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MAY 1: THUS. 6TH WEEK OF EASTER
"When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted." (Mt. 28:16-20)
Sometimes while in a prayer circle, it doesn't matter what ministry or what's the occasion, it seems like no one else can pray, or wants to pray. They always look my way or say, "Paul," as if I am the only one who believes. Sometimes I respond by saying, "I'm not praying," but I feel guilty because, we Christians are supposed to be ever visible and viable. Still, at other times, I say that I would like to hear someone else pray to minister to me. Someone else hesitantly prays, and I am either blessed or I say to myself, "I should have prayed; what kind of prayer was that?" I realize that some are not as mature in their spirituality as others, but some just pray because of the circumstances they find themselves in, as if they are praying to please the group or to satisfy an obligation to say something.
While I have you as a captive reader, realize that this is 2008 and it is time to pray as if you believe without doubting God or his abilities or his majesty, but praying and behaving like you are a true believer in the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost. I know that at times, situations challenge our belief, but we believe anyway. I also know that sin comes into our lives and puts our belief to the test, but we believe anyway. So let us pray and act as if we believe there is a God, who governs all; who is the creator of all that is and is to come. Let there be no doubt that we bear witness to this belief and are obedient to God's commandments.
"Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord." (PW)
MAY 2: FRI. 6TH WEEK OF EASTER
"You will weep and mourn while the world rejoices; you will grieve for a time, but your grief will be turned into joy. ... but I shall see you again; then your hearts will rejoice with a joy no one can take from you." (Jn. 16: 20-23)
Living a Christian life is not easy. Jesus told his disciples "You will weep and mourn while the world rejoices; you will grieve for a time." Two thousand plus years later we are still weeping and mourning and grieving. We weep and mourn because of loved ones killed in wars. We weep and mourn over the thousands of babies unwanted and aborted from the womb. We weep and mourn over the senseless killings and violence from drugs and gang wars in our streets and neighborhoods. We grieve because of the high cost of living, rising taxes, unaffordable health insurance and medications, the high cost of housing, race issues, jobs and much more.
In spite of it all Jesus said "I shall see you again." Our grief will turn to joy and our hearts will rejoice with a joy no one can take away. We will no longer have to ask God the question, "Why?" Jesus gave the assurance, "Whatever you ask the Father, he will give you in my name." (vs. 23) Jesus said whatever we ask in his name God will give us. Instead of asking God why bad things happen, we need to be petitioning him instead, asking for a better way to deal with these situations. "Ask and you will receive." (Mt.7:7; Lk.11:9) If we are living in God's will, we can ask and we will receive. (R.F.)
"And still I rise." (Maya Angelou)
MAY 3: SAT. 6TH WEEK OF EASTER
"Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it." (Jn. 14: 6-14)
What are the works of Jesus?
Jesus taught us to pray, "Our Father, which art in heaven hallowed be thy name, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." The work of Jesus was to do the will of his Father. The works Jesus performed showed us how God protected the orphans, the poor, and the widows.
The world today has many orphans, a lot of poor people, and many widows. The orphans are those who have no one to show them the meaning of love. The poor are those who do not have what they need to live in peace. The widows are those who have found love and this love has been taken from them.
Advances in technology, abilities to be mobile, and increased understanding of the works of Jesus, afford us the opportunities to do greater works than the ones performed by Jesus.
What do we ask in the name of Jesus?
When Christian believers ask God for the knowledge and wisdom to perform his will, through patience and endurance, they will testify to the truth of, "If you ask for anything of me in my name, I will do it." (ANR)
MAY 4: SUN. 7TH WEEK OF EASTER
"… `Father the time has come. Glorify the Son, that your Son may glorify You…" (Jn. 17:1-11)
IT'S NOT ABOUT US! These are words that I have heard preached many times. It is hard for us, as ministers, to focus on the goal when we are doing all the work (or so it appears). Many times we feel upset or slighted, when we don't get the proper recognition for our contributions, hours of hard work, or use of our gifts and talents. But IT'S NOT ABOUT US! We must already feel privileged to be asked to participate in such good works. Remember, the harvest is ripe, but the laborers are few! Our Savior was persecuted and put to death doing the same work we are doing. Only he did what he did so that we wouldn't have to go through the same type of persecution (although it still occurs in some parts of the world).
