Mustard Seeds of Faith

Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest

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Gospel of Mark 4:26-34

“To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God,
or what parable can we use for it?
It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.”With many such parables
he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

Why did Jesus speak in parables?  The stories were meant to be applicable to common life experiences.  This is why we read stories relating to agriculture, water and coins.  The people lived in a chiefly agrarian society.  People bartered and traded. Interesting Jesus only spoke to the people in parables but explained their meaning with the disciples in private.  I think of this like undergoing seminary instruction.  Just like our priests today spend years studying theology and philosophy, the disciples needed a high level of understanding in order to more effectively preach God's message.

A mustard seed is one of smallest of all the seeds on the earth but grows into beautiful yellow blossoms spreading across the soil.  Mustard is often used as crop cover in the vineyards, especially in Napa Valley.  The blossoms attract beneficial insects and help enrich the soil with vital nutrients.  

A mustard seed can act like a cover crop in our own faith journey.  We plant a seed of faith in our minds and in our hearts.  We allow it to grow and develop as we read scripture, pray, and immerse ourselves in the Holy sacraments.   Not only do we benefit, but those around us benefit, too.  People see our love for Christ and his Church in our humble and caring actions.  We help the needy, serve in parish ministries, participate in life saving works, and give money to the less fortunate.  We spread the beautiful yellow blossoms of charity and love without so much as a thank you or recognition.   

Sometimes a mustard seed cover crop may not always bloom.  It may dry up and wither from lack of water and fertilizer.  It's important for us to not neglect seeds of faith.  I always notice a difference in my attitude when I do not attend Mass, say my morning/evening prayers, or pray the rosary.  I feel disconnected and more anxious. It's as if I haven't properly watered the seeds inside my soul.  I have to reset my priorities to return God back to the center.  It's difficult with all the busyness of life.

Why don't we plant some mustard seeds in our heavenly gardens and nourish them into beautiful flowers for everyone to enjoy!

Saint John Bosco, Pray for Us!

-J.  

Nothing Hidden

Thursday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Mark 4:21-25

Jesus said to his disciples, "Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand?  For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light.  Anyone who has ears to hear ought to hear."

I did some very stupid things in college and up through my early twenties.  My mom reminded me of this last night.  I'm very embarrassed to say I was involved in a hit and run car accident years ago.  I rear-ended a lady and then took off! It didn't take long for a police officer to show up at my mother's house looking for me.  I happen to be at work, so my mother called me to tell me the news.  She was furious with me. I was furious with myself for doing something illegal!  We ended up paying the owner cash to fix her car. She never filed charges against me, thank God! My mother asked me if I would repeat the same behavior if I was involved in an accident today.  I said, "Heavens no!  I learned a huge lesson!"

..... I will never get away with doing something bad, wrong or illegal.  Hidden secrets will always be revealed and come to light.  

Mothers have an instinctual ability to spot trouble.  They know when we aren't telling the truth.  We can't hide anything from our mothers.  This goes the same way with God.  We can't hide our improprieties.  We can't pretend to be doing good when we're doing wrong.  We may be able to fool our peers and acquaintances into thinking we are model citizens, but this is sometimes far from the truth.  We are all sinners, like it or not.     

When we try to hide the truth, it comes back to bite us.  When we try to block out Christ's love and compassion, we are only left with the feeling that we're missing a meaningful part of our life.  It's like owning a lamp without a light bulb or a candle without a wick!  It's difficult for us to function at a high capacity if we aren't honest with ourselves and others.  We truly need the light of Christ to strengthen us so we are not tempted to make the wrong decisions.   

It's important for us to reflect on our mistakes and learn from them.  One thing that is so awesome about getting older is the amount of wisdom we accumulate.  I think about my stupidity in my younger years.  Yes, I wish I had made better decisions.  However, this what makes life challenging and interesting.  What if God didn't allow us to make a fool out of ourselves every now and then?  What if God didn't allow us to make poor decisions?  We'd never grow in our faith.  We'd never understand the importance of God in our everyday lives.

Remember:  If you try to hide something, it will eventually be revealed no matter how hard you try to keep it a secret!

-J.





  

Planting A Seed

Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Mark 4:1-20

 “Hear this! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it had little soil.

It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep. And when the sun rose, it was scorched and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it and it produced no grain.  And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.”

Fell to the ground  I experienced a scary incident at work yesterday.  In the warehouse, I tripped over a wooden pallet, smashing my head into a book shelf and slamming my shoulder onto the hard concrete floor.  I was down for a while, feeling light headed and seeing stars!  This morning I woke up with a huge bruise on my shoulder and a knot on the back of my head.  Thank God I didn't suffer a concussion or break a bone.  I am still very sore and probably will be for the next week.....

