beyond Old and  New Testament times--recognized and unrecognized saints in heaven and on earth, great men and women who have made their mark on the world and in our families.  Like all of them, you and I are called upon to be "lamps" for all to see. The good we do, the truth we proclaim, the mercy and compassion that we reveal in the choices we make, the voices we respond to when a person asks for and needs our help, beginning with an infant in the womb, a toddler learning to walk or talk or read, a child of any age and adults as well dependent upon us to grow in grace and wisdom, an elderly parent needing our support and on and on!

With David, in the first reading of today's liturgy, 2 Sam 7: 18-19, 24-29, we can ask the Lord: "Who am I, Lord God, and who are the members of my house [my family and my relatives] that you have brought me [and them]  to this point? Yet even this you see as too little, Lord God; you have also spoken of the house of your servant for a long time to come: this too you have shown to [us], Lord God....The Lord of hosts is God of Israel [of our household], and the house of your servant David  [add your name and the name of your family] stands firm before you."

Lord God, with Mary, we sing the Magnificat in  honor of your name and gratitude for all you have done and are doing to help us and our families and loved ones grow in grace and wisdom and be a beacon of light in the world in which we live.

Our Relationship to One Another

In today's Gospel, Mark 3: 31-35, Jesus' mother, brothers and sisters go to see Jesus. Jesus was surrounded by a crowd of people and they could not get to Him. So word was sent to Jesus about his family being outside of the house wanting to see Him. Jesus asks: "'Who are my mother and my brothers?' And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.'"  Jesus, of course, is not snubbing His family. He is enlarging it to include all who do the will of His Father, which, of course, is modeled by his own biological family.

All of us have both a biological and a spiritual family. We are all one in Christ Jesus, who teaches us and empowers us to carry out the will of His Father. In doing so we are Jesus' brothers and sisters and mother and also brother and sister and mother to one another.  May we grow in this realization of who we are to one another and who the other is to us! As "mothers" to one another may we care for each other in love and compassion and offer the support each of us needs on this journey to eternity.

Champions of God

The responsorial psalm, Psalm 89, speaks of God's faithfulness and mercy toward David. Of David it is said: "On a champion I have placed a crown; over the people I have set a youth.  I have found David, my servant; with holy oil I have anointed him, that my hand may with him, and through my name shall his horn be exalted. I will set his hand upon the sea, his right hand upon the rivers."

God has also made you and I champions, champions, that is, of grace, of the faith, of  redemption. Those gifts from God were mediated to us through many people, beginning with our parents and grandparents or other faith-filled men and women that God put into our lives: teachers, friends, school counselors, fellow employees.

God found us, as he found David, and anointed us through the Church's sacraments. God laid His hands upon us through these sacraments and through sacramentals, signs of God's presence: another's person's love, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, and concern for our well-being and our success in school, in marriage, in business and so on. We, in turn, are meant to be sacramentals for others, that is, signs of God's love and mercy. We are exalted in many ways and each of those through the name of Jesus! And, yes, God sets our hands upon the "seas" of life by which we sail  into successes that lead us to God's love and into rivers that wind our ways through rough currents into God's gift of salvation.  God is always at work in us and through us, making us "champions" on our race to eternal life where we will be crowned for all eternity.

Witnesses of the Risen One

Today we celebrate the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle.  Saul is on his way to Damascus to arrest Christians and bring them in chains to prison to be punished for following Jesus. On the way to Damascus when, nearing the city, Saul is knocked off his horse and hears a voice saying to him:  "'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'"  Saul asks:  "Who are you, sir?"  The voice responds: "I am Jesus the Nazorean whom you are persecuting!"  Saul asks: "What should I do,sir?"  Jesus responds:  "Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told about everything appointed for you to do."  

