Halloween Prophesy

Thursday of the Thirtieth Day in Ordinary Time
Halloween

Gospel of Luke 13:31-35

Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, "Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you."  He replied, "Go and tell the fox, 'Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.  Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.'

Today is Halloween.  This is my second favorite holiday to Christmas.  I love the idea of dressing up in costumes, handing out candy to kiddos, visiting a haunted house, and watching scary movies.  Movies like The Exorcist, Nightmare on Elm Street & even the Halloween series bring back childhood memories.  My mom didn't allow me to watch horror movies at the theater. (Mostly because they were rated "R.")  I opted for the edited versions on television.  I guess because of this I found the genre so appealing.  It may seem odd as a devout Catholic to enjoy horror flicks.  Nothing better than a bag of popcorn, cheesy dialog and a good fright!

In today's gospel, the Pharisees tell Jesus to leave the area because Herod wants to kill him.  This reminds me of the classic horror movie when one character announces to the other, "Run for your life.  He's after you with an ax! He just killed the neighbor down the street!"  The other person looks all panicked stricken and can't move.  Then in a next scene the person is hacked up to pieces.....This is certainly what Our Lord is NOT going to allow to happen.  He's prophesying his upcoming death:  on the third day I accomplish my purpose......for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.  The "sly fox" isn't going to devour his prey or be successful with an attack from behind.  Our Lord has everything planned out.  He is still casting out those same demons that we see depicted in horror movies.  Christ has much work that still needs to be accomplished.  The Pharisees will understand in due course time along with the rest of the world......

Happy Halloween!

-J.

The Narrow Gate

Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel of Luke 13:22-30

Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?"  He answered them, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many,  I tell you,will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough."  .....And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God and you yourselves cast out."

I admit the Gospel readings these past few weeks have made me uneasy. I realize Christ's reign on earth will soon end.....Jesus warns us to be prepared, vigilant, and persevere. Entrance into the Kingdom of God won't be for the faint of heart.  The Children of God will have to work hard, make sacrifices, prove they lived lives with humility, love, dignity, and integrity:

Life the Christ-Centered Way.    

Every day I breathe I encounter my own weaknesses and character flaws.  I'm short tempered, prideful, sensual, and seek recognition.  I've always wished I was a member of the popular crowd - loved, respected and admired for my intelligence.  I often feel envious, even jealousy, towards others I see as much more accomplished, especially people with lucrative careers, a happy marriage, and children.  (Oh how I wish I could live in a dual income household!)  When I'm lonely and not busy, negative thoughts take over.  The Devil is having a field day messing with my brain.

Am I lean enough to fit through the narrow gate?  Will I be able to overcome my flaws and weaknesses by the time I pass on from this earth?  Why do I feel so paralyzed with fear thinking I may not make it? 

I imagine the narrow gate covered with overgrown ivy, weeds, and crawling with insects.  I see a tiny shining light way off in the distance.  I hear echoing laughter and muffled voices.  I hear angelic singing.  The gate is rusted out and corroded with age but still functions.  I'm carrying a large heavy bag filled with all of my sins.  I realize I cannot fit through this gate unless I leave the bag at the foot of the entrance.  A kindly priest who happens to be walking down a different path greets me.  He smiles and says, "Hello, Dear, I see you are carrying so much weight on your shoulders.  Would you like to talk to me about them?"  One by one I begin to take the sins out of the bag as I tell the priest my story.  They begin to dissolve away.  Before I know it, the bag is empty!  The priest gives me a hug before he walks into the narrow gate himself.  He motions me with his finger to follow him.  "Miss, Jesus is calling you now!  Don't be scared!  You are now filled with His holy grace.  Come along the narrow path!"  Then I enter the gate and feel this tremendous outpouring of love.  Love that's indescribable!  I don't even want to look at what's behind me.  I only have my eye on what's lying ahead.  I know the Kingdom of God is near.  I've made it through!  I just need to keep moving along. The road will get rocky, filled with potholes and cracks.  I will fall down quite a few times.  But, in the end, the journey will be worth it!  I don't have to wail or grind my teeth thinking I'm cast side. Jesus is waiting for me.



-J.

Spreading Faith in the Work Place

Tuesday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel of Luke 13:18-21

Jesus said, "What is the Kingdom of God like?  To what can I compare it?  It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden.  When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches."

Faith is like a mustard seed.  As Christians, each one of us is called to plant the seed of faith in ourselves as well as others. Nurture and allow faith to grow!  It's easy to discuss Jesus with people who are similar in values and religion.  However, there is a greater need to make the Kingdom of God known to others outside of our circle of fellow Catholics.  We spend most of our waking hours at work.  We are surrounded by co-workers who are different  in terms of lifestyles, attitudes, habits, and even religion.