When I read this passage from scripture, I immediately thought: "Oh my gosh! I was a  human seed who fell onto rocky soil (i.e. hard concrete floor)!  I withered away in pain, scorched from the blunt force of a scary fall."  My guardian angel was there right beside me.  I came less than a foot away from crashing my head into a large metal supporting pole!  I felt like a fool for stumbling and falling in the first place.  Co-workers now tell me they've experienced similar tripping hazards.  Best I use caution when I venture into the warehouse in the future.

Where seeds fall   Foolishness or wisdom comes from how we handle the seeds of faith handed to us through the word of God. We become foolish when we "plant" a seed in the soil of power, over-consumption, wealth, and selfishness.  We become wise when we plant a seed in the soil of faith, hope, charity, and love.  With Christ as our focus, our seed of faith will eventually produce delectable fruit!  We don't have to worry about the fruit being spoiled or polluted by wordly riches and pursuits.  We know the fruit will be fresh and  healthy for us.

Let us plant a seed of faith in nourishing soil and allow it to grow!

-J.

The Will of God

Tuesday of the Third a Week in Ordinary Time

Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church

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Gospel of Mark 3:31-35

The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house. Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him.

A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.” But he said to them in reply,“Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said,“Here are my mother and my brothers.  For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

Today we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas.  He's considered the Angelic Doctor of the Church.  As one of the most influential Dominicans of all time, he wrote extensively on theology and philosophy.  His Summa Theologica is a momentous work.  (During my Lay Dominican studies, I will spend a lot of time reading Aquinas.)  Saint Dominic did not write much during his lifetime since he devoted so much time to praying and preaching. Thank the Lord we have other brilliant Dominicans such as Saint Thomas Aquinas who wrote extensively.   The Church has preserved these writings which still enrich us even in modern-day time.

Who are my mother and brothers?   This scripture passage has always bothered me.  How can Jesus even question who is mother is?  Who are these brothers?  Are they relatives and cousins?  Why deny his own family members? It doesn't make a whole lot of sense until you think about his divine nature.  Anyone who followed Jesus, performing actions and deeds in line with the will of God, became like a real brother, sister and mother.    Jesus is the shepherd over his sheep.  Also, Jesus is a member of the human family.  All of us are interconnected by our love for God, our adherence to the commandments, and our desire to help one another. Most mothers would burst into tears if their only son denied their existence.  Most siblings would be shocked if a brother asked them, "Who are you?"  

Oftentimes, following the will of God means family sacrifice.  The early disciples, some who were even married, left their families in order to journey with Jesus.  Catholic priests and religious  choose to serve the Lord over marriage and children.   Then there is the traditional family with its growing pains.  A married couple may be struggling to make ends meet financially, or they are raising children who do what they want with a sense of entitlement.  

Following the will of God is straightforward.  It's common sense!  It doesn't take a brilliant theologian like St. Thomas Aquinas to do what God asks of us.  The greatest challenge is setting aside our own pride, ego, and selfishness.  We rather do things our way than God's way!  We think big and dream big.  We want more and more and more.  We don't stop to think for a moment that all of the "things" in life we wish for may not be what God thinks is best for us.  St. Thomas Aquinas was known to be quite stubborn in his lifetime. (Oh how I know about stubborn Italians. I being one of them.....)  His parents wanted him to become an abbot with a Benedictine congregation.  Thomas had his eyes set on the new Dominican order.  Tradition has it that his own family locked him away for a year, even tempting him with a woman, trying to get him to change his mind.  It didn't work!  Thomas Aquinas later became an amazing Dominican theologian:  It was God's will.  Not the will of his pushy family.

This week let us think of ways we can better follow the will of God.  Show kindness and patience.  Pray and meditate.  Examine the conscience and seek a humble confession.  Attend mass and receive holy communion. Maybe even read some of Aquinas' hymns and writings for inspiration.  

St. Thomas Aquinas, Pray for Us! 

-J.

Possessed by the Holy Spirit, Not the Devil!

Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Angela Merici


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Gospel of Mark 3:22-30

The Scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus, "He is possessed by Beelzebul," and "By the prince of demons he drives out demons."  Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, "How can Satan drive out Satan?......Amen, I saw to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them.  But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin." 

The snooty Scribes, like the pesky Pharisees, talk a lot of "trash" about Jesus.  They accuse him of being possessed by Beelzebul.  Jesus was never under Satan influence but always under Godly influence! Obviously the scribes spread around  "trash talk" to damage Jesus' growing influence and popularity.  They didn't like competition. They didn't like a poor man from Nazareth converting people to his cause.   The true blasphemers are the Scribes for even questioning Jesus' credibility.    The Holy Spirit allows Jesus to throw out the demons, not some angel of the devil. 

