In today's first reading, 1 Kings 21: 17-29, King Ahab is confronted by the prophet Elijah about his killing of Naboth so as to take possession of his vineyard. He committed this abominable crime by following the evil intent of his wife Jezebel. The Lord instructs his prophet Elijah to communicate how justice will be served him and his wife Jezebel. The Lord says to King Ahab through his prophet: "'In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, the dogs shall lick up your blood, too'....Against [the queen] Jezebel, too, the Lord declared, 'The dogs shall devour Jezebel in the district of Jezreel.'" Hearing his just punishment, King Ahab repents: "He tore his garments and put on sackcloth over his bare flesh. He fasted, slept in the sackcloth, and went about subdued. Then the Lord said to Elijah...'Have you seen that Ahab has humbled himself before me? Since he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his time. I will bring the evil upon his house during the reign of his son.'"
Evil does not go unpunished, no matter how cunning the evil person is or his or her accomplices are! Not only that, no matter who commits hideous crimes, there will be a reckoning. In this case it was the King and Queen of Israel, Ahab and Jezebel. Neither are you or exempt from doing evil, no matter our rank in life or the level of our education, no matter our race or heritage, not even our age! Satan is at work and perhaps the more educated, the higher our positions, the more accomplished we are, the greater the risk of falling into Satan's traps. Why? Because it might be easier for us to deceive ourselves, think ourselves above the law! Pride in us may blind us to the evil in which we are engaged and may deafen us to a conscience poisoned, perhaps, by power and control of others "under" us.
Like King Ahab and Queen Jezebel we need prophets, men and women of God, like Elijah to communicate God's justice. Like King Ahab, we need the humility to accept God's message of justice, no matter by whom it is delivered, repent of our sinfulness, and beg for God's mercy! We also need the humility of the good thief who recognized that Jesus who was dying beside him, accused of crimes He never committed, was the only one who could save him and so said to Him: Remember me in your kingdom! In that moment, among others during His life time, Jesus reveals the overwhelming mercy of His Father and says to the good thief: "This day you shall be with me in Paradise." Let us turn to the Lord, knowing that our salvation depends upon that kind of humility and God's infinite mercy!
Showing posts with label humility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label humility. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Jesus, a Model of Humility
In today's first reading, 1 Peter 5: 5b-14, St. Peter says to us: "Beloved: Clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for God opposes the proud but bestows favor on the humble. So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time."
Jesus models for us what it means to clothe oneself in humility. Here is the Son of God hidden in our humanity. He is like us in all things but sin. Most people, as they encountered Jesus during his short thirty-three years here on earth, did not know who he was, did not recognize him. They even accused him of being blasphemous, claiming to be God but being only a human being like them. Jesus did not argue with them and, in fact, remained silent before Pilate and his executioners. We are even told in the Scriptures that Jesus learned obedience from what He suffered and are reminded that we, too,
will learn obedience from what we suffer. Jesus showed us the way to be fully human, to be humble and obedient to the will of His Father and ours!
Jesus, the Son of God, is hidden today, as well: hidden in the piece of consecrated bread, hidden in each human being, hidden in all of creation, hidden in the events of our day! What humility! He does not shout out, claiming to be the One, in fact, doing good through us, in us, for us and around us. He does stand up and shout: I DID THAT GOOD DEED THROUGH YOU! WHY ARE YOU TAKING CREDIT FOR WHAT I AM DOING IN YOU, THROUGH YOU AND FOR YOU? Nor is Jesus offended by our egos claiming credit for what good is being accomplished by God at work in us.
Lord, help us in this battle with our egos. Our spirit selves recognize that it is You doing the good in and through us but our egos, like Adam and Eve's egos, insists on being God! When we allow our egos to be in control, to assume power that belongs to You and You alone, we lose our sense of peace and the joy of being Your partner, Your companion, Your servant. Yes, we cast ourselves out of the paradise of cooperating with you!
Jesus models for us what it means to clothe oneself in humility. Here is the Son of God hidden in our humanity. He is like us in all things but sin. Most people, as they encountered Jesus during his short thirty-three years here on earth, did not know who he was, did not recognize him. They even accused him of being blasphemous, claiming to be God but being only a human being like them. Jesus did not argue with them and, in fact, remained silent before Pilate and his executioners. We are even told in the Scriptures that Jesus learned obedience from what He suffered and are reminded that we, too,
will learn obedience from what we suffer. Jesus showed us the way to be fully human, to be humble and obedient to the will of His Father and ours!
Jesus, the Son of God, is hidden today, as well: hidden in the piece of consecrated bread, hidden in each human being, hidden in all of creation, hidden in the events of our day! What humility! He does not shout out, claiming to be the One, in fact, doing good through us, in us, for us and around us. He does stand up and shout: I DID THAT GOOD DEED THROUGH YOU! WHY ARE YOU TAKING CREDIT FOR WHAT I AM DOING IN YOU, THROUGH YOU AND FOR YOU? Nor is Jesus offended by our egos claiming credit for what good is being accomplished by God at work in us.