How can I spread the faith in the work place?  How can I evangelize without causing disruption in the way I conduct business?  How can I be a positive influence and  emulate Christ in my everyday work?  

Here are some ideas:

1. Be a positive example of Christ by conducting business affairs with strong integrity and moral conviction.  Treat others with dignity and respect.  
2. Bring up faith topics at appropriate times in subtle non-threatening ways.  For example, if someone asks "Any plans for the weekend?" tell them you are attending Mass at your local parish, going on a retreat, or spending time reading a religious book.
3. Wear a Catholic symbol -  a crucifix, chastity ring, miraculous medal, scapular, etc. Many times a simple piece of jewelry will invite someone to ask, "Are you Catholic?" and then dialog begins.
4. Take vacation on Holy Days, special Feast Days, or even during Easter Holy Week.  This will definitely make it known to co-workers your Catholic faith is taken seriously. (I love to take off work during the Easter Triduum.  I volunteer as a Eucharistic Minister during all of the Easter liturgies.  It's a great way to serve Our Lord and the community. Co-workers have asked me questions about what the Church does differently compared to  other denominations.)
5. Pray for your co-workers and let them know they are in your prayers.  Even non-Christians or those who do not believe in organized religion appreciate that you are thinking of them.
6. If someone is showing an interest in the Church, invite them to attend Sunday Mass with you.  Many times a fallen-away Catholic will be drawn back to the Church through your example.
7. Make fasting and abstinence a regular practice.  (During Easter one year, I tried to go on a bread and water fast for a week.  I let all of my co-workers know!  Some even offered to share some of their bread from their lunches with me.  It became an interesting conversation piece.)
8. Invite a co-worker to share THEIR faith journey with you even if they are not Catholic.  (I once conversed with a woman who was Pentecostal.  She was very interesting to speak with.  Even though I didn't necessarily agree with her faith principles, I respected her devotion.)

I think the best way to spread faith in our workplace is through positive, subtle, and friendly ways.  I don't think it's our place to cause unnecessary drama, debating or bickering over religion.  It's a very touchy subject.  Many employers prefer to keep religion OUT of the business atmosphere, especially if it causes  disruption.  But, overall, I think showing Christ-like behavior in our interactions with co-workers is extremely effective.  Allow the Holy Spirit to do the rest of the work.

-J.

The Modern-Day Apostle

Monday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
Feast Day of Saints Simon and Jude

Gospel of Luke 6:12-16

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and  spent the night in prayer to God.  When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve....

Christ relied heavily on prayer in his discernment process. What was his Apostle selection criteria?    He did not choose Apostles based on wealth, pedigree, education, or political clout.  Jesus chose twelve men who were not only friends but strongly believed in his message.  He knew these common fishers of men would play significant roles in flourishing Christianity.  The Catholic Church still stands today as a testament to the Twelve Apostles' dedication, service, and loyalty spreading Christ's Word.

We may think of the modern-day apostle as a vowed religious with high authority such as Pope Francis, Cardinals, or Bishops.  We may ignorantly assume our priests are the only ones "called" to be Jesus' apostles.  On the contrary, all of us as a part of our Baptism are "called" to spread the good news to others.  We may not think we have the power to do much good to change circumstances around us.  We may slothfully reject the idea of apostleship as something too controversial, too demanding, and too out of sync with cultural realities.  In the wake of extreme anti-religious sentiment throughout the world, it's paramount each one of us as Christians act the part as a modern-day apostle.

Here are ways we can become a "Modern-Day Apostle" in our everyday actions:

• Pray for the healthy and safety of others even our enemies or those who do not believe in God.  Pray for the conversion of the human heart.
• Respect the dignity of all life from the womb to the tomb.  This includes the unborn, the sick, and even the incarcerated. Treat all life as one of God's sacred vessels. 
• Witness to others in our actions and our words.  Lead by holy example.
•  Serve those who may be in need including the homeless, the hungry, the immigrant, the abused and neglected.  Don't pass up an opportunity to attend to the needs of the poor.
• Preach Christ's message to others by sharing bible passages, recommending Christian writers, volunteering as a catechist, or giving a presentation in front of a church group.
• Welcome newcomers to the Catholic Church by inviting them to attend Mass or a parish social function.  
• Learn about the Lives of the Saints.  It's amazing how much of what they struggled with is still true today.
• Study Holy Scripture, The Catechism, Papal Encyclicals, and  Theological references.  Staying well-educated is important when people begin to question the Church's more controversial teachings.