Recently in the news, a group of Satanists out of NY petitioned the State of Oklahoma to place a statue of Satan right next to the Ten Commandments on the footsteps of the Capitol.  The statue depicts Satan sitting in a chair with two children.  The image is visually disturbing.  I don't know how anyone could conscientiously support such an image but evidently it looks like the group may just get their wish granted. Clearly this move of controversy is meant to show "equal" representation for Christians and Satanists (or Atheists).     All I can think is, "What is this world coming to? I guess we're embarking on a neo-paganism!  Will we start seeing statues of Satan heads and pentagrams all over our state capitols?"  Just like  pagans of biblical times worshiped "gods" like Baal and the golden calf, I guess this gives people an invitation to bow down to a statue of Satan.  What a scary thought!  All I can do is continue to pray for an end to such religious mockery.  Pray for a conversion of hearts to God almighty.  We need to keep Satan away from our children, our churches, and our public places.  

We need to be possessed by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Seek out the Spirit to assist us in times of temptation, especially temptation that is the result of the Devil's play.  Right now the Devil thinks he has it made with a concrete slab potentially being carved in his honor.  He's only kidding himself!  Christianity will continue to flourish despite attempts to make fun of it, ridicule it, or pass it off as something no longer fashionable.  The Ten Commandments will continue to be the Christian's moral standard even if eventually all of the concrete representations are stripped away from our public places.  Atheists and Satanists alike can keep up with their foolish and ignorant plights, but in the long run they will not stand a chance against Our Lord.  

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.  Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.  May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

-J.

Christian Unity

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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1st Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

I urge you, Brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.....Is Christ divided?  Was Paul crucified for you?  Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?  For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of is meaning.

Christians churches around the world just completed the 2014 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity January 18th-25th.  My own parish sponsored an ecumenical prayer event last Thursday night.  As a convert, I'm very open to the idea of working together with other Christian faiths.  I know of a few cradle Catholics who would never dare set foot in a Protestant Church.  I know Evangelistic Christians who would never attend a Catholic Mass or rosary.  The great divide that we see between Catholics and other Christian divisions has always concerned me.  I always wished we could dialog more, focusing on our commonalities.  We all believe that Jesus is our Lord and Savior, he died for our sins and resurrected from dead.  We  believe in many of the same social issues such as care for the needy, preserving the life of the unborn child, and praying for others.  Yes, theologically speaking we are very different.  However, despite our differences, Saint Paul suggests we should be united in the same mind and in the same purpose. What does this mean?

Of the same mind - As Christians, no matter what "type" of Christian, we should think and act in ways that are "Christ-like."  We must love one another and pray for one another.  We must keep faith at the center of all we do, hope for good things in our lives and the lives of others, and show charity toward those in need.  A "like mind" can do beautiful things making the world a better place!

In the same purpose -  As Christians, we should unite together for a common purpose.  Most threatening is the persecution many of our brothers and sisters endure in countries where religious freedom is seriously threatened.  Not only must we fervently pray, but we should take action to help free Christians from violence.  It's so important as Christians to set aside our theological divides and work together.  We certainly cannot squabble and debate among ourselves when the lives of the innocent are at stake.

Christian unity is something we should add to our prayer intentions.  Let us remember that when we unite for a common purpose, we all reap the benefits!

-J.

Be Like Saint Paul

Saturday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

Feast of The Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle

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Gospel of Mark 16:15-18

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them:“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.

These signs will accompany those who believe:in my name they will drive out demons,they will speak new languages.They will pick up serpents with their hands,and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Today the Church celebrates the conversion of Saint Paul.  Once a zealous persecutor of people who disobeyed Jewish law, he saw the light of Christ.  He realized the need to use his talents for a much greater purpose:  proclaiming Christ's message of love to the Gentiles.  Instead of throwing people into a den of serpents, he crushed those serpents so they could never harm a believer's soul! Paul's letters to the various Christian communities testify not only to his writing skill but his great enthusiasm for Christ.  

In a homily about Paul,  Saint John Chrysostom eloquently says the following:

"The most important thing of all to him, however, was that he knew himself to be loved by Christ. Enjoying this love, he considered himself happier than anyone else; were he without it, it would be no satisfaction to be the friend of principalities and powers...........As for tyrannical rulers or the people enraged against him, he paid them no more heed than gnats. Death itself and pain and whatever torments might come were but child’s play to him, provided that thereby he might bear some burden for the sake of Christ."