Lord, help us in this battle with our egos. Our spirit selves recognize that it is You doing the good in and through us but our egos, like Adam and Eve's egos, insists on being God! When we allow our egos to be in control, to assume power that belongs to You and You alone, we lose our sense of peace and the joy of being Your partner, Your companion, Your servant. Yes, we cast ourselves out of the paradise of cooperating with you!
Friday, January 31, 2020
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?
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?
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
Living Christian Lives
In today's Gospel, Luke 4: 38-44, Peter's mother-in-law is seriously ill with a severe fever. Peter and others in the household intercede for her and Jesus heals her! Immediately following the healing, she proceeds to wait upon Peter and his guests.
Notice that the healing takes place very quietly within the home and as the result of the family interceding for the sick family member. Take notice of three things: 1) That family matters and each member plays a significant part in the well-being of the other members, 2) That intercessory prayer is important and effective, and 3) That simplicity and humility are essential characteristics of disciples of Jesus. Following the healing, Peter's mother-in-law simply gets up and humbly waits upon the family and their visitors, immediately assuming the ordinary duties of the one who provides hospitality. She could have, on the other hand, expected to be waited upon and treated with "kid gloves," so to speak, given how sick she had been. Or she could have expected a lot to be made over her because she was the recipient of a sudden cure by Jesus! Either position would not have been the fruits of simplicity and humility but would have flowed from pride!
Following the meal, as the sun is setting, people of the village bring their sick to Jesus for healing. "He laid his hands on each of them and cured them. And demons also came out from many, shouting 'You are the Son of God.' But Jesus rebuked them and did not allow them to speak because they knew that he was the Christ." Jesus them goes off to a quiet place, most likely to commune with the Father. He does not hang around expecting Peter and his family or the villagers to applaud Him for the healings he performed in His Father's name.
Both Jesus and Peter's mother-in-law are models of simplicity, humility and service. As disciples of Jesus, we, too, are called to live simple and humble lives of service and, like Peter and his family, be intercessors for others in need!
Notice that the healing takes place very quietly within the home and as the result of the family interceding for the sick family member. Take notice of three things: 1) That family matters and each member plays a significant part in the well-being of the other members, 2) That intercessory prayer is important and effective, and 3) That simplicity and humility are essential characteristics of disciples of Jesus. Following the healing, Peter's mother-in-law simply gets up and humbly waits upon the family and their visitors, immediately assuming the ordinary duties of the one who provides hospitality. She could have, on the other hand, expected to be waited upon and treated with "kid gloves," so to speak, given how sick she had been. Or she could have expected a lot to be made over her because she was the recipient of a sudden cure by Jesus! Either position would not have been the fruits of simplicity and humility but would have flowed from pride!
Following the meal, as the sun is setting, people of the village bring their sick to Jesus for healing. "He laid his hands on each of them and cured them. And demons also came out from many, shouting 'You are the Son of God.' But Jesus rebuked them and did not allow them to speak because they knew that he was the Christ." Jesus them goes off to a quiet place, most likely to commune with the Father. He does not hang around expecting Peter and his family or the villagers to applaud Him for the healings he performed in His Father's name.
Both Jesus and Peter's mother-in-law are models of simplicity, humility and service. As disciples of Jesus, we, too, are called to live simple and humble lives of service and, like Peter and his family, be intercessors for others in need!
Sunday, September 1, 2019
Humility: Resisting the Temptations Pride Puts before Us
Hear the Lord say the following to you through the author of today's first reading, Sirach 3: 17-18, 20, 28-29:
(Insert your name), what I ask of you is to maintain a humble heart. Resist pride's desire to be noticed or your ego's need to be set upon a throne to be worshiped.
Seek Me, not accolades!
Rely on Me to comfort you and give you strength in hard times. I am there for you always and I am enough for you. Trust that truth! I am God; there is no other.
Be still. Be reverent and respectful of others and you will find Me.
Clothe yourself in humility and you will be surrounded by My peace within and without.
Seek my peace, a peace the world and those in it cannot give you.You find my peace in solitude. Avoid noise and unnecessary stress that comes from the ego's insistence on being No. 1 and being on its throne as king/queen!"
Thank you, Lord. I ask for those graces today!
(Insert your name), what I ask of you is to maintain a humble heart. Resist pride's desire to be noticed or your ego's need to be set upon a throne to be worshiped.
Seek Me, not accolades!
Rely on Me to comfort you and give you strength in hard times. I am there for you always and I am enough for you. Trust that truth! I am God; there is no other.
Be still. Be reverent and respectful of others and you will find Me.
Clothe yourself in humility and you will be surrounded by My peace within and without.
Seek my peace, a peace the world and those in it cannot give you.You find my peace in solitude. Avoid noise and unnecessary stress that comes from the ego's insistence on being No. 1 and being on its throne as king/queen!"
Thank you, Lord. I ask for those graces today!
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Choosing Humility or Rigidity
In today's gospel, Mark 3: 1-6, Jesus invites a man with a withered hand to come up to Him in the synagogue. It is the sabbath and Jesus asked the Pharisees: "Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it? But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.' He stretched it out and his hand was restored." Angered that Jesus healed the withered hand on the sabbath, the Pharisees left the synagogue and plotted to kill Jesus.