How important it is to remain spiritually vigilant and grounded.  The Devil is always finding hidden opportunities to trip up Christ's disciples.  A frequent examination of conscience along with Confession is a great way of keeping evil temptations at bay.  A Modern-Day Apostle's job is not easy.  It takes  tremendous devotion, sacrifice, and perseverance to trek through troubled waters and effectively minister to others.

Saint Simon and Jude, Pray for Us!

-J.

Set the Earth on Fire!

Thursday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel of Luke 12:49-53

Jesus said to his disciples:  "I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!  There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!  Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?  No, I tell you, but rather division...."


Today at Daily Mass, I was moved by the words proclaimed in the Gospel's Alleluia:

I consider all things so much rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in him.  

Is there "rubbish" in my life I need to get rid of?  Is my heart "on fire" for Our Lord?  Do I realize how important it is to bear the crosses of my life and emulate Jesus?

I confess that I harbor a lot of trashy thoughts: resentment, anger, envy, and discontent.  I'm not always grateful for my blessings.  Sometimes I wish I was more like this person or that person.  I curse Christ for the crosses he presents me.  In the scheme of things, my "crosses" are nothing compared to the agony  Jesus went through at his crucifixion! I should bear my crosses with faith and humility.  I should remember to pray to the Lord to help me be more like Him.

My mom always used to tell me that when the Middle East finds peace then the end of the world arrives.  Jesus will then make his final judgment.  Until then, we all will be "fighting" with one another.  Division against division again division.  I don't know of one family or society that doesn't experience some kind of conflict.  As our world becomes more populated, more secularized, and more anti-religious, divisions become more pronounced.  Add news and social media to the equation and the earth becomes a blazing fire storm!  Peace is something we all wish for.

Is peace achievable or is it just wishful thinking? Just like the "Big Bang" created the world, will the earth burst into eternal flames at the Last Judgment?  

I know I need to work more vigilantly at becoming a better Christian.  I wish for the fire burning inside my heart to radiate so others see Christ through me!  It's so difficult when burdens wear me down.  I thank Jesus each day that he died for my sins.  I thank God for leading me into the caring arms the Catholic Church.  I thank the Holy Spirit for protecting me, guiding me, and giving me the graces to persevere through all of life's obstacles.

We all need "to set the earth on fire" by evangelizing Christ's message of salvation, hope, and love!

-J.

Our Full Potential

Wednesday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel of Luke 12:39-48

You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come......Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.

God blessed each one of us with special gifts and talents.  I have friends who are amazing artists, creative writers, brilliant engineers, and charismatic speakers.  I know others with strong leadership skills or demonstrate tremendous patience with children.  Some people may think, "Geese, I think God left me out when he divvy-upped  gifts.  I'm not talented at anything."  Think again!  Our Lord most definitely gave each one of us special gifts.  Maybe some talents are not fully recognized and developed yet.  Maybe it takes careful observation, reflection, and thought to  pinpoint what skill, aptitude, or talent we may possess.  Prayer is key to understanding our blessings and how to best use them.

Do I recognize my unique abilities and God-given talents?  Do I use my gifts to benefit others or for selfish purposes? 

Am I living to my full potential in line with Christ's message?

Living to our full potential is no easy endeavor.  Yet, Our Lord requires and demands that we utilize our gifts for the betterment of our community, our loved ones, and ourselves.  In the end, Christ will be the final "judge" as to how well we performed during our lifetime.  The more Our Lord gives to us the more he expects from us, but he does this as an act of love.  He does not leave us alone to fend for ourselves!  He walks with us step by step showering us with his graces.  The Angels, Saints, and of course Our Blessed Mother, champion on our behalf, too.

 It takes a lot of courage to use our God-given gifts and talents in service of others.  It takes a great deal of humility to recognize that maybe our "gift" isn't being utilized in the most appropriate way. It takes faith to realize that the gifts God bestows on us keeps us closer to HIM.

Don't throw away God-given gifts and talents.  Don't hide them out of fear, embarrassment, or ignorance.  Use them to enhance your full potential..

-J.

Spiritually Prepared

Tuesday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Feast Day of Blessed John Paul II

Gospel of Luke 12:35-38

Jesus said to his disciples:  "Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master's return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.  Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival."

All of us lead very busy lives.  We seem to always be "preparing" for something from the routine to the special.  Thanksgiving preparation includes cooking the turkey with all the fixings.  A couple prepares for the highly anticipated arrival of a new son or daughter.  A college student prepares for the MCAT or LSAT.  A family prepares for a move to a new city for employment.  I see preparation as an anticipatory action, readiness for either something good or bad.  Sometimes we must prepare our homes for a natural disaster such as a hurricane or tornado.

With all of this preparation in our every day life, are we spiritually prepared? Are we following Our Lord as a vigilant servant?