Wow!  I wish we could all be like St. Paul not afraid of our enemies, those who condemn us or show anomosity toward us.  Pay them no more heed than gnats.  Gnats fly around and annoy us.  Simply shoo them away and move on!

The liberal media criticize the Catholic Church for our unrelenting stand against artificial birth control and abortion.  Some Protestants think Catholics worship statues.  Ignorant people claim that only pedephilies and homosexuals make up the priesthood. All of these beliefs are nonsense!  As followers of Jesus, we are bombarded by ridiculous comments and excuses.  We should be like Paul , accepting criticism and other "torments" with ease.  Take them as burdens for the sake of Christ.  Try our best to defend the Church and her teachings but with peace, love and compassion.  Our Lord will provide the tools, the grace, and the strength to spread his message.  We are never alone!  We may be criticized, mocked, condemned, judged and hated for upholding the Truth. However, we will never back down or run away as a wimpy Christian!  

Saint Paul felt happiness inside his heart because he was united with Christ.  We can be like Saint Paul, too!

-J.

Divine Companion

Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

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Gospel of Mark 3:13-19

Jesus went up to the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him.  He appointed Twelve, who he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to give authority to drive out demons....

Can you imagine Jesus calling you to become one of his first twelve disciples?  How would you react?  Would you accept the invitation enthusiastically or refuse in fear?  An apostle had a really tough job.  He never knew from day to night where he'd sleep, where food came from, or what town he'd be in.  Moreover, he never knew what kind of person he may run into:  a Pharisee, a Samaritan, a Gentile, or a Pagan.  Some people nicely accepted God's message while others showed disbelief and even rage.  Those nasty demons didn't go away so easily! 

Today is the memorial of Saint Francis de Sales.  He's another one of my favorite saints.  I love his popular work "Introduction to the Devout Life."  I highly recommend every Catholic read the book and own a copy.  St. Francis de Sales' advice is still relevant today even though written in the 1600's.  This is what is so amazing about our Catholic Saints.  Their writings stand the test of time!  We can learn so much from them even in a world where the letter handwritten by a quell pen is no longer fashionable.  With the Internet, we have instant access to writings from thousands of Saints.  One of the best sources for Saintly writings is the Divine Office daily "Office of Readings."  Here we reflect on treatises, homilies, and book excerpts from many of the Doctors of the Church.  What a treasure trove of insight!

Jesus was the Divine Companion of his carefully-selected twelve disciples.  Jesus is our Divine Companion, too!    He travels with us,  heals us, and loves us.  All we need to do is trust in him.  When we feel depressed, we can pray to Our Lord and he will give us comfort.  He understands us better than any human being because he created us!  There are certainly times in my life, especially as a single woman, when I feel very lonely.  Do people notice when I do venture outside or am I invisible?  I have to fight the urge to stay at home and be a recluse.  It's safer that way.  People won't hurt me.  I won't be tempted to anger or frustration.  I can pray in peace and comfort.  Of course, Our Lord calls us to get out into the world and spread the good news.  Lift up our fears, insecurities, doubts and hand them over to Him.  Look to our Divine Companion for guidance and strength.  

-J.

Master Artists

Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

Salvador Dali's "Christ and Saint John of the Cross"

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Gospel of Mark  3:7-12

Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples.  A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea.  Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon.  He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him.

Master Artist As a Pre-Valentine's Day gift, my mother ordered me a Salvador Dali poster of Christ and Saint John of the Cross (1951).  I bought a beautiful gold frame for it, hanging it on the wall over my prayer table.  My mother saw this stunning painting while touring Ireland a few years ago and was amazed by its size and detail.  Dali is one of my favorite artists, so the poster is a treasure.  I wish I could afford a genuine Dali masterpiece!  The poetry of Saint John the Cross influenced Salvador Dali so much that he faithfully and publicly returned to Catholicism.  I find this wonderful considering the darkness and surrealism depicted in so many of his earlier works.  

A Master Artist like Salvador Dali was called back to the faith through the intercession of a Saint.  Amazing!  Incredible!  It happens every day but we may not be aware of it. Can you imagine being a brilliant artist without faith in God? (More common than you think.) Some of the most beautiful artworks of all time depict religious themes.  The Holy Spirit inspires works of art that invite the faithful to pray, meditate, and surround themselves with the beauty of God.

A large number followed   Jesus became a mega star: a master healer, preacher, and forgiver of sins!  People from all over the region came to see him and be touched by him  In fact, in order to avoid being crushed he saw refuge in a small boat the disciples prepared for him.  That boat allowed Jesus to free himself from the chaos of the crowds.  I'm sure he could finally breathe and silently pray!  I can hear Jesus saying:  "My dear Father, please give me the energy to handle these crowds.  There are so many people needing help!  I pray I can spread the message of the Kingdom of God even further.  Thank you for my wonderful disciples who greatly assist me in ministry."