Remember that the work we do is to glorify God and not ourselves. Yes, there are many ministers out there, that use the name of the Lord for self-glorification, but don't allow yourself to be one of them. If someone ignores your gifts, remember the ultimate gift-giver sees your works, and more importantly, your heart. God is already pleased at what you are doing or trying to do in his name. Just remember to point people to him because IT'S NOT ABOUT US… BUT IT'S ABOUT HIM!! So today, take time to ask God to make us less, so that he may grow greater through us. (AA)
MAY 5: MON. 7TH WEEK OF EASTER
"Do you believe now?" (Jn. 16:29-33)
Jesus' one struggle in life was to get the Jews to believe him. Stones were headed in Jesus' direction not because of the miracles he performed, but because he made himself equal to God. And certainly, the disciples should have believed that Jesus was the Son of God, especially after that great statement in chapter 14, "If you have seen me, you have seen the Father." What's interesting here is that the scriptures give a little hint that Jesus was not too sure that the disciples really believed, and if they did, they really didn't know what was at stake in this last hour.
Jesus knew that folks had ordered an extra cross for the Passover. Jesus knew that when that last nail entered his flesh, folks were going to different parts of the region: they would be scattered, terrified that someone could nail the Son of God to a cross. Oh, yes the disciples said, "they believed" but the real test would come when they were alone and had to face the storms of life by themselves. Ask Peter about being alone.
This testing of the disciples' faith was not locked in time. How we respond to the storms of life also indicates what we really believe as well. Do we have peace when the devil is messing, trying to steal our blessing? Are we ready to face the trouble that comes our way as Jesus stated, "In the world you will have trouble." Now I don't know how one can be prepared for the storms of life, but there is one thing that we can do, and that is, "take courage." (MPH)
I believe Jesus; just help me to take courage in the midst of my waves!
MAY 6: TUES. 7TH WEEK OF EASTER
"I pray for them. I do not pray for the world, but for the ones you have given me, because they are yours and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine." (Jn. 17:1-11)
At this particular time in Jesus' ministry, Jesus says something that I had never heard before. He says what he is not going to do. I am so glad that he did not say that he does not pray for the ones that are his own because I would be left out.* I am confident that God hears the prayers of Jesus. I believe everything that Jesus says: He is coming back; He is one with the Father; He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that no one comes to the Father except through him.
There's no doubt about it; I believe that baptism and my choice to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, make me one of his own and by this association, Jesus prays for me as his own. Since I am one of Jesus' own, I am also one of God's own and so, I and all like me will have eternal life, meaning that we too shall know the only true God.
I come from a family of believers. All my ancestors are believers and it is good and joyous to know that we all shall have eternal life and shall be with God in our mansion. I love God, my church and all that religion has to teach and offer me to aid in my Christian development.
"And he walks, with me and he talks, with me and he tells me I am his own." (PW)
MAY 7: WED. 7TH WEEK OF EASTER
"Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth." (Jn. 17:11-19)
Consecrate or "sanctify" means to separate or set apart. As people of God, Jesus says, we are in the world but we are not of the world. This means that we are a holy people separated from the world and sin for the purpose of worshiping and serving God. "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people he claims for his own to proclaim the glorious works of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were no people; but now you are God's people."(1Peter 2:9-10) Our sanctification comes through Jesus who is the truth revealed to us by the Spirit of truth. "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." (Jn.14:6) The truth is the word of God and Jesus the living word of God.
Jesus sanctified himself by setting himself apart to do God's will, suffering and dying on the cross so that we, as his followers, would be separated from the world and set apart for God. As a holy and sanctified people we separate ourselves from the world and sin. If people cannot see the difference between you and worldly people, it could be that you're doing the same thing that sinners do. We need to know the truth. "Jesus said, `If you live according to my teaching, you are truly my disciples, then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" (Jn.8:32) (R.F.)
"Not everyone who says to me, `Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven." (Mt.7:21)
MAY 8: THURS. 7TH WEEK OF EASTER
"I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you Father, are in me and I in you, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me that they may be brought to perfection as one." (Jn. 17: 20-26)
What does it mean to be one?
People were made in the image of God, which was an image of spiritual truth and righteousness. Then, sin entered the world, which separated us from the spirit of truth and righteousness. So, God gave us commandments and laws to help us see how we had separated ourselves from him. God directed us to offer sacrifices to him, so we might be reunited with him.
Then, God sent his only begotten Son, Jesus, as a final sacrifice to lead us back into his image. Jesus came from God to teach us spiritual truth and righteous. He told us he did not come to abolish the commandments and laws, but to fulfill them. This fulfillment came from heaven to give us an opportunity to escape condemnation and to seek the perfection of God through spiritual truth and righteousness.