Has there been a time when we were challenged to rise above the law and do what is right? How did we respond? angrily that our rigid stances and idolization of the law was challenged? Did we leave the challenger's presence and plot against that person, spewing words of revenge against him/her? Or did we step back, reflect upon the situation and realize the call to conversion of heart?
Has there been a time when we were challenged to rise above the law and do what is right? How did we respond? angrily that our rigid stances and idolization of the law was challenged? Did we leave the challenger's presence and plot against that person, spewing words of revenge against him/her? Or did we step back, reflect upon the situation and realize the call to conversion of heart?
Friday, January 11, 2019
Recognizing our "Leprosy" and Posing the Right Question
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 ha d, touched him, and said, 'I do will it. Be made clean.' and the leprosy left him immediately."
Well aware of the fact that he is to yell out "unclean, unclean," to warn people to keep their distance, the leper bravely, determinately and unafraid of what anyone thinks, approaches Jesus! He takes responsibility for change in his life, for crossing barriers that lock him into an unhealthy state in life. Jesus, in turn, knowing the cultural situation in that He, too, is to stay away from lepers, not touch them, stretches out his hand and commands the disease to exit this man's body! Both take risks! Both take responsibility! Both do what the Spirit leads them to do! Both experience and exercise freedom! Both are true to themselves!
Like the leper, you and I are unclean. The leprosy of selfishness and pride, greed and envy, lust and avarice, fear and shame, or whatever, creates barriers between ourselves and others, just as the disease of leprosy was a barrier that kept those with the disease from having healthy contact with others. Jesus and Jesus alone is the answer to the removal of obstacles to healthy living in our personal lives and relationships! When we approach Him and pose the question "Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean," Jesus responds: "I do will it. Be made clean."
If we remain in "leprous" states, what do we need to do differently so that, like the leper, we seek Jesus, fall on our knees, and pose the question!
Well aware of the fact that he is to yell out "unclean, unclean," to warn people to keep their distance, the leper bravely, determinately and unafraid of what anyone thinks, approaches Jesus! He takes responsibility for change in his life, for crossing barriers that lock him into an unhealthy state in life. Jesus, in turn, knowing the cultural situation in that He, too, is to stay away from lepers, not touch them, stretches out his hand and commands the disease to exit this man's body! Both take risks! Both take responsibility! Both do what the Spirit leads them to do! Both experience and exercise freedom! Both are true to themselves!
Like the leper, you and I are unclean. The leprosy of selfishness and pride, greed and envy, lust and avarice, fear and shame, or whatever, creates barriers between ourselves and others, just as the disease of leprosy was a barrier that kept those with the disease from having healthy contact with others. Jesus and Jesus alone is the answer to the removal of obstacles to healthy living in our personal lives and relationships! When we approach Him and pose the question "Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean," Jesus responds: "I do will it. Be made clean."
If we remain in "leprous" states, what do we need to do differently so that, like the leper, we seek Jesus, fall on our knees, and pose the question!
Monday, November 5, 2018
Jesus Showing Us How to Put Other's Interests ahead of One's Own
In today's first reading, Phil 2: 1-4, St. Paul asks 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 [or her] own interests, but also everyone for those of others." Imagine a world in which everyone acts out of altruistic motives, not ever "out of selfishness," a world where no one's ultimate goal is one's own glory at the expense of truth or justice! Furthermore, imagine a world in which every one would be more concerned that the interests and needs of others were met over and above one's own! Such a world, obviously, exists only in heaven. However, let's get personal. What if I and you did "nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory"? How would my world, or yours, be different from what it now is? Looking back on today, what would I/would you have done differently if, in every circumstance, we had "humbly regarded others as more important" than ourselves?
Jesus lived this way! Never did He do things out of selfishness or vainglory! Any clues there of how you and I need to change our way of thinking and acting? Jesus, the Son of God, "humbly [regarded] others as more important than [Himself] to the point of dying on the cross to show us the depth of God's love for us--He would hold nothing back to reveal how much God loves us, looking out for us totally!
Jesus lived this way! Never did He do things out of selfishness or vainglory! Any clues there of how you and I need to change our way of thinking and acting? Jesus, the Son of God, "humbly [regarded] others as more important than [Himself] to the point of dying on the cross to show us the depth of God's love for us--He would hold nothing back to reveal how much God loves us, looking out for us totally!
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Recognizing When we Think We Are God
In today's first reading, Ezekiel 28: 1-10, the Lord again has strong words for us through the prophet. The prophet is asked to give the prince of Tyre the following message, a message that I believe is applicable to many today who see themselves as gods and to each of us when we assume the position of a of a god over others: "Because you are haughty of heart, you say, 'A god am I!...'And yet you are a man, and not a god, however you may think yourself like a god....[Y]ou have heaped up your riches; your heart has grown haughty from your riches--therefore thus says the Lord God: Because you have thought yourself to have the mind of a god, therefore I will bring against you foreigners, the most barbarous of nations....They shall thrust you down to the pit, there to die...Will you then say, 'I am a god!"