Stardom Can you imagine being so popular that people surround you day in and day out?  I think of movie stars, pop musicians, and reality tv stars.  Their "stardom" pulls in a reign of fans.  Unfortunately, many of these celebrities are poor role models.  They are promiscuous, marry and divorce over and over, and get involved in alcohol and drugs.  Yet, so many people rather "worship" the famous wealthy celebrity than worship Jesus Christ!  It's really sad that Jesus who was once a Star of Bethlehem so highly sought after in biblical times is slowly fading away in our highly secularized culture. But, it doesn't have to be this way. It's our Christian duty to keep Christ's message inviting and relevant!  Our Lord provides us with so much more meaning in life than a popular celebrity.  True stardom comes from heaven above!    

As we appreciate the fine paintings from Master Artists around the world, let us never forget Our Lord who is the Master Artist of the Universe!

Day of Prayer for the Unborn Child

Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children (USA)

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Gospel of Mark 3:1-6

Jesus entered the synagogue.  There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely
to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” Then he said to 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.

An original Pro-Life poem dedicated to A Day of Prayer for the Unborn Child:

When I think of a beautiful baby's birth;

I praise The Lord for the new life on earth.

Children are precious and so full of joy;

They deserve protection, warmth and love.

I'm sadden when a woman throws away a gift;

As if a ragged doll no one plays with.

Abortion appears as the only good solution

Life will return normal, but what a delusion!

A woman quickly mourns her precious lost child;

And feels guilty for a death seemly mild.

It wasn't yet a baby, only of lump of tissue.

The doctor told her to rest, don't complicate the issue.

The pain will go away, everything will be fine.

Except the nightmares worsen, the agony won't subside!

The woman thinks, "Oh no! What have I done?"

"I thought I'd be happy but now I want my son!"

"To hold and to nurse and to cherish as part of me."

"I'm so lost in misery, regret what was meant to be."

"I, a blessed mother who desired to make ends meet. "

"If only I chose the pro-life option I believed so inconvenient!"

"The abortion clinic promised me everything would be good."

"Why, then, do I feel so alone and misunderstood?"

"I wish I'd listened to my inner voice - don't go through with it."

"What a tragic mistake, something I will never forget."

"God, please forgive me, for killing my precious child!"

Let us pray for the success of the Pro-Life movement;

To save mothers and their wombs from tragic enslavement,

The false sense of freedom the abortion industry promotes;

Won't live forever as people discover the truth;

The culture of death hurts ,but the culture of life heals.

Thanks be to the God: Pro-lifers flourish with zeal!

Bringing love and compassion to every woman and child;

Never forgetting their needs, their value, and their worth;

As precious children of God!

-J.

Just Laws

Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr

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Gospel of Mark 2:23-28

As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain.  At this the Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?"......Then he said to them, "The sabbath was made for men, not man for the sabbath.  That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath."

Unlawful on the Sabbath    Those pesky Pharisees always watching Jesus and his disciples!  It reminds me of school hall monitors patrolling the halls looking for students breaking rules.  If a student doesn't have a hall pass, off to the principle's office!  In Jesus' case, his "infractions" are tallied up in an effort to gather evidence against him.  Did the Pharisees have nothing better to do than to track Jesus' every move?  Didn't other Jews violate of the sabbath laws?  Why not track them down, too?  Why the obsession with Jesus?  The Pharisees felt threatened.  They knew Jesus was out of the ordinary.  Enforcing the law gave them power and authority.  However, Jesus' law of love and compassion for human needs clearly overshadowed any rigid, man made law.  Nobody should go without food and nourishment on the sabbath.  Nobody should go without medical care on the sabbath.  Keeping the sabbath holy doesn't mean enforcing rigid rules oppressing people.  Keeping the sabbath holy means spending time praising Our Lord for our blessings, helping those in need, and spending time at rest not over burdened by useless actions.  

The Pharisees are like annoying camel flies that can't be shooed away!  Fortunately, Jesus is so above their scheming and questioning. The Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.

Just Laws  Society today can't function without laws.  Laws protect citizens from danger, give people certain rights and privileges, and keep things orderly.  However, there's a difference between just laws helping people and unjust laws crippling people.  Recently, the Malaysian government instituted a law making it it illegal for non-Muslims to refer to God as "Allah" either in written or verbal form.  In a raid, the police conviscated over 100 Christian bibles with the word "Allah" printed in them.  The owners of the bibles were arrested.  In my mind this is an unjust law.  It's very rigid and goes against freedom of religion.  However, in the eyes of a nation who is predominantly Muslim this is seen as a just law.  Malaysians decided to implement a law protecting the name "Allah" from blasphemy, limiting it's use to the Islam only.  The same protection can go toward Christianity.  We certainly don't want the name of Jesus or Mary taken in vain or demoralized!  Laws are relative to cultural expression.  Just as the Pharisees believed collecting grain on the Sabbath was unlawful, Jesus as the Christ believe collecting grain was just and needful.