As we seek to understand the spiritual truth Jesus revealed to us, we will understand and believe the meaning of the words Jesus prayed to God for us: "That they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one." (ANR)
MAY 9: FRI. 7TH WEEK OF EASTER
"…Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, `Follow Me!'" (Jn. 21: 15-19)
Order my steps! The words of this popular song are just what Peter was asking from Jesus in this passage. Jesus asks Peter if he loved him three times. This was Peter's opportunity to reconcile himself after denying Jesus three times during the crucifixion. Peter's human condition of fear and doubt took over his spirit of faith in the heat of the moment, but Jesus, out of love for Peter, gave him a chance to make things right with him.
The same is true for us. We want to follow Christ in everything we do, but when things get tough, or when we are surrounded by people whose values differ from ours, we deny Jesus. And just like Peter, we are filled with guilt because we have "sold out."
But since Jesus loves us more than we could ever love ourselves, he gives us a chance to be right with him. He even gave his life to make it possible. This is what he modeled with Peter in this passage. Just as we may deny, we can also be made right.
Order my steps! Our spiritual journey can be compared to a map in a mall or amusement park. When we look for something, we first look for that star or dot that says, "YOU ARE HERE." From that point, we look at what turns we have to make or what things we have to go through to get to our destination. Today look at where you are in your spiritual journey and see what Jesus wants you to go through and make right as he tells you to "Follow Me." (AA)
MAY 10: SAT. 7TH WEEK OF EASTER
"If I want him to live until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" (Jn. 21:20-25)
Peter was meddling in God's work. Yesterday, Jesus gave him his task. He thought he was important enough for Jesus to share with him the Apostle John's fate. That was not Peter's task. His task was to follow Jesus, even though he had a special leadership role. How often do we allow ourselves to be distracted from our own Christian work, by worrying about what God wills for others? Jesus reminds us today of his authority over our lives, even though we have free will. I am reminded of my grandson who ran to the kindergarten teacher, saying, "They are being bad. What are you going to do to them?" The teacher answered, "Why are you worrying about that? See that you are behaving properly." It was best for him to consider his own behavior. I certainly asked him whether he was following the teacher's orders. Was he completing his work on time? We adults often do the same thing. We sometimes neglect our own gifts and abilities and responsibilities as we take too much time monitoring other people's behaviors and what God will do. God will take care of it in God's own time. Each person must reflect and pray while striving to follow Jesus. There are many paths to Jesus, just as there are many paths to Satan and evil. Our task is to keep our feet on the right path -on the high road - that ends in eternal life: in the joyous presence of the Holy Trinity! When he calls me, I will answer…I'll be somewhere list'ning for my name…(from a hymn by Eduardo J. Lango) (JW)
"When the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." (Jn. 20:19-23)
I liken today's scripture to situations that we all experience in our lives today. How many times have we received notice of a death, lab reports of ill health, an added expense to an already exhausted budget; how many times have we all felt depressed about something, sometimes not even knowing exactly what, but crying and feeling pain from the stomach or head that seems to incapacitate our physical activities? What do we do? We retreat to the bed, a room, the hospital and close the door, draw the shades to block out the sun. We turn off the telephone and refuse to answer the door. Church seems so far away and we can't seem to bring ourselves to church to be with others. Have you heard the scripture verse, "Weeping may endure through the night, but joy comes in the morning"? Yes, no matter who or what you hide away from or where you go to hide, Jesus can and will stand in your midst and give you peace. Jesus will always be with you, even to the end of the world. You can change your looks; you can move to another country and even change your name, but Jesus always knows who and whose you are and where you are. So when the fear creeps in and the light goes dim, do what you have to do to endure, but call on the name of Jesus to once again be renewed in the Spirit and rejoice!
"How I got over, how I got over, my soul looks back and wonders how I got over." (PW)
MAY 12: MON. 6TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
"With a sigh from the depths his spirit he said, "Why does this age seek a sign? I assure you, no such sign will be given it!" (Mk.8:11-13)
Some people don't seem to believe in God any more and don't pay any attention to any signs. Others are led down the wrong paths, joining cults that lead them to death because they think they know the signs.
Jesus speaking to the Pharisees who were seeking a sign from him told them, "No such sign will be given to this generation."
I can imagine Jesus saying to this generation, "Are you looking for a sign?" Ok, read my lips.
_______________________. Did you get it? What's that, you didn't hear? Let me turn it up for you. Can you hear me now?
_____________________________________________________________That's right, nada, nothing, zip, zilch. You're not getting any sign. Why do you want a sign? You haven't paid any attention to anything you have seen or heard before. You didn't listen to any of the prophets. You didn't listen to me. "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say that rain is coming, and so it does. When the wind blows from the south, you say it is going to be hot, and so it is. You hypocrites! If you can interpret the portents of earth and sky, why can you not interpret the present time?" (Lk. 12:54-56) We should be looking to do the will of God. If our concentration is on following Jesus and doing what God has proposed for us to do we won't be caught short. (R.F.)
