The Challenge of Discipleship

In today's second reading, Philippians 2: 1-11, St. Paul admonishes us to do "nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his [her] own interests, but also for those of others."  Paul's statement--"but also for those [the interests] of others," implies that it is important to meet one's own needs and the needs of others. Self-neglect will lead to anger and resentment.

In terms of doing "nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,"  we have Jesus as an example of these behaviors. "Christ Jesus,...though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped [vainglory]. Rather, he emptied himself [for our sakes]  taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" [regarding us more important than himself].

In today's responsorial psalm, Psalm 25, we pray:  "Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior."  Jesus teaches us, by example, to follow God the Father's way, as He, in fact did throughout his life for our sakes.  As a disciple of Christ, you and  I are challenged to set aside our pride and selfishness and, with the courage, wisdom, humility, and generosity of Jesus to do as He did--give our lives for others! May God give us the graces today to follow Jesus' example.

The Challenges of Living our Faith

Today we have the story of the prophetess Anna who was in the right place at the right time and recognized Jesus, the Messiah, being brought to the Temple for circumcision and His mother presenting her self to fulfill the purification rites prescribed by the Law of Moses.  Yesterday, I had asked Jesus for the grace to be in the right place at the right time to recognize Jesus as He presented Himself to me through the events of the day.  A situation arose in which a needy person needed help. I was asked if I would help out, as each member of the staff was too busy to respond to this unscheduled need.  I erupted—where  were the persons assigned to this ministry of hospitality, I asked.  Grudgingly, I responded and later when more demands were placed upon me that I did not expect, I erupted in anger.

In prayer later, I said to the Lord: I asked to recognize you in the situations and encounters of this day and when a needy person needed help and my routine, my agenda, my day were interrupted, I erupted!  Lord, you revealed your will that I reach out to help a person in need and I rejected it.  Give me feedback, Lord.

Dorothy Ann, you are right. It was an opportunity  to help a person in need. You failed, though you did it. You did it grudgingly without joy or gratitude.  There is sin in you—a streak of selfishness and pride. You were “generous”  on your terms.  

Jesus, help me. What do I need to learn from this so I am predisposed  in the future to be helpful to those who are helpless?

Pause and call upon me before reacting so that you can respond with patience, wisdom, generosity and joy. I will always arm you with these gifts of the Holy Spirit when you call upon me. As with Mary, in difficult situations, the Holy Spirit  will overshadow you.  Remember, Dorothy Ann, faith in action always involves sacrifice. Trust that when you are being asked to do something on behalf of others that it  will include sacrifice—I gave my life for you—and sacrificial love always leads to an unforeseen good. Remember, too, that living your faith always includes surrender, sacrifice, trust, letting go of your right to yourself. 

Thank you, Lord.

Choices that give life or take life away: Which do I Choose?

In today's first Scripture session, Sirach 15: 15-20, we are reminded that, if we trust God, we shall live; that God sets before us fire and water, life and death, good and evil and will give us whichever we choose. O, the Wisdom and the greatness of our God! In the second Scripture lesson, 1 Cor 2: 6-10, Paul speaks of a wisdom, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age--all of whom will pass away--but a wisdom we know as Christ Crucified, a wisdom modeled by Christ who gave His life for the ransom of us all. We, too, having the choice of water and fire, good and evil, life and death, are faced every day with choices that lead either to life or to degrees of death. We are faced with the option of giving of ourselves so others, and ourselves, live life more fully or choosing to live only for ourselves, saving our lives selfishly for our own purposes. The choice is ours. God gives us what we choose. What am I willing to lose for the sake of another, husbands/wives for the sake of their spouse and their children, women/men religious/priests for the sake of those we serve, for fellow community members, for the good of others?