I think it's important for Christians to take a day of rest and honor the Sabbath.  We all need that one day of the week to rest and rejuvenate.  With all of the busyness of our lives, we often forget about God.  For me, Sunday is my favorite day of the week.  I go to Mass and  spend time the late morning reading.  I take a much needed afternoon nap.  I may work out in my garden, cook a nice meal, take my dachshund for a walk, or spend time with my mother.  Sundays to me are a blessing and really help me prepare for the week ahead.  Keep the Sabbath holy!

-J.
  

The Wine of Everlasting Joy

Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Mark 2:18-22

People came to Jesus and objected, "Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?"  Jesus answered them, "Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?.......Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins.  Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined.  Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins."

Breaking the Traditional Fast   Jesus was a radical in the eyes of the Pharisees, John's disciples and others.  He broke the rules!  He didn't do everything according to normal Jewish customs.  He ate with sinners and tax collectors.  He healed cripples and the possessed.  He resurrected people from the dead. He preached words that were often misunderstood or "blasphemous." He refused to keep the law of the Sabbath.  Why on earth fast when Christ, the Messiah and the holy Bridegroom was alive? Convert and celebrate!  Drink wine and feast on fish and bread! A new relationship between Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and the human was on the horizon. Instead of a fast in mourning there should be a feast in rejoicing!

Wine of Everlasting Joy  As part of my Lay Dominican studies, I'm reading a wonderful book called "The New Wine of  Dominican Spirituality A Drink of Happiness" by Father Paul Murray, OP.  In the introduction, he quotes Blessed Jordan of Saxony who describes the gospel as "the wine of everlasting joy."  Moreover, Saint Catherine of Siena uses a wine metaphor when she describes "Let us behave like the drunkard who does not think of himself but only of the wine he has drunk and of the wine that remains to be drunk!"  Reading and praying the Word of God brings joy and happiness.  Belief in Jesus Christ gives us hope, love, and a realization that this earth isn't final.  We have so much to look forward to in the Kingdom of heaven: an everlasting joy. Of course, we should not think of the wine reference as an invitation to drunkenness, gluttony or licentiousness.  The Saints don't okay abuse of wine and other alcoholic spirits!  The point is we as religious and lay persons should evangelize the gospel message in an uplifting and enthusiastic way.  We should not appear gloomy, sad or boring.  Wine lifts the spirits, the gospel message should do the same!

J.O.Y.   One Sunday, a priest at my parish spoke about the meaning of joy in life.  I will always remember the terrific anachronym he presented to the congregation: 

 J.O.Y.  =  Jesus + Others, followed by You.   

When we evangelize the gospel message we must first praise Jesus and recognize his presence.  Secondly, we must assist with the needs of others including our neighbors and loved ones.  Thirdly, we address our own desires.  

Don't you feel joy and  peace after celebrating the Mass and taking Holy Communion?  Don't you feel happier after helping someone hurting and in need?  Don't you feel better about YOU because you set aside God and the needs of others before your own? 

Joy is contagious!  Joy is a blessing!   Jesus doesn't want us to mourn his crucifixion.  He wants us to celebrate his resurrection.  Let us drink a glass of wine in honor of Jesus Christ our Savior remembering his sacrifice on earth for our salvation.  His joy is love everlasting!

-J.

The Mind of God

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of John 1:29-24

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.  He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.'  I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel."

Behold, the Lamb of God   In scripture, Jesus is referred to by several different names:  Messiah, Son of God, Son of Man, Emmanuel, Lord and Savior.  Today John the Baptist uses the term "Lamb of God."  Unblemished lambs were often used as a sacrifice for sins committed.  No longer will animal sacrifices be needed.  Jesus Christ will become the human "sacrificial lamb" who preaches, teaches, heals, and converts hearts. John realizes his baptizing mission on earth is near completion.  The Spirit of a dove points out the true Messiah- the one who will wipe away the sins of the whole world.  

I Did Not Know Him  I find it interesting John the Baptist didn't know Jesus or think of him as "the One"!  He and Jesus were close in age and described as cousins.  I guess when John moved into the desert he lost contact with family members.  Maybe Elizabeth and Zechariah didn't live much longer after John's birth. Years went by, and as they entered manhood, John simply didn't recognize Jesus. 