MAY 13: TUES. 6TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
"He enjoined them, "Watch out, guard against the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod."… Why do you conclude that it is because you have no bread? Do you not yet understand or comprehend? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear? And do you not remember, when I…" (Mk. 8:14-21)
People hear words, but they do not always understand or comprehend the meaning of the words. People see things, but they do not always understanding or comprehend what they have seen.
Just because Jesus used the word "leaven" and they had forgotten to bring bread, his followers thought he was talking about food. They had seen how he could provide food to many and heard his words which came from God, but they lacked understanding.
Jesus wanted them to understand, just as the leaven spreads throughout the bread and causes it to grow, the words and actions of the Pharisees and Herod will cause hate for him to grow.
The Pharisees represented the growth which comes from religious beliefs against the Word of God, and Herod represented the growth which comes from political views.
Jesus knew the Pharisees and Herod used convincing words to lead people to doubt the words Jesus was speaking. The Pharisees wanted the people to believe they were more connected with God than Jesus was. And Herod, wanted the people to believe that he had more power than Jesus. But Jesus told and showed the people things that could have only come from God. Are your words and actions from God? (ANR)
MAY 14: WED. 6TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
"…You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you got go bear fruit _ fruit that will last." (Jn. 15: 9-17)
What honor could be greater than to be chosen by the King of Kings? When I read this passage I feel honored and relieved that maybe, for once, I am doing the right thing with my life. Despite the fact that I am always dealing with obstacles, people's opinions (hatin'), lack of resources, etc., I feel honored by the fact that, even though I might feel like I don't belong here, God knows I do because he chose me to do this. I just listen to his voice in my heart. The same goes for all of us doing his work, whether it is on our jobs, in our families, or amongst those outside these circles. Remember God chose us to be where we are. The Bible says that we are not of this world. So it is not unusual that we don't always feel comfortable or feel like we fit in here. We are supposed to do his work. That's why we're here, family!
Also, the work that we do will bear fruit that will last. We may not see it in our lifetime, but it will happen. As a youth minister, I talk to our young people till I'm blue in the face about God, but it appears that they don't listen. Through adversity, trials of life, and even the blessed events that occur, God's message becomes evident in their lives. And trust me, they will remember the message from their mentors and they will pass it on. This is how our fruit will last. We are only called to present the good news and plant the seed. God will do the rest. (AA)
MAY 15: THURS. 6TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
"Who do people say that I am?" They said in reply, "John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets." (Mk. 8:27-33)
"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." (Mt. 16:13-14)
"Who do the crowds say that I am?" They said in reply, "John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, `One of the ancient prophets has arisen.'" (Lk. 9:18-19)
In this reflection I would like to point out something that is very interesting. Mark's gospel shows that Jesus is interested in who the people say that he is. Matthew's gospel asks the same question but reveals his identity in his question. It appears that Matthew is giving Peter or his Jewish audience additional information. And when Luke comes with his parallel text and asks the same question, he refers to the people as a "crowd." Now check out the answer, Mark's gospel mentions John the Baptist, Elijah and an unknown prophet similar to Luke's gospel. Here again Matthew, on the other hand, identifies the prophet as Jeremiah. Matthew seems to desperately want the disciples to give the right answer as he furnishes his audience with additional information. I would like to challenge you to study further what the gospel writers say after the above text. Look closely at the response that Peter gives. You will find Peter's response to be different for each gospel writer. You will be blessed and surprised. Oh, and when you are finished studying, try to answer the question for yourself, "Who do I say that Jesus is?" (MPH)
MAY 16: FRI. 6TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
"For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?" (Mk. 8:34-9:1)
I've had many friends in my life, some rich and many poor. The poor or economically depressed or educationally deprived appear to be more dependent on God and his many blessings. They don't have the best of material possessions and so they appeal to Christ for better or more, and when they receive more or better, sometimes they put on airs as if to step up higher than those who used to be their equals. The financially contented or educationally privileged, on the other hand, appear to be less dependent. *I have known many who were members of Saint Teresa's parish who have left church as their lives seem as mere self-centered earthly existences as if they live in denial that Christ is not as important.* They seem to have no need for Christ because of their earthly material possessions. Some have even said that it is not that they don't recognize Christ as their savior, but it is the people with whom they have to associate. There are some people I've met and meet who are very rich in compassion, thoughtfulness, generosity, alms-giving, understanding, devotion, trustworthiness, and worship. These seem to live in loyalty to Christ and so appear to enjoy the fullness of life. Some might look on them as poor or under-educated or unsuccessful or deprived, but today's scripture reading says, "What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?"