Do you and I realize that the way we treat another person is how we are treating Jesus the Nazorean?  Do we realize, in fact, that we are Jesus in the world!  First of all, if we realized that other persons are Jesus, we certainly would, I believe,  treat them with respect and love; and, second of all, knowing that we, too, are Jesus in the world would we not then do as Jesus did: reach out to the poor, the oppressed, say healing words to the sick and crippled, the troubled and distressed?  Would we not, then, seek ways to bring light into the darkness of another person's life, hope into areas of hopelessness, love where there is hatred and forgiveness to those whom we have hurt or who may  have hurt us?

Like Saul, baptized Paul, the Lord says to us through others:  "Get up and go (to wherever we are being called) and there you will be told about everything appointed for you to do."  And, also like Saul, we often need others to restore our sight, as Ananias did for Saul at God's bidding.  Sight restored, we will be able to recognize what God is asking of us and how we, too, are called to be His witnesses in the world around us.

Jonathan's Friendship, Love and Intervention on Behalf of David

In today's first reading, 1 Sam  18: 6-9; 19: 1-7, the women are celebrating David's victory over Goliath and, in doing so,  sing the praises of both David and Saul.  They attribute greater success to David than to Saul.  Saul immediately becomes jealous of David, to the point of planning to kill him lest he take over the kingship from Saul.  Saul's son, Jonathan, intercedes, saying to his father:  "Let not your majesty sin against his servant David, for he has committed no offense against you, but has helped  you very much by his deeds. [H]e took his life in  his hands and slew the Philistine, and the Lord brought about a great victory for all Israel through him.  [Y]ou were glad to see it."  Saul listens to Jonathan and states: "As the Lord lives, he shall not be killed."

How quickly jealousy can grip us and lead to disastrous plans, including murder!  There is no dearth of stories of how families are torn apart by jealousy and how relationships can be destroyed by such. Covetous of another possessions or another's spouse or another's success,  a person may succumb to jealousy as did Saul against David! Fearful that another might be more popular than oneself, will secure a position that one desires, win over a hopeful bride/bridegroom, persons may give entertain malicious, jealous thoughts that translate into strong feelings of hate and violence toward another: ruining reputations, causing financial ruin or even loss of life.

What can you and I do when we are struggling with the human weaknesses of jealousy, envy, and covetousness? First of all, pay attention to what we are telling ourselves about a situation. Saul erred in saying to himself: "'They give David ten thousands, but only thousands to me. All that remains for him is the kingship'. And from that day on, Saul was jealous of David."  He was lying to himself or engaging in, what is called in the world of recovering alcoholics, "stinking thinking."  Second of all, we need to know when our thoughts are distorted.  Thirdly, we need to reveal our thinking to another person who is strong enough and cares deeply about our well being to the point that he/she will help us recognize distorted thoughts and challenge plans to bring harm to another person in any shape or form, be that physical, spiritual, relational, reputation-wise,  or financial. And also, we need to tell Jesus what we are thinking and planning to do and ask for honest feedback.

And finally, thank the Lord for giving us the courage to be honest with ourselves, helping us to come to rightful conclusions, to abandon malicious plans and jealous thoughts. 

The Lord Keeps Us Safe

In today's first reading, 1 Sam 17: 32-33, 37, 40-51, David offers to confront Goliath, a Philistine who is a threat to the nation of Israel.  Saul is hesitant and tells David that he is no match for this giant.  David insists, saying: "The Lord, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will also keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine."  Saul then offers him encouragement: "...[T]he Lord will be with  you!"  Goliath, seeing David, a mere youth, approaching him with staff, says to him: "Am I a dog that you come against me with a staff?"  Goliath curses him and says:  "Come here to me, and I will leave your flesh for the birds of the air and the beasts of this field."  David does not flinch. Relying upon the Lord, he is unafraid and says:  "...I come against you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel that you have insulted. Today the Lord shall deliver you into my hand....[F]or the battle is the Lord's."

Like for David, God has rescued you and me from "bears" and "lions" in our lives.  Some of these rescues we are aware of and others not.  God is a warrior who fights on our side against the enemies in our lives.  When we face the "Goliaths" in our  lives, it is God who goes to battle for us.  The "battle is the Lord's."