Those may sound like very harsh words. Yet you and I need to pray for the grace of humility. There is no other god but God alone. We need God's mercy, as does everyone else. When we become haughty as did the prince of Tyre, we need to be transformed by grace. When we assume power that is not ours, as did princes or rulers of old and, more closely to home, as did St. Paul on his way to persecute Christians, we need to be knocked off our "horse". When we assume the attitude of being over others and better than others; when we grow self-sufficient to the point of not realizing our need for a Savior, then we, too, need God's intervention in our lives.
Will we make efforts now to know who we are and who God is, or will we wait until we are dying to realize that we are not a god?
What do I, what do you, need to do to grow in humility?
Those may sound like very harsh words. Yet you and I need to pray for the grace of humility. There is no other god but God alone. We need God's mercy, as does everyone else. When we become haughty as did the prince of Tyre, we need to be transformed by grace. When we assume power that is not ours, as did princes or rulers of old and, more closely to home, as did St. Paul on his way to persecute Christians, we need to be knocked off our "horse". When we assume the attitude of being over others and better than others; when we grow self-sufficient to the point of not realizing our need for a Savior, then we, too, need God's intervention in our lives.
Will we make efforts now to know who we are and who God is, or will we wait until we are dying to realize that we are not a god?
What do I, what do you, need to do to grow in humility?
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Being a Disciple of Jesus
The entrance antiphon of today's liturgy, describes the call of James the Apostle, whose feast we celebrate today: As he walked by the Sea Galilee, Jesus saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother mending their nets and called them" (cf. Mt. 4: 18, 21). And they followed the Lord and never left Him.
James and John were ordinary fishermen. Nothing out of the ordinary, like all of us. We are common folk whose hearts God knows! He sees what we are made us--He is our Creator--and He knows of what we are capable, in spite of our shortcomings, our weaknesses, our fears, our misguided ambitions. In the case of James and John, they commanded Jesus through their mother, that, in heaven, one sit at his right and the other at his left in the Kingdom. Jesus replies: "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink" (Matthew 20-28)?
Following Jesus, in any vocation, is not about being treated to special positions above others. Service, after the example of Jesus, means a self-emptying, a giving of ourselves for the sake of the other. In Jesus' case, self-emptying entailed being a victim of other people's jealousy, a jealousy that led persons to succumb to the evil of putting Jesus to death, getting Him, so to speak, out of their way of the power they coveted!
Power struggles are part of life. In fact, prior to their total conversion into what it means to be a disciple of the Lord, James and John and the other apostles strove for power over one another. Jesus says to them in today's Gospel: "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20: 20-28).
Whom are you serving? For whom are you willing to give your life?
James and John were ordinary fishermen. Nothing out of the ordinary, like all of us. We are common folk whose hearts God knows! He sees what we are made us--He is our Creator--and He knows of what we are capable, in spite of our shortcomings, our weaknesses, our fears, our misguided ambitions. In the case of James and John, they commanded Jesus through their mother, that, in heaven, one sit at his right and the other at his left in the Kingdom. Jesus replies: "You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink" (Matthew 20-28)?
Following Jesus, in any vocation, is not about being treated to special positions above others. Service, after the example of Jesus, means a self-emptying, a giving of ourselves for the sake of the other. In Jesus' case, self-emptying entailed being a victim of other people's jealousy, a jealousy that led persons to succumb to the evil of putting Jesus to death, getting Him, so to speak, out of their way of the power they coveted!
Power struggles are part of life. In fact, prior to their total conversion into what it means to be a disciple of the Lord, James and John and the other apostles strove for power over one another. Jesus says to them in today's Gospel: "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20: 20-28).
Whom are you serving? For whom are you willing to give your life?
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Trusting in God's Abundance of Caring
In today's Gospel, Matthew 8: 5-17, a Roman centurion, a Gentile and a leader in Rome's occupying army, boldly approaches Jesus, asking that Jesus heal one of his servants. When Jesus responds affirmatively to his request and says He will come down to Capernaum and heal his servant, the centurion says: "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed." What love, faith and humility! Jesus is amazed at how the centurion reacted and says to is disciples, and to us, "Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel (substitute so there statement is applicable to where you live) have I found such faith."
Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow as He was when he literally walked through the streets or along the roads of Galilee! Do I have the faith of the centurion? Would I ask Jesus to come down and heal a family member or a relative, a friend, a parishioner, an employee, a coworker? If not, why not? Do I have the faith to bring to Jesus' attention, as did Mary at the wedding feast of Cana, that the "wine containers" are empty? Jesus, "they have no wine." Jesus says to her in effect, "Why are you bothering me?" Mary does not feel rebuffed, nor does she back down. She says to the servants: "Do whatever He tells you!" Her faith in Jesus/in God is unshakable!
What about your faith/my faith? How solid is it? How firm is it? How unshakable is it? Do I use it daily in all circumstances, in moments when a healing of mind, body or soul is needed; in circumstances when a life is in danger, when violence is erupting, when corruption seems to have the upper hand, when victims of criminal activities seem abandoned by law enforcement and legal teams who find loopholes to set criminals free, when world leaders make decisions that will make life for future generations extremely dangerous environmentally and difficult in many other way? Or am I, are you, unconcerned about future generations of any race or creed or culture?