I am contented in my suffering and sacrificial to my needs, to fulfill my life in Christ. (PW)
MAY 17: SAT. 6TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
"This is my son, my beloved. Listen to him. " (Mk. 9:2-13)
From a cloud God spoke to Peter, James, and John, saying, "This is my son ... Listen to him." Usually we are told to listen to our parents or the pastor, or our teachers or someone older who is in authority, especially when we are younger. When we get older we have a tendency to not want to listen to certain people. You know how you say things like, "I'm not listening to them; they think they know everything," or "They're not my mother/father; I don't have to listen to them," or "Who do they think they are? They can't tell me anything." Remember the commercial, "When E. F. Hutton speaks, people listen"? When God spoke, Peter, James, and John listened. Thank God they listened to God and Jesus and passed on what they saw and heard. The Pharisees and those who followed them did not listen. "To his own he came, yet his own did not accept him." (Jn. 1:11) Those who did listen became children of God through Jesus Christ and heirs to the throne. "In my Fathers house, there are many dwelling places; otherwise, how could I have told you that I was going to prepare a place for you?" (Jn. 14:2) If it had not been for the Lord on our side where would we be? Somebody shout "Hallelujah." Can somebody say "Amen"? I don't know what or who you're listening to these days but you aught ta wanna be listening to Jesus. There is no other name under heaven by which we are saved. (R.F.)
Hush, hush, somebody's calling my name. (Gospel song)
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God, did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him." (Jn. 3:16-18)
One of my life experiences was to explain "eternal life" to my wife who was in pain from the symptoms of the breast cancer with which she was living. First I prayed for wisdom from the Holy Spirit to reveal to me what God had taught me about "eternal life." Then I prayed for the wisdom to show my wife how Jesus had given her "eternal life."
The Word I received described to Ramona how our fleshly bodies were only in the world for a short period of time, but our spiritual bodies will be in the world forever. Everything she learned about Jesus and taught or showed anyone would live long after her fleshly body had died.
To give her a more personal understanding, we talked about how she had taught Zari, our daughter, to believe in the power within the name, Jesus. And, what she had taught me about having faith in the name of Jesus. She remembered how we always prayed thanking God and Jesus for what we wanted before it happened. She remembered Zari and me witnessing her healing from many sufferings and painful moments.
When we finished testifying what we had experienced, Ramona understood she had received "eternal life."
"Eternal life" is the Christ-like spirit you leave in this world after your fleshly body dies. (ANR)
MAY 19: MON. 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
We've come this far by faith…
"If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." Jesus said to him, `If you can! Everything is possible to one who has faith." (Mk. 9:14-29)
This mysterious gospel passage is about power. In it, Jesus presents his disciples with the responsibility to use the power that comes with authority. We're used to hearing, saying, and repeating, "Nothing is impossible to God (Luke 1:37)." These were Gabriel's words when he told Mother Mary about Elizabeth's pregnancy, which was the fulfillment of an impossible hope. The power to do the impossible, which had been given to the Twelve (cf. Mark 6:7-13, 30-33), is, without doubt, God's power. But when Jesus addresses the father of the boy possessed by a mute spirit, he insists that his disciples understand that the power of their own faith is nothing short of divine: "Everything is possible to one who has faith." Like the boy's father, sometimes we don't believe that we believe. So, like him, we cry out, "Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief!"
...leaning on the Lord.
When Jesus entered the house, his disciples asked him in private, "Why could we not drive[ the spirit] out?" He said to them, "This kind can only come out through prayer (vv. 28,29).
Add to faith the divine power of prayer, and healing happens. Prayer is the relationship we have with God. It is the intimate communication between the Creator and the creature. Prayer makes sure that we acknowledge the Source of any goodness there is in our works—which means that, once we've activated the power of our faith, we can get out of the way and watch God work. (AR)
MAY 20: TUES. 7TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him (v. 32).…he began to ask them, "What were you arguing about on the way?" But they remained silent (vv. 33, 34). (Mk. 9:30-37)
Who do we think we are, trying to keep a secret from God?! It sounds (and is) utterly foolish, but we do it so often. We come by it honestly. Our first parents, after their encounter with the serpent, tried to hide their nakedness from God (cf. Genesis 3:8-13). In today's scripture passage, the disciples don't express their concerns or reveal their ignorance, out of fear. Their ignorance is willful. They'd rather not know the truth because they're afraid of what it might mean. He can't suffer. He can't die. He can't leave us. What will become of us if this is true?