Do you, do I, have the faith and the confidence of David when we are up against situations which, without God's help, there is no way that we will come out on top?  Never for a moment, did David not believe that God would keep him safe or help him!  Do you, do I, believe that we are safe in winning battles against Satan, who certainly is stronger than we are? Upon whom do I, do you, seek help?

Today, the Lord confronted me in prayer about dealing with a situation without first bringing my concerns to Him and seeking deliverance from Him.  Consequently I fell into the pit of human weakness awaiting me and, in no uncertain terms, the Lord said to me through the Spirit within me:  "You did not come to me about your anger...That was the mistake that opened the pit into which  you fell....!"  The Lord cannot and will not help us resolve a problem that we keep to ourselves.

God's Providence, God's Will, and God's Guidance

In today's first reading, 1 Sam 16: 1-3, God asks Samuel to go to Bethlehem to choose one of Jesse's  sons as king of Israel in place of Saul, whom the Lord has rejected as king.  Saul is scared to follow these directions.  "How can I go? Saul will hear of it and kill me."  Go, the Lord says to him, and say to Jesse that "you have come to offer a sacrifice to the Lord".  God does not leave out any detail, including how Samuel will know which son of Jesse to choose.  God covers that point, as well:  "... you are to anoint for me the one I point out to you."  The  first of Jesse's sons appears and Samuel says to  himself: "Surely, the Lord's anointed is here before him."    What does Samuel hear within himself: "No! Do not judge "from his appearance or from his lofty stature...Not as man sees does God see,because he sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart."  Seven sons appear before Samuel and none are the one chosen to be king. Samuel asks: Are these all of your sons? and Jesse says "No, the  youngest son is tending sheep."  "Send for him!" And sure enough this is the one God has chosen. Samuel anoints David and immediately "the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David."

First of all, God is in charge!  And how often does God not choose that person we would reject! Second of all, how easy it is for us to judge a person by appearances and by stature,  not aware what is in the heart of a person, especially of the persons we deem not capable of the position that needs to be filled according to God's plan.  Thirdly, how readily we may judge ourselves as incapable of a job that God is directing us to or directing others to give to us, forgetting that, whatever the job is, God anoints us for that job. The strength to do that job, the wisdom to carry the job out according to God's will and the light to bring into whatever darkness we encounter comes from God, not from us.  Without God, we are not capable of any good that needs to be accomplished.  That good flows from God's life within us, not from ourselves alone.  God works with us and prepares the way before us, as He did for Samuel and for David!

Set Apart by the Lord for a Special Vocation and a Special Ministry or Profession

In today's gospel, Mark 2: 13-17, Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow him.  At table dining with Levi in  his house, Jesus hears scribes outside the house asking why is eating with sinners and tax collectors.  His response is that he "did not come to call the righteous but sinners." And furthermore states: "Those who are well do not need a physician."  Sinners, not well spiritually, do!

Many are called be that to marriage, to single life, to religious life, to priesthood,  or to the deaconate. All of us need a physician to stay well, to remain faithful to the Lord, as Levi had even to the point of being martyred for his faith. You and I most likely will not face physical martyrdom but a spiritual martyrdom, dying to sin, to selfishness, to anything that is an obstacle within us to following the will of God for us, especially when the choices God calls us to embrace provoke others to say: Why has the Lord called this person to that way of life, to be involved in that ministry, to marry that person, to be involved in that profession?

Samuel, unlike Levi, was highly praised: "There was no other child of Israel more handsome than Saul; he stood head and shoulder above the people....When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the Lord assured him, 'This is the man of whom I told you; he is to govern my people'...[Saul anointed him, saying:) 'The Lord anoints you commander over his heritage. You are to govern the Lord's people Israel, and to save them from the grasp of their enemies roundabout."

Saul, unlike Levi, does not remain faithful to the Lord or to his calling, but get lured into evil ways with others around him.  You and I need to know that fidelity to the Lord is not a given.  We, like Saul, may face challenges to follow others paths. Without keeping our focus on the Lord and remembering that we are sinners dependent on the Lord for our salvation, we, too, could succumb to temptations all around us. 