May God open our eyes to our call to see other peoples' afflictions, hear their cries for help, know and care about what others are going through, and take action to help in some way! God did so for the Israelites and Jesus did so for those whom He encountered who needed help! Now it is your turn and mine to carry on the mission of building God's Kingdom here on earth. That is why we are here!
Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow as He was when he literally walked through the streets or along the roads of Galilee! Do I have the faith of the centurion? Would I ask Jesus to come down and heal a family member or a relative, a friend, a parishioner, an employee, a coworker? If not, why not? Do I have the faith to bring to Jesus' attention, as did Mary at the wedding feast of Cana, that the "wine containers" are empty? Jesus, "they have no wine." Jesus says to her in effect, "Why are you bothering me?" Mary does not feel rebuffed, nor does she back down. She says to the servants: "Do whatever He tells you!" Her faith in Jesus/in God is unshakable!
What about your faith/my faith? How solid is it? How firm is it? How unshakable is it? Do I use it daily in all circumstances, in moments when a healing of mind, body or soul is needed; in circumstances when a life is in danger, when violence is erupting, when corruption seems to have the upper hand, when victims of criminal activities seem abandoned by law enforcement and legal teams who find loopholes to set criminals free, when world leaders make decisions that will make life for future generations extremely dangerous environmentally and difficult in many other way? Or am I, are you, unconcerned about future generations of any race or creed or culture?
May God open our eyes to our call to see other peoples' afflictions, hear their cries for help, know and care about what others are going through, and take action to help in some way! God did so for the Israelites and Jesus did so for those whom He encountered who needed help! Now it is your turn and mine to carry on the mission of building God's Kingdom here on earth. That is why we are here!
Monday, June 4, 2018
God's Providence in Each Person's Life
In the collect of today's liturgy, we pray: "O God, whose providence never fails in its design, keep from us, we humbly beseech you, all that might harm us and grant all that works for our good." We might reword this as follows: "O God, whose providence never fails in its design, keep from (insert any one's name, especially someone with whom you might be having problems) we humbly beseech you, all that might harm (this person's name) and grant all that works for (this person's) good." Note how praying for this other person in this way changes your heart, and mine!
Let us remind ourselves that God's providence "never fails in its design" for this other person or for ourselves. God has a plan for the good of other persons and our own good. When we think of others in this way, especially persons with whom we are having some kind of difficulty, our attitude changes from thinking ill of them, perhaps, to seeing them from God's perspective. Also, when the problem I am having is that I want to help where I am unable to help, God reminds me that He is that person's Savior, not me. And that whatever is happening in this other person's life that I am finding problematic is of God's design and will bring about some good for this person to which I am not privy! In other words, God is God and I am only one of His created beings just like the person with whom I am troubled!
Let us remind ourselves that God's providence "never fails in its design" for this other person or for ourselves. God has a plan for the good of other persons and our own good. When we think of others in this way, especially persons with whom we are having some kind of difficulty, our attitude changes from thinking ill of them, perhaps, to seeing them from God's perspective. Also, when the problem I am having is that I want to help where I am unable to help, God reminds me that He is that person's Savior, not me. And that whatever is happening in this other person's life that I am finding problematic is of God's design and will bring about some good for this person to which I am not privy! In other words, God is God and I am only one of His created beings just like the person with whom I am troubled!
Monday, March 12, 2018
Getting to Know Jesus and Taking One's Needs to Him
In today's Gospel, John 4: 43-54, Jesus returns to Galilee, frustrated that he was not received in his hometown, saying: "...[A] prophet has no honor in his native place." Experiencing the indifference and hostility of his hometown, Jesus goes to Galilee, where He is welcome. He actually returns to Cana of Galilee, where he performed his first miracle in changing water into wine. A royal official from Judea approaches him and begs Jesus to heal his son who, in Capernaum, is at the point of death. Initially, Jesus responds with a reproach: "Unless you people see signs and wonders you will not believe." The royal official simply says to Jesus: "Sir, come down before my child dies." Go, "your son will live." On his return home, the royal official learns that his son actually began to recover at the very moment that Jesus said: "[Y]our son will live."
There are several learnings here. First of all, we learn that Jesus is a human person like us. Jesus experienced all of the emotions you and I experience when we are rejected, ignored, and/or treated with indifference. Jesus could feel frustrated and, also, taken advantage of, as when he complained that people just wanted to "see signs and wonders." Second of all, we learn that Jesus reads hearts, as with the royal official. The royal official did not approach Jesus just to see a sign. He knew that Jesus healed people and would heal his dying son! Third of all, we learn that Jesus is a God of compassion and love. He cared for and about the royal official and his dying son! He cares about us and our families, too. Fourth of all, we learn the importance of approaching Jesus with our needs and doing so with faith!
As we reflect upon this Gospel, I also suggest that we ask ourselves the following questions: If I were a resident of Jesus' native town, if Jesus entered my home, would I be indifferent to Him? Would I want him to leave or, much worse, want to "throw him over a cliff", as the people had attempted to do when he preached in the synagogue he attended as a child?