Racism is a condition of willful ignorance. We'd rather not hear your stories, understand your ancestors' role in our history, understand our ancestors' role in your history. We'd rather not have a common history. We'd rather believe the stereotypes and caricatures that the media present. We'd rather not regard you as equals, as friends, as sisters and brothers. How could we? What will become of our self- image if your self- image improves? Willful ignorance is what we hide behind, hoping no one will raise us from the death of the status quo.
The cure for this condition that infects us whenever we're afraid to face the truth is simple: let God in on the secret we're trying to keep from…ourselves.
The old song says, Jesus is on the mainline; tell him what you want. You just call him up and tell him what you want. (AR)
MAY 21: WED. 7TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
"Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us." (Mk. 9:38-40)
The choir one day sang a song at the end of the Mass after receiving the Eucharist. Everyone was moved to tears while this one brother stood up and started singing the refrain of the song, "I got the Devil under my feet." Moved to a deep praise of God for not forgetting him in his time of sorrow, he prayed for the whole community. In his prayer, he said, "The Devil is a liar. The Devil can do you no harm. Put the Devil under your feet and stand, because the Devil is already defeated."
Later on that day, the Pastor received a call from a member of the church, who asked, "Why did you let that brother, make all that noise?" Responding to the disturbed member, the Pastor said, "Every now and then, we need to hear, that the Devil is a liar and the Devil cannot harm you. I think that it would not have been wise for me to stop someone from praising God. And just for your information, someone called me earlier and said he needed to hear that the Devil is already defeated." The member then wondered out loud, "What does it mean to have the Devil under my feet?" The Pastor sensing his lack of understanding began to pray with him. He asked the Holy Spirit to open his eyes and allow him to see that the brother man was not against the Lord, but with him. Then he prayed that he learn to profess, "The Devil can do me no harm." (MPH)
Do you have the Devil under your feet?
MAY 22: THURS. 7TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
"If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, where `worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'" (Mk. 9:41-50)
Today's gospel makes some very harsh statements. Although this passage is about sin, there is a great emphasis placed on what causes us to sin. The author lists certain body parts that should be cut off if the parts are going to prevent us from living in the Kingdom of God. I would like to add a couple more parts to this list.
If our ears listen to gossip and music, causing us to sin and degrade humanity, then they should be closed. It would be better to enter the Kingdom of God by feeling the Holy Spirit than hearing music that only satisfies the flesh. And if our tongues cut down our brother or sister, we have sinned. It would be better for us to sew our lips and worship the Lord with our bodies, than having both lips loose but a soul sent to the gates of Gehenna.
Here we should think about what parts of our body cause us to sin. Whatever it is that causes us to sin, let us pray and ask the Lord to heal us and deliver us from that sin, and grant us peace. (MPH)
MAY 23: FRI. 7TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
"Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?" (Mk. 10:1-12)
This question has been the debate of many for years. There fore I have decided to look at what the Catholic Church teaches about divorce. First let's interject some information from the Harper Collins Encyclopedia of Catholicism. The Catholic Church "finds the termination of marriage to be, in most circumstances, impossible because it is against the dominical command (found in Mt. 19:6; Mk. 10:9)." These two passages speak about how no man must separate a couple that God has joined together. Jesus himself explained that the reason Moses in the Old Testament permitted divorce was because of the hardness of heart of the children of Israel. (Mk. 10:4-5) In the Catholic Catechism, we find the leaders of the church teaching about the difference between folks who are unjustly abandoned and those who through his own grave fault destroy a canonically valid marriage. (CCC 2386) This is spiritual death in a marriage that only eats away at the heart and soul of marriage. When a mate abandons a marriage by running off time and time again to the horse track, gambling the monthly mortgage for a quick fix, s/he is destroying the marriage.