Christianity is in a crisis throughout the globe.  Persecutions and violations of religious liberties headline in the news media.  We as Christians, especially Catholic Christians, need to become more vigilant in defense of the faith.  As Blessed John Paul II wrote:

 "We are now facing the final confrontation between the Church and the anti-Church, between the Gospel and the anti-gospel, between Christ and the antichrist.  This confrontation lies within the plans of Divine Providence.  It is, therefore, in God's Plan, and it must be a trial which the Church must take up, and face courageously."

Spiritual preparation involves faith, love, and charity.  It involves frequent prayer, confession, and reception of the Eucharist. A deep moral sense of right from wrong is paramount if we are to "light our lamps" in anticipation of Christ.  We don't know when he will knock and expect us to change our lives:  The way we think, act, or react.  The way we view others and the world around us.

So many people do not understand "the language of the Church."  This lack of understanding draws them toward secularism, commercialism, materialism, and even atheism (or pseudo-atheism).  People are lost in understanding how religious vigilance can enhance their lives.  Thinking about how we can minister to others appears over-whelming.

How can I be a humble servant of God?  It seems impossible to prepare for something untouchable, body-less, motionless, without physical form...... 

We think so many people simply don't want to listen or simply don't care.  On the contrary, we may not be reaching out to them in a godly and meaningful way.

As vigilant servants, Catholic Christians should think of creative, sustainable, and positive ways of helping  "prepare" those who do not acknowledge a Christ in their lives.  We do not seem to mind preparing for the physical and material.  But do we have the strength to become spiritually prepared and ready when Christ calls us to serve and follow?

Blessed John Paul II, Pray for Us!

-J.

Does Bigger & Better Matter?

Monday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time    

The Parable of the Rich Fool -
Gospel of Luke 12:13-21

But God said to him, 'You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?  Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich in what matters to God."

Throughout the New Testament, Jesus warns us against greed and focusing importance on our possessions.  In this parable, a rich man decides to tear down his small barns and build bigger barns to store all of his harvest.  He plans to "rest, eat, drink, be merry" since he'll possess amply amounts of grain. Did he not understand his harvest could be spoiled by insects and decay?  Did he not think about how his grain could feed the poor, the widow and the orphan?  Did it not occur to him that a natural disaster may destroy his barn and the precious grain inside?

This man values possessions over anything else as if he's a modern-day hoarder, accumulating piles of grain for no other purpose than to appear "rich" but not necessarily wise in important matters.....

This old foolish man will one day die.  Will all of the grain he stored up grant him admission into heaven?  Not exactly!  Rich in possessions doesn't matter to God.  What matters is storing up the treasures of faith, hope, love, and charity. God wants us to share our gifts and talents with one another but not with greedy intentions.  God wants us to be thankful for our blessings but not necessarily think bigger is better.

Some questions to ponder after reading this gospel :

Is having a lot of money my only goal in life?
Do I value my possessions over people?  
Do I allow material goods to over-consume me?  
Do I treat my possessions as if they were gods?  
Am I in debt buying things I cannot afford?

Let's focus on the richness God can provide in more important matters:  faith, love & charity.

-J.

Persistence & Faith

Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.  He said, "There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being......

-Luke 18:1-18


After meditating on this Sunday's gospel reading, the first thing I thought:  Wow!  Bravo to the Poor Widow!  Her persistence and faith finally got her a just decision!  Could I be as strong as this woman if I was in a similar situation? 

In the parable, Jesus does not go into much detail.  We don't know about the widow's grievance or how long she pleaded with the judge for a final verdict.  All we know is for a "long time the judge was unwilling" to make a decision.  Here is a judge who doesn't fear God and treats people with little respect.  He could care less about their plights.  Interesting he doesn't "fear the Lord" as in love God but he "fears" a strike (as in "kick in the rear") from the poor widow! He finds her downright annoying and delivers a decision in order to get rid of her. 

Have I ever pushed someone away who I found annoying or bothersome? Have I ever failed to share my faith with a friend or loved one?

The widow's persistence paid off.  I imagine she prayed in the synagogue day and night.  She pleaded with Yahweh to help her in the legal situation.  I can see her at the judge's house every day demanding an answer.  (Heck, I know I'd do the same thing!)

Have I ever persistently prayed to the Lord for his guidance in handling a difficult decision?  Do I only pray when "I Need" something or do I pray for God's will to be done according to his plan?

We all know people who are dishonest and disrespectful.  They tend to "judge" others on how they look, what they drive, how much money they make, or what religion they affiliate with.  None of these superficialities matter to God.  What matters is that we remain faithful in HIM.  Pray regularly. Allow God to inner-work in our lives.  He will bring about justice in his own time. 

-J.