Lord, help us remain faithful to you in whatever calling you have given us. May we stay close to you and remember our dependence upon grace to do the good  to which you have called us.

Bringing Others to Jesus

In today's Gospel, Mark 2: 1-12,  crowds surround Jesus seeking healing.  Four men bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus but are unable to get close to  him, so they lower the man from the roof.  Jesus, seeing their faith, says to the paralyzed man: "Your sins are forgiven."  Some scribes observing Jesus  say to themselves: "Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?"  Jesus knows what they are thinking and asks them: "Why are you thinking such things in  your hearts?"  Turning to the man on the mat, he says to him:  "...[R]ise, pick up your mat and go home." The man does so, thus Jesus emphasizes His power to both forgive sins and to heal the sick! Others there, contrary to the scribes, are astounded and burst into praise of God, saying: "We have never seen anything like this."

Who am I in this story:  someone who needs friends who will take  me to Jesus, one of the scribes questioning Jesus' authority and accusing Him of blasphemy, one of the persons in the crowd astounded by what Jesus has done and glorifying God, one who forgives others and thus being a source of healing for them?

I have choices to make every day! By some of those choices I distance myself from Jesus, others paralyze me spiritually, emotionally or physically. Other choices draw me closer to the Lord as I do what Jesus would do.  Still other choices give glory to God and lift my own faith and that of others!

What choices have I made today? yesterday? What do I need to do differently tomorrow so as to draw closer to the Lord, give glory to God and strengthen my faith and that of others?

Faith in God not in Religious Practices

In today's first reading, 1 Samuel 4: 1-11, the Israelites lost big time to the Philistines. Hoping to change the outcome of the battles, the Israelites had the Art of the Covenant brought to the camp, hoping that they would thus win. Knowing the history of the Israelites and how God intervened for their freedom from the Egyptians, the Philistines shook in their boots, so to speak.  However, they encouraged one another to "fight manfully" and in the ensuing battle won decisively over the Israelites.

We may ask ourselves how that could possibly be with the Ark of the Covenant in camp of the Israelites.  However, what we need to realize is that religious symbols are not magic. It is in God alone that our faith must be placed and not merely in religious articles or religious traditions or practices. We also need to ask ourselves whether we are truly seeking God or seeking a dramatic intervention from God of which we can then boast.  Why ask that question? Because Satan is subtle in tempting us to turn things into something of which we can boast, taking credit for that which we did not accomplish. We need to be aware of Satan's cunning snares. He will do anything to take us away from recognizing that any gift flows from God's mercy and is a means to direct us to such. Furthermore, winning "battles" involves time in the "deserts" of life and so the "magic" we may be requesting is denied us and "a desert" given instead.  As we die to  "magic" requests and perceiving God as "a Santa Claus" God, we rise to new life with Jesus on Calvary, a desert of sorts, where "magic" did not happen. His death, and ours with Him, did happen followed by new life.

"Speak, Lord, Your Servant Is :Listening"

In the opening prayer of today' liturgy we pray"  "O Lord, we pray, that they may see what must be done and gain strength to do what they have seen."  Jesus models this in today's Gospel, Mark 1: 29-39.  He enters the house of Simon and Andrew.  Immediately, he is told about Simon's mother-in-law's illness. And just as immediately, Jesus approaches her, takes her my the hand and helps her up. He healed her, as he did many others who were brought to him that evening.  When Jesus saw a need, he responded in a positive way. What about you and me? do we act when we see a person who needs our help? Or do we say: "Not now; I'm busy." Or "Not now, I'm tired."  "Not now; can't you see that I am reading the paper!"