If Jesus came into your life at this moment, would you recognize him?  Would you know him as a close friend, confidant, and mentor?  Many times situations happen in our lives when we forget about the Lord's presence.  He becomes like a long lost childhood friend we used to hang out with.  He turns into a thing of the past, someone we used to love and spend time with but slowly drifted away from.  We lose a cherished, intimate relationship with God. We stop going to Mass, stop praying, and focus more on creature comforts.  We lose sight of the goal of entering into heaven.  We simply no longer know Jesus.  How sad and tragic!  

The Mind of God  In a letter to the Ephesians, Saint Ignatius of Antioch wrote the following:  

"I am now beginning to be a disciple and I am speaking to you as my fellow-disciples. It is you who should be strengthening me by your faith, your encouragement, your patience, your serenity. But since love will not allow me to be silent about you, I am taking the opportunity to urge you to be united in conformity with the mind of God. For Jesus Christ, our life, without whom we cannot live, is the mind of the Father, just as the bishops, appointed over the whole earth, are in conformity with the mind of Jesus Christ."

The words conformity with the mind of God resonate deeply. I immediately think of the times when I pity myself, feel jealous, and speak negatively of others. I'm too lazy to bend a finger for someone in need because of resentment. I think I'm entitled to recognition and acknowledgment.  My mind is full of more selfishness than selflessness.  My mind thinks "woes is me" more than "blessed me,"  My thoughts do not conform with what our Lord has in mind:  love, peace, harmony and unity with others. I wonder, "How on earth will I ever unite my mind with God's?"  Oh how I wish I could purge myself of bad thoughts.  Oh how I wish I could be a holier person.  It's so difficult!  Most important is to try to be a better person and give my heart to others the best I know how.  I cannot be perfect like God but I can seek perfection.  

Ways to unite with the mind of God:  pray, adore, recognize blessings, help others in need, and always remember Christ's presence in our lives.

-J.

Jesus, Our Pro-Life Physician

Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary a Time

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Gospel of Mark 2:13-17

Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus heard this and said to them, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.  I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.)

Dallas March for Life At the convention center this afternoon, thousands will flock to the Dallas March for Life with a rosary, mass and rally.  It's a day of remembrance.  It's a day of compassion.  It's a day of hope.  Abortion became a "legal right" beginning with the initial Dallas court filing over 40 years ago.  Just like we became the city known for the JFK assassination, Dallas became the starting point for legalized abortion.  Pro-lifers across America have spent years fighting for the rights of the unborn. They have successfully shut down "abortion mills" and implemented laws protecting the unborn, especially in the State of Texas.  Our young people are more pro-life than any other generation in the past.  Abortion is a very emotional subject that causes so much controversy.  Personally, I feel quite uncomfortable speaking on the subject.  But in light of this commemorative day, and the gospel message, I felt drawn to share some thoughts....

I'm proud of the accomplishments the Pro-Life movement has made.  But, clearly more needs to be done.  We can shut down clinics and pass anti-abortion legislation; however, we must find ways to limit and stop the social problems which cause women to think abortion is the only answer!  Abortion has been around for centuries.  As long as women are objectified and used, abortion will be seen as an "answer".  As long as people can make money off the procedure, abortion will be available.  Even if abortion becomes illegal once again, the procedure will be taken into the back alleys like when my mother was a teenager.  She knew a friend who aborted her child in a filthy back-alley clinic.  Forty-years later, this woman died from a rare form of cancer.  My mom suspects it was from the abortion.  Sadly, my mom told me that my own father wanted her to abort my sister who was unplanned!  Thank the Lord my mother decided not to go through with it.  I can't imagine my amazingly intelligent and creative sister not being on this earth....

Clearly, abortion harms women, families, society, and the unborn.  It's a terrible and awful thing!  It saddens me a great deal to think of the millions of babies who've died as well as the millions of women affected by abortion.  What can we do besides pray and advocate for anti-abortion legislation?  

• Education women so that they can become financially independent and able to care for their children. 
•  Make adoption easier, less expensive, and less time consuming so Americans can adopt more unwanted children.
• Provide better legal protection for women who are victims of domestic violence, rape and incest.  Many times such victimization results in an unwanted pregnancy.
• Vigilantly fight again human sex trafficking of women and children.  Sex trade and abortion may be linked.
•  Continue to provide counseling and maternal support for women who decide to keep their babies.
•  Continue to provide after-abortion healing opportunities like Rachel's Vineyard

It's so important to remember human life at all stages - from conception to natural death.  Like a seamless woven garment Jesus wore, it should not be torn apart with one life issue (i.e. saving babies) taking preference over other life issues (i.e. human trafficking, death penalty, euthanasia, etc).  Life is precious at all stages. Respecting life includes all of humanity.