As we reflect upon the royal official' faith, however, I suggest we ask ourselves the following questions: How do I relate to God? Do I approach God with a humble faith? Or am I simply curious, wanting to see "signs and wonders"? Am I a person who has heard about Jesus and the work He has done and does, but simply remain distant from Him, not taking time to get to know Jesus and His works and His compassion for me and my needs and those I care about?
If you want to grow in your faith, I suggest spending time in prayer, personal and communal, liturgical and familial; picking up the Bible and reflecting on passages that resonate with you. Also helpful is reading books that nurture your hunger and thirst for God.
There are several learnings here. First of all, we learn that Jesus is a human person like us. Jesus experienced all of the emotions you and I experience when we are rejected, ignored, and/or treated with indifference. Jesus could feel frustrated and, also, taken advantage of, as when he complained that people just wanted to "see signs and wonders." Second of all, we learn that Jesus reads hearts, as with the royal official. The royal official did not approach Jesus just to see a sign. He knew that Jesus healed people and would heal his dying son! Third of all, we learn that Jesus is a God of compassion and love. He cared for and about the royal official and his dying son! He cares about us and our families, too. Fourth of all, we learn the importance of approaching Jesus with our needs and doing so with faith!
As we reflect upon this Gospel, I also suggest that we ask ourselves the following questions: If I were a resident of Jesus' native town, if Jesus entered my home, would I be indifferent to Him? Would I want him to leave or, much worse, want to "throw him over a cliff", as the people had attempted to do when he preached in the synagogue he attended as a child?
As we reflect upon the royal official' faith, however, I suggest we ask ourselves the following questions: How do I relate to God? Do I approach God with a humble faith? Or am I simply curious, wanting to see "signs and wonders"? Am I a person who has heard about Jesus and the work He has done and does, but simply remain distant from Him, not taking time to get to know Jesus and His works and His compassion for me and my needs and those I care about?
If you want to grow in your faith, I suggest spending time in prayer, personal and communal, liturgical and familial; picking up the Bible and reflecting on passages that resonate with you. Also helpful is reading books that nurture your hunger and thirst for God.
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Living for God Alone
In today's first reading, Daniel 3: 25, 34-43, Azariah stands up in the fire, into which he and two others were thrown because they refused to obey the king's order that would have violated their beliefs, and prays: "For your name's sake, O Lord, do not deliver us up forever, or make void your covenant. Do not take away your mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham, your beloved, Isaac your servant, and Israel your holy one, to whom you promised to multiply their offspring like the stars of heaven, or the sand on the shore of the sea. For we reduced, O Lord, beyond any other nation, brought low everywhere in the world this day because of our sins....[W]ith contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received....[L]et our sacrifice be in your presence today, as we follow you unreservedly; for those who trust in you cannot be put to shame....Deliver us by your wonders, and bring glory to your name, O Lord."
This prayer as applicable to our nation today, as it was to the nation of Israel. As of old, God looks with mercy and love upon us. With Azariah, we pray: "With contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received. Let our sacrifices to do what is right be in your presence, as we follow you unreservedly; for those who trust in you cannot be put to shame. Deliver us by you wonders from sinking into deceitful ways and corrupt decisions that increase hardships for others around us and beyond us. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen."
This prayer as applicable to our nation today, as it was to the nation of Israel. As of old, God looks with mercy and love upon us. With Azariah, we pray: "With contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received. Let our sacrifices to do what is right be in your presence, as we follow you unreservedly; for those who trust in you cannot be put to shame. Deliver us by you wonders from sinking into deceitful ways and corrupt decisions that increase hardships for others around us and beyond us. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen."
Monday, March 5, 2018
Openness to God at Work in the Ordinary
In today's first reading, 2 Kings 5: 1-15b, we encounter Naaman, the army commander of the king of Aram and a man afflicted with leprosy. We are told that Naaman is highly respected by his master, for through him the Lord brought victory to the Arameans. In that military victory over Israel, a little girl was captured and made a servant to Naaman's wife. This little girl says to Naaman's wife: "If only my master would present himself to the prophet in Samaria, ..., he would cure him of his leprosy." The faith of a little girl! Do I have the faith of a child?
The little girl's master sends Naaman to the king of Israel. The king reacts angrily when Naaman approaches him. His fear and his pride get in his way--what will he say? will he fail? will he look like a fool? "Am I a god with power over life and death," he asked. Is the king of the Armenians "looking for a quarrel with me!" Where is this king's faith? In reflecting on my responses to challenges, how does my fear and pride block me from acting in positive ways? Are there times when I conclude that people are just out to pick a fight with me when that is absolutely not true?
The prophet Elisha hears that the king tore his garments in anger and confronted him. "Why have you torn your garments? Let him come to me and find out that there is a prophet in Israel." Then there is Naaman who reacts angrily when the prophet sends a messenger to him and he is given the following instruction: "Go and wash seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will heal, and you will be clean."