In the first reading of today's liturgy, Eli teaches Samuel to respond to God's calling.  Three times the Lord called Samuel, awakening him from sleep. Samuel, not yet familiar with the Lord, thinks it is his master, Eli, calling him.  With Eli's counsel, Samuel learns that it is God who is awakening him from sleep.  Eli had the strength to do what must be done--direct Samuel appropriately.  Later, we will see that Samuel also has the strength to do the Lord's bidding.

You and I are called in many ways. The call to be the Lord's servants came to us first in Baptism, then was reconfirmed in any of the sacraments we received since that day at the baptismal font, brought there most likely by our parents and godparents.  Like Simon (Peter) and Andrew, as adults,  we may be called to intercede for others. Like Eli, we may be asked to counsel another to listen to the Lord's voice. Or the Spirit may be calling us to take time out to pray/meditate, sit in quiet. Also, throughout the day we are called to follow the Spirit's lead: our employer has a special project that needs our attention, a coworker needs support; we need to stop and do grocery shopping before coming home from work. Once home,  a child needs help with his/her homework, a spouse needs help preparing the evening meal or cleaning up afterward,  chores need to be completed and the person doing the chores would like support; a relative or coworker calls and needs to talk. A small son or daughter wants you to play a game with him/her. A spouse needs an errand run after supper! Tired? Probably not as tired as the Lord was at the end of his busy day!

With Samuel, let us learn to say: "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening".  Help me, Lord, to be attentive to your voice, to recognize your voice and "see what must be done and gain the strength to do what [I] have seen."

Honesty in Prayer

In today's first reading, 1 Samuel 1: 9-20, Hannah pours out her soul to the Lord, expressing her deep sorrow at not being able to bear children and enduring Penninah's  repeated insults about her barrenness.  "In her bitterness she prayed to the Lord, weeping copiously, and she made a vow promising:  "O Lord of hosts,  if you look with pity on the misery of your handmaid, if you remember me and do not forget me, if you give your handmaid a male child, I will give him to the Lord for as long as he lives; neither wine nor liquor shall  he drink, and no razor shall ever touch his head.'" Her emotional expression of her grief leads Eli, the priest, to think that she is drunk and, insultingly, he asks her:  "How long will you make a drunken show of yourself?  Sober up from your wine!"  Being the strong woman that she is, Hannah stands up to the priest and reveals her soul to him, telling him that she is  not drunk but is expressing  her misery to the Lord on being childless.  Eli realizes that he has judged her wrongly and says to her: "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him."  Hannah then asked him to think kindly of her!

God did hear Hannah's prayer and she conceived a son, Samuel, whom she dedicated to the Lord!

What do we learn from this Scripture passage?  Number one, to bare our souls to the Lord in prayer, as Hannah did. God wants us to be honest with Him and not pretend that everything is okay when, in fact, we are in misery. God cares about our sufferings but we need to be open about the pain we are experiencing.  Only then can God help us.  Number two, to be honest with others who make fun of us and not withdraw into silence, bearing the insults and repressing our sorrow.  Repressed feelings do not go away but fester until such time as we embrace them and are honest with ourselves. Only then do we experience the freedom and vindication that Hannah experienced when she confronted Eli, not in anger but in truth. Cooperating with grace, Eli realized that he had misjudged her, wished her peace and prayed that God would respond positively to her. Even if Hannah had not gotten a positive response from Eli, the truth freed her from becoming resentful.

What do you, do I, do with our bitterness? our hurts? our misery?  our concerns?  Do we, in fact, go to the Lord and bare our souls to Him?  During one of my prayer hours, I was silent about an issue that was troubling me. The Lord confronted me and said something like:"I know that you are covering up an issue rather than being honest with me! I can only help you if you open your heart to me and share your sorrow and the source of that sorrow."  Every time I lay my heart bare to the Lord, I am amazed at His response and the peace that floods my soul. If I am not honest and leave prayer without having shared my true concerns, I take my  negative feelings and unresolved issue with me, as I certainly did not leave them with God! How sad when that happens and how sad God, too, must be when I do that!

What about you?