Therefore, since this is a very serious issue, one would be wise to consult one's Pastor and follow the teachings of the Church because God hates divorce (Mal. 2:16). Through the Pastor's guidance, one may become like a wise builder in one's relationship with God. That person will be wise because s/he would first be taking care of his/her own spiritual house, preparing and praying for God's blessings. (MPH)
MAY 24: SAT. 7TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
"Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Mk. 10:13-16)
Jesus used children as a symbol representing the poor in spirit or the lowly. In other words, the anawim were those who lacked material things and were in need of God's blessing. Jesus wanted people to know that happiness was obtainable without the riches of this world. Seeking after wealth doesn't guarantee happiness or eternal life. "For what does it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mt. 16:26) God wants us to seek after spiritual happiness, that which is fulfilled through Christ Jesus. God never said we had to be poor or that we couldn't have wealth but what the Word tells us is that, "The love of money is the root of evil." (1 Tim. 6:10) People put money and wealth and material things before God and forget about God and how God has blessed them. Jesus said, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Mt. 6:33)
Children are so humble and meek because the world hasn't caught up with them and dragged them down yet. Children always want to grow up and become adults, but many, when they get older, wish they could become children again. Interesting and thought-provoking isn't it? We may not be able to be children, again, but we can think with the heart of a child and enter the Kingdom of God. (R.F.)
"Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world; red, yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world." (Song)
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MAY 25: THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST
Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. (Jn. 6:51-58)
If this verse does not make your spirit stand up, I just don't know what will. When I read this passage the first thought I had was "Wow!" I just could not contain myself as I reflected on the fact that I have life because a "living Father" sent Jesus. And of course you may say, "Well, didn't you already know that. This is not rocket science." And my response would be, "Yes, you are right!"
However, this verse spoke to me in a more profound way! These two words, "living Father," caught my attention! I always reflected on God being God, who created heaven and earth, but to reflect on a "living Father" who sent Jesus so that we may have life, that is shouting news. This idea of a "living Father" is really something when you think about how important fatherhood is in these days and times. A "living Father," one who cares for his children like God is imperative. A "living Father," one who not only disciplines his children but also loves them is essential. Here I will testify that because I had an earthly father I know the importance of his presence in my life. My earthly father has been with me for 53 years. Of all the valuable points in life that I received, I know that his spirit of correction was what I needed. And now that I can add this new revelation of a "living Father" in heaven, who loves me and disciplines me, I have life. Again, Wow! And for those who do not have an earthly father, through Jesus Christ, you have life because of a "living Father." My Lord! (MPH)
MAY 26: MON. 8TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
"`Then who can be saved?' Jesus looked at them and said, `For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.'" (Mk. 10:17-27)
FACE IT PEOPLE, YOU HAVE TO ACKNOWLEDGE GOD!
There are a lot of people out there doing a lot of good things. They feel that all their accomplishments are basically a product of their education, their tact and the people they know. Everything about them is on the up and up, but there is one problem _ they do not acknowledge God.
I work in a hospital setting and have many highly professional friends and acquaintances. They say that they have a religious background, but their attitude and behavior, when you talk about praising the Lord says differently. They never give God recognition, and going to church with the "common folk" is not on their itinerary. They always say that they admire my faith and the trust that I have, but they make me feel like God praising isn't high classed enough for the upper echelon. They frown and become uncomfortable when I talk about God on the job and often say that there is a separation between God and the state. But, the funniest thing happens when there is a program or special occasion. They always ask me to pray. The prayer has to be generic because, "You don't want to offend anyone." They know that I confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, but they want me to leave Jesus out of my prayer. What a thing to ask of me! Wake up people, I am here to tell you that you will have to acknowledge God! (PW)
"I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men _ the Son of Man will acknowledge him before the angels of God. But…" (Lk. 12:8)
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MAY 27: TUES. 8TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
"…there is no one who has left house or brothers and sisters…for my sake…who will not receive a hundredfold now…and in the age to come…" (Mk. 10:28_31)
In a recent homily, our associate pastor reminded us that God's view is usually the complete opposite of ours! This passage illustrates just that!
Jesus told the disciples how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God, especially for those who have a lot. He advised the rich young man to sell everything he had and give it to the poor if he wanted to have eternal life. That shocked the disciples because, in their society, wealth was a sign of God's favor. Reminding Jesus that they had already given up everything to follow Him, Peter's question was "What about us?"
To their amazement, Jesus responded that their sacrifice would indeed be rewarded. His point was that gaining eternal life is all about the way we live in the world now _ among our extended family. But it isn't easy.
As followers of Christ, we are called to not only preach the "good news," but also to become "good news" for one another, especially the poor. We are called to share our time, talent and treasure with all of our neighbors, both near and far, to live as brothers and sisters in the family of God.