Naaman is insulted that 1) the prophet did not come out of his house and talk to him in person and 2) that he is asked to wash seven times in the Jordan River. Ever bulk that you were not treated as "royalty," as someone of importance deserving a personal interview and a dramatic response to your need for help? "Wash seven times in the Jordan? You kidding me! We have rivers in my own country!" Ever walk away from a situation out of pride, refusing to follow a suggestion that, as for Naaman, could have brought you amazing results of God's mercy and compassionate, understanding love? Without humility, we easily deny ourselves hidden graces and blessings such as Naaman experienced.
The little girl's master sends Naaman to the king of Israel. The king reacts angrily when Naaman approaches him. His fear and his pride get in his way--what will he say? will he fail? will he look like a fool? "Am I a god with power over life and death," he asked. Is the king of the Armenians "looking for a quarrel with me!" Where is this king's faith? In reflecting on my responses to challenges, how does my fear and pride block me from acting in positive ways? Are there times when I conclude that people are just out to pick a fight with me when that is absolutely not true?
The prophet Elisha hears that the king tore his garments in anger and confronted him. "Why have you torn your garments? Let him come to me and find out that there is a prophet in Israel." Then there is Naaman who reacts angrily when the prophet sends a messenger to him and he is given the following instruction: "Go and wash seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will heal, and you will be clean."
Naaman is insulted that 1) the prophet did not come out of his house and talk to him in person and 2) that he is asked to wash seven times in the Jordan River. Ever bulk that you were not treated as "royalty," as someone of importance deserving a personal interview and a dramatic response to your need for help? "Wash seven times in the Jordan? You kidding me! We have rivers in my own country!" Ever walk away from a situation out of pride, refusing to follow a suggestion that, as for Naaman, could have brought you amazing results of God's mercy and compassionate, understanding love? Without humility, we easily deny ourselves hidden graces and blessings such as Naaman experienced.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Wisdom Admired and Recognized
In today's first reading, 1 Kings 10: 1-10, the queen of Sheba visits King Solomon to see for herself this King, of whom people spoke so highly. She had heard about his wisdom and came to see for herself. She was amazed. Every subject about which she inquired, King Solomon's explanation gave witness to the wisdom with which God had blessed him. "Your wisdom and your prosperity surpass the report I heard. Blessed are your men, blessed these servants of yours, who stand before you also and listen to your wisdom. Blessed be the Lord, your God whom it has pleased to place you on the throne of Israel. In his enduring love for Israel, the Lord has made you king to carry out judgment and justice."
First of all, whom do you consult for wisdom, for insight, for knowledge of subjects in which you are interested? Do you have the humility of Queen Sheba to seek out wisdom greater than yours? Notice Queen Sheba's response! First of all, she recognizes King Solomon's wisdom and blessings. Are you able to affirm others for the gifts God has given them or does pride or jealousy hold you back? Secondly, Queen Sheba gives praise to God, from whom Solomon received his wisdom and riches. Do you recognize all good--that of other persons and your own--as coming from God?
As you apply this reading to yourself, you might ask yourself the following questions: who are the wisdom figures in your life? When was the last time that you acknowledged the gifts God has given to your spouse, your children, your coworkers, yourself? And, when you see good in others or in yourself, to whom do you give the credit?
First of all, whom do you consult for wisdom, for insight, for knowledge of subjects in which you are interested? Do you have the humility of Queen Sheba to seek out wisdom greater than yours? Notice Queen Sheba's response! First of all, she recognizes King Solomon's wisdom and blessings. Are you able to affirm others for the gifts God has given them or does pride or jealousy hold you back? Secondly, Queen Sheba gives praise to God, from whom Solomon received his wisdom and riches. Do you recognize all good--that of other persons and your own--as coming from God?
As you apply this reading to yourself, you might ask yourself the following questions: who are the wisdom figures in your life? When was the last time that you acknowledged the gifts God has given to your spouse, your children, your coworkers, yourself? And, when you see good in others or in yourself, to whom do you give the credit?
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
God as Builder and the One in Charge
In today's first reading, 2 Samuel 7: 4-17, God reminds David of all that He has done for Him and specifically tells David that he does not need him to build him a house. "In all my wanderings everywhere among the children of Israel, did I ever utter a word to any one of the judges whom I charged to tend my people Israel, to ask: 'Why have you not built me a house of cedar?'"
Then, through Nathan, God reminds David, further, that God is the One in charge of his life, that He is the One who called him to shepherd the Israelites, that He is the One who has "been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed your enemies." I am the One, God tells David, who "will make you famous like the great ones of the earth." In other words, God is saying to David: You do not have to make a name for yourself by building Me, your God, a Temple.
Neither do you and I need to make a name for ourselves. God is doing that for us. God brought us into His Body, the Church, in Baptism. God has given us an inheritance, His eternal Kingdom, through the blood of the Cross. God feeds us with the best of wheat in Holy Communion, the Body and Blood of His Son Jesus Christ, by whom our redemption continues. For those who live justly, love tenderly, walk humbly with God (cf Micah 6:8), repent and believe in the Gospel, the Kingdom of heaven awaits them on the last day.