What We Can Learn from Today's Scripture reading, 1 Sam: 1-8

In today's first reading, 1 Samuel 1: 1-8, we are given the story of Elkanah and his two wives, Penninah and Hannah.  Penninah has born her husband several children while Hannah is barren.  On annual visits to the Temple to offer sacrifice, Penninah engages in bullying behavior toward Hannah because of her barren state. She makes fun of her to the point that Hannah loses her appetite.  Her grief consumes her. Elkanah, who love both his wives dearly, is also effected. It hurts him deeply to see Hannah in such pain.

Bullying is not confined to Old Testament times. It goes on to this very day, even by those in high positions of authority.  Insecure people--persons who are into bullying others--may keep others subject to them by threats of violence, even murder.  In some instances, bullying occurs on a large scale basis, with leaders taunting others with machine guns, warheads, and nuclear capabilities.

Bullying, I believe, is done by very insecure people, persons with very low self-esteem. To lift oneself up, a bully pulls others down to his/her state.  Gossip of others is a form of bullying. Teasing can also be a form of lifting oneself up at the expense of others. 

Am I, are you, engaging in any form of bullying others, putting others down, demeaning or degrading others? If so, what am I, are you, really angry about? What do you, do I, need to do to strengthen our self-esteem?  What goals have I, have you, set for yourself today, this week, that will lead to an appreciation of self?   And how can you, can I, build others up, affirm others, find good in others and express that good?  And if you are a parent, grandparent, how can you affirm your child/grandchild--find at least one thing about that child that you can affirm today!  Seek to praise a child in whatever way you can. Catch a child doing good and praise him/her for that good! For instance, "I just saw you share your toy with your little sister/brother. That was kind of you. I am proud of you." Catch your spouse or a fellow Sister in religious life doing good and acknowledge it. Bullying will stop and you and I will be living according to the Gospel of Jesus.

God's Beloved Servants: Jesus and Us

In today's first reading, Isaiah 42: 1-4, 6-7, the prophet speaks of the coming Messiah, a person of whom God says:  "Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my  spirit...A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall  not quench."  The  Incarnate God, Isaiah prophesies is called "for the victory of justice,....[will be] set as a covenant of the people, a light for the  nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness."

Fast forward to the New Testament and meet Jesus, who sets prisoners free, gives sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, the ability to walk to those who are crippled; He raises the dead to life, freeing them from confinement, the dungeon and the darkness of death and cures every kind of disease with which He is confronted.  And, yes, He casts out evil spirits who have taken possession of individuals.

In baptism, we became one with Jesus in his death and resurrection.  We were made servants of the Lord and entrusted with the same mission that Jesus modeled for us in the Scriptures.  We, too, are called to be a light in the world of darkness around us, to bring sight to the blind, deaf to the hearing and wellness to those who are sick.   We are also asked to respect all persons, especially the poor  and marginalized of our societies, as Jesus Himself reached out to those ostracized in His culture.  As with Jesus, we, too, are to be persons who do not break "a bruised reed" or stamp out "a smoldering wick".

As important is that we realize that God is a compassionate God toward us as well. When we are bruised, Jesus does "not break" us but pours His healing "oils" into our bruises and make us whole again.  When our wicks are going out, He does not stomp them into oblivion but reignites them and  makes them bright and strong so, once again, we are able to penetrate the darkness within ourselves   and around us. 

Reaching Out to Others on the Margins

In today's Gospel, Luke 5: 12-16, a leper approaches Jesus and says to him: "'Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.'  Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, 'I do will it. Be made clean.' And the leprosy left him immediately."

What would I do  if I were the leper? Would I  have the courage to approach Jesus, when I am supposed to be declaring myself unclean and staying away from anyone,  including Jesus?  Or, on the other hand, would I allow a leper to approach me, or would I yell out: 'Get away from me; you are unclean'? Or, simply, would I run the other way and not allow the leper to get close to me?