That's a tall order, especially in light of our consumer society that encourages us to acquire more and more "stuff." Jesus says just the opposite _ that the way to be really rich is to die to wealth. If that message doesn't shock, amaze or challenge you, either you haven't heard it or you aren't paying attention! (JN)
MAY 28: WED. 8TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
"Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wishes to be first must be slave of all." (Mk 10:32 _ 45)
No CEO today would hire those disciples! They were way too dense! They just didn't get it! Despite Jesus' careful instructions on the meaning of discipleship (that following Him meant denying self, renouncing desires for wealth and position, taking up one's cross, and even losing one's life for the sake of the good news), the disciples still didn't understand or accept. James, John and the others were still fantasizing about Jesus' earthly glory and scheming for positions of privilege.
It's like the disciples heard the words of Jesus' song, but they got the melody all wrong. They're like a football team trotting dutifully onto the field behind their coach only to execute plays that belong to a different game! Luckily for them, and for us, Jesus was a patient man!
Because, we can't deny we see ourselves in them. All too often, we also fail to understand the true cost of following Jesus. All too often today, the Gospel is preached as kind of a "no risk" offer, promising to make us "feel good" without any personal sacrifice. But this text boldly challenges any such simplistic, self-centered understanding of discipleship! It clearly tells us that true discipleship is characterized by a costly pouring out of one's life for others _ whether it be an aging parent, a neighbor in need, an orphaned child in Africa, or an undocumented immigrant.
Christian discipleship is about sacrificial service to others not power or wealth. Anyone who contemplates following Jesus without fear and trembling simply doesn't understand that. Do you? (JN)
MAY 29: THURS. 8TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME
"Jesus, Son or David, have pity on me!" (Mk. 10:46-52)
Bartimaeus gives us a lesson on some of the stiff challenges that confront us in our relationship with Jesus. The first time Bartimaeus called out to Jesus, many people scolded our blind man. However, Bartimaeus responded with a thunderous shout, "Son of David, have pity on me!" It was his second outburst that pierced Jesus' ears and caused him to respond to the needs of Bartimaeus.
Jesus, full of compassion, had no fear of the people around him, so he asked Bartimaeus, "What do you want me to do for you?" Friends may scold or oppress us spiritually with words that inhibit our relationship with Jesus, but we must break through the chaos and reaffirm our personal relationship with God. After Jesus heard Bartimaeus' request to see, he told him, "Be on your way! Your faith has healed you." His faith was in the asking regardless of who was surrounding him. We must get serious like Bartimaeus and "not be ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." (Rom. 1:16) (MPH)
Keep me `neath thy mighty wing. Keep me, Jesus, keep me; Help me praise thy holy name, Keep me Jesus, keep me. 0 my Lamb, come, my Lamb, 0 my good lamb, Save me, Jesus, save me. Waverly Turner Carmichael
MAY 30: SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS
Learn from Me, for I am meek and humble of heart. (Mt. 11:25-30)
The old song says, Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart, in my heart. Lord, I want to be like Jesus in my heart.
Divine love is what overflows eternally from the human Heart of Jesus. The following excerpt from the Litany of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus can teach us how "to be like Jesus in our hearts." Please memorize one of the verses, allowing it to penetrate and transform your own heart today. (AR)
Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, formed in the womb of the Virgin Mother…
Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High…
Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven…
Heart of Jesus, glowing furnace of charity…
Heart of Jesus, vessel of justice and love…
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love…
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues…
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise…
Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts…
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father is well pleased…
Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received…
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills…
Heart of Jesus, patient and rich in mercy…
Heart of Jesus, fount of life and holiness…
Heart of Jesus, crushed for our iniquities…
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance…
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation…
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection…
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation…
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who hope in you…
Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
make our hearts like yours.
MAY 31: THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
And who am I, that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? For the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leaped for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled (Lk.1:39-56).
Elizabeth, Mary's kinswoman, was pregnant with a promise when she received this special visitation. She and Zechariah knew they were too old to have a child, but apparently they kept their smoldering hope alive in a quiet corner of their hearts.
We have all experienced a promise being fulfilled. We have all been pregnant with a promise. I'd like to invite you to take time today to meditate on a promise that once rested within you…the dream or wish that became a living hope, when fulfillment seemed impossible. Ponder how it originated in mind and moved to your heart, how it took shape, how it has transformed your life.
Next, invite Mother Mary to come into your heart. Allow her to see what you see, to feel what you feel—your anxiety and concern, as well as your joy and anticipation. And then acknowledge the divine Life within her, which is the hidden, living presence of Jesus himself. Experience the promise leaping to joyful fulfillment with his blessing.
Repeat the meditation with a promise with which you are currently pregnant. (AR)
And, finally, take hold of Mother Mary's hands as you sing together her song of praise, the "Magnificat." "My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord. My spirit finds joy in God my Savior…." (v. 46).