Then, through Nathan, God reminds David, further, that God is the One in charge of his life, that He is the One who called him to shepherd the Israelites, that He is the One who has "been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed your enemies." I am the One, God tells David, who "will make you famous like the great ones of the earth." In other words, God is saying to David: You do not have to make a name for yourself by building Me, your God, a Temple.
Neither do you and I need to make a name for ourselves. God is doing that for us. God brought us into His Body, the Church, in Baptism. God has given us an inheritance, His eternal Kingdom, through the blood of the Cross. God feeds us with the best of wheat in Holy Communion, the Body and Blood of His Son Jesus Christ, by whom our redemption continues. For those who live justly, love tenderly, walk humbly with God (cf Micah 6:8), repent and believe in the Gospel, the Kingdom of heaven awaits them on the last day.
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Blessed by the Lord, my Rock
In today's first reading, 1 Sam 17: 32-33, 37, 40-51, David goes to Saul, proposing that he go and fight Goliath. Saul is initially appalled. "You can't do that. You are merely a youth; Goliath "has been a warrior since his youth." In other words, Saul belittles David, puts him down, and discourages him strongly! David does not back down. "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."
If you and I, in the face of opposition from others, are relying only upon ourselves, arrogantly believing in our strength and have not gone to the Lord, knowing that only in God will we be successful in overcoming "Goliath" situations that we encounter, we are likely to crumble both under others' disbelief in us and in handling difficulties beyond our native strength. It is in God, with God and through God that we are strong and no other way! In it is humility, not pride, that we are armed with grace!
Jesus, whose aim here on earth was "to do not [His] own will, but the will of him who sent [Him]", tells us in John's Gospel that He "can do nothing by myself" (John 5:30). Relying on His Father, one with His Father, Jesus confidently went about His Father's work. In today's Gospel, Mark 3: 1-6, Jesus enters the synagogue and is met by scheming Pharisees, who look upon Jesus with the same contempt that Goliath looked upon David. Strong in the Father, Jesus calls up the man with a withered hand and, in the front of those plotting to kill him, heals the man of his disability.
How strong is your faith? my faith? What happens to me/you when we face opposition, when people treat us with contempt? Do we continue to carry out the command we know is coming to us from the Father, from God, the Rock of our Salvation? If we believe that that Rock will destroy any "Goliath" that threatens us, we shall be unafraid to do what God is calling us to do!
If you and I, in the face of opposition from others, are relying only upon ourselves, arrogantly believing in our strength and have not gone to the Lord, knowing that only in God will we be successful in overcoming "Goliath" situations that we encounter, we are likely to crumble both under others' disbelief in us and in handling difficulties beyond our native strength. It is in God, with God and through God that we are strong and no other way! In it is humility, not pride, that we are armed with grace!
Jesus, whose aim here on earth was "to do not [His] own will, but the will of him who sent [Him]", tells us in John's Gospel that He "can do nothing by myself" (John 5:30). Relying on His Father, one with His Father, Jesus confidently went about His Father's work. In today's Gospel, Mark 3: 1-6, Jesus enters the synagogue and is met by scheming Pharisees, who look upon Jesus with the same contempt that Goliath looked upon David. Strong in the Father, Jesus calls up the man with a withered hand and, in the front of those plotting to kill him, heals the man of his disability.
How strong is your faith? my faith? What happens to me/you when we face opposition, when people treat us with contempt? Do we continue to carry out the command we know is coming to us from the Father, from God, the Rock of our Salvation? If we believe that that Rock will destroy any "Goliath" that threatens us, we shall be unafraid to do what God is calling us to do!
Sunday, December 31, 2017
God's Peace Enabling Us to Walk as Jesus Walked
Today we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family of Mary, Joseph and Jesus, persons highly favored by God and playing a significant role in our salvation. The first reading, Sirocco 3: 26, 12-14, speaks to us of the importance of how one relates to one's parents and how parents relate to their children! Paul asks us, in the second reading, Colossians 3: 12-21, to "[p]ut on, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another; if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so much you also do. And over all these put on love, that is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful."
There is no better counsel for the New Year! We do not need to look for any other New Year's Resolutions. If we read this passage from Colossians every evening and examine our behaviors that day in light of this passage, we are well on our way to experiencing the peace that only God can give! In that peace is the strength we need to begin anew the next day as "God's chosen ones, holy and beloved," putting on "heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another." It is in peace that we are given the wisdom to forgive others as God has forgiven us. It is the peace of Christ that opens our hearts to God's love within us, "the bond of perfection."
Let us pray for this peace that God wants to give us each day and each night.
There is no better counsel for the New Year! We do not need to look for any other New Year's Resolutions. If we read this passage from Colossians every evening and examine our behaviors that day in light of this passage, we are well on our way to experiencing the peace that only God can give! In that peace is the strength we need to begin anew the next day as "God's chosen ones, holy and beloved," putting on "heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another." It is in peace that we are given the wisdom to forgive others as God has forgiven us. It is the peace of Christ that opens our hearts to God's love within us, "the bond of perfection."
Let us pray for this peace that God wants to give us each day and each night.
Sunday, October 1, 2017
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.
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.
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