Hansen's disease, or leprosy, is rare today.  However, there are many persons who are ostracized today for other reasons: addictions, homelessness, ethnicity, social status, nationality, race,  various physical illness, mental diseases,  and so on.  Many people are locked in our jails and not given opportunities to rehabilitate themselves, to recover from addictions, to pursue an education that will give them the motivation to change their lives and be productive members of society. Some of our current leaders have put people in cages, locked them in detention facilities, or simply refused people asylum in our country.

Whom do I ostracize? Or, on the other hand, do I feel ostracized from some reason,  unwelcome in certain circles?  From whom do I stay away for any reason?  How welcoming am I to the stranger, the person who is afraid to speak out or be a part of "my circle"?  What's holding me back from embracing "the leprosy" within myself and therefore within another? 

Lord, have mercy on us for continuing to marginalize people? Forgive us for avoiding certain individuals, persons who are different from  ourselves, persons of others races, other ethnic backgrounds, other nationalities, other belief systems, other nations, other educational backgrounds and so on. Open our minds to be inclusive of others. Open our hearts to reach out in love and to find ways to grow in our understanding of others different from ourselves.

Jesus' Attentiveness to the Disciples of Old and to Us Now

In today's gospel, Mark 6:45-52,  Jesus sent the disciples out on the sea to precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida."  He stayed behind to dismiss the crowd of 5000 people whom he had fed with five loaves and two fish. After dismissing the crowd, Jesus went up the mountain to pray. At evening time, he noticed that the disciples were in danger, as a storm was plummeting the boat.  "About the fourth watch of the night (around 3 a.m.), he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, 'Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!' He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. ..."

As attentive as Jesus was to his disciples when he walked here on earth, so, too, is he attentive of us today.  He knows when we are hungry and wandering around "shepherdless" and feeds us with whatever food we need--spiritual or physical. He knows when the "boat" of our lives are being tossed around by life's turbulent storms and we are in danger, spiritually or physically or emotionally.  And He makes Himself present to us. If we do not call upon Him, He will, as He intended to do with His disciples on the stormy sea, pass us by.  Do we not recognize Him, as the disciples did not, thinking He was a ghost?  For what reasons do we dismiss Jesus?  Or, does Jesus' presence frighten us, as He did the disciples on the turbulent sea?  Jesus knows when we are scared out of our wits, so to speak, and He whispers: "Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!"  When He gets into the "boat" of our lives, the storms die down. A calm comes over us when we allow Jesus to address stormy situations with us.

Do you, do I, invite Jesus into our "boats"? Do you, do I, discuss stormy situations with Jesus and seek His advice, rely upon His help to see us through the storm, and to protect us from danger?  Jesus is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow!

God Is Love: In God I Live and Move and Have my Being

In today's first reading, 1 John 4: 7-10, John reminds us to love one another, "because love is of God" and that "everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever," he says, "is without love does not know God, for God is love."

Hear Jesus say to you, in prayer:

"(Insert your name),  love is your destiny.  In and through love, you are begotten of God, that is, you are  reborn in God, renewed by God's  love, purified by God's  love, made whole by  God's love. You live and move and have your being in God, that is you live in love and for love and through love!"

"(Insert your name),  you know me because of your love for others and for yourself. Those who know not love know not me or the Father or the Holy Spirit. Love is the gateway, the door, the foundation, the air your breathe in Christ Jesus, my Son and your Savior! I revealed My love for you and all in the world by sending My Son born of Mary.  He took on human nature so as to redeem you and all humankind from the snares which Satan set, the sinful lures that, if not crushed by the blood of my Son, would  have led to eternal death and permanent separation from Me for all my children. I'd have none of it and Satan knows it. His power my Son took from him when he offered His life to Me for you and all humankind on Calvary's hill. I rose my Son from the dead, destroying death, which sin is.  That is My love for you and all my children!"

Thank you, Lord, for your incredulous and unconditional love for each of your children. Thank you for your love for me shown to me by Jesus' life and death and resurrection--the gift of redemption. May I learn to love as Jesus and You and the Holy Spirit, Father God, taught me in the Scriptures, through others and through the events of my life!