Jesus Heals Jesus is our divine physician.  He's provides us with spiritual and physical healing.  Women who've undergone abortion can find love, comfort and forgiveness through Jesus.  They are never alone to suffer in their pain.  

We must reach out to all men and women, demonstrating to them how much their lives mean to us.   We must remember that Jesus loves all of his children regardless of age or stage in life.  We must protect not only the unborn but anyone threatened with unnatural death.

-J.

Zeal for Souls

Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot

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Gospel of Mark 2:1-12

They came to him bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.  Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him.  After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.  When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, "Child your sins are forgiven."

No longer room  Imagine you live in Capernaum back in antiquity.  You find out from a friend Jesus is preaching in a nearby home.  You rush over to the house but find out there is no longer room to sit or stand.  Crowds chatter among themselves waiting for Jesus to begin a sermon.  All of the sudden the roof opens up and a paralyzed man drops down to the floor.  What an unexpected event! Interesting before Jesus even lays a healing hand he forgives the paralytic's sins.  Because of this, Jesus is seen as a  blasphemer.  Who else besides God in heaven can forgive sins?  Who is this man?  The people are astounded!   

Do you make room for Jesus in your heart or is your heart over-crowded with sin?   

Your sins are forgiven   It's so important to be aware of God in our lives.  He loves us so much.  He constantly forgives us of our transgressions even if we don't fully recognize them.  No human person is entirely sin free.  (I certainly wish I was...) We are such imperfect beings.  If we were perfect, God wouldn't have a reason to forgive us over and over again.  In our pursuit of holiness, we should recognize our weaknesses and temptations.  Ask God for pity, mercy and forgiveness.  We must be careful not to use our sins as an excuse to push God out of our lives.  

Do you feel the need for God's grace and mercy ? Have you gone to confession lately? Maybe it's a good idea to ask Our Lord for forgiveness!

Zeal for souls  Jesus displayed an intense zeal for the salvation of souls!  He along with his disciples wanted to spread the message of the Kingdom in ways that were inviting, caring, and compassionate. As participants in the new evangelization we should desire to be zealous, too.  Pope Francis in Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) wrote the following:  

Consequently, an evangelizer must never look like someone who has just come back from a funeral! Let us recover and deepen our enthusiasm, that “delightful and comforting joy of evangelizing, even when it is in tears that we must sow… And may the world of our time, which is searching, sometimes with anguish, sometimes with hope, be enabled to receive the good news not from evangelizers who are dejected, discouraged, impatient or anxious, but from ministers of the Gospel whose lives glow with fervour, who have first received the joy of Christ”.

As Catholic Christians, let us go out and preach the Gospel message in a new and exciting way.  Let us invite people to reconcile with the Lord and with his Church.  Jesus heals those who are paralyzed by fears, anxieties, insecurities, hatred, and despondency.  He nourishes our souls!

-J.

Spiritual Battlefield

Thursday of the First Week of Ordinary Time

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First Book of Samuel 4:1-11

After a fierce struggle Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who slew about four thousand men on the battlefield.  When the troops retired to the camp, the elders of Israel said, "Why has the Lord permitted us to be defeated today by the Philistines?  Let us fetch the ark of the Lord from Shiloh that it may go into battle among us and save us from the grasp of our enemies."

Ark of the Covenant One thing  so wonderful about Daily Mass scripture readings is that we are able to read Old Testament passages that are seldom heard on regular Sundays. These specially-selected readings often parallel the words and actions of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.   This week we've been exploring the beautiful stories from the First Book of Samuel.  Today the Philistines have been raging battle against Israel.  Israel is badly defeated.  The elders have a brilliant idea:  Bring the ark of the covenant from Shiloh onto the battlefield and allow the Lord to battle among them.  In a twist of fate, the "ark of the Lord" doesn't do much good for Israel!  In fact, the Philistines seeing that "gods" dwell in the camp turn fear into courage exclaiming:  So fight manfully!  Not only does Israel get defeated again but the ark is captured by the Philistines.  How could this be?  Why on earth didn't the Lord help Israel defeat the enemy?  The ark of the Lord will not only be Israel's God but eventually God over the entire universe!  Centuries later Jesus Christ will reign on earth:  born from the "new ark of the covenant" - the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary.   Jesus will be captured and put to death on the cross. However, his saving power will change the course of religion. Christianity will  develop and flourish.

Spiritual battles  We all experience spiritual battles.  We may not be in a physical war with the enemy, but emotionally we are fighting our inner selves.  We are badly wounded but still think we are "manly" enough to handle circumstances on our own.  As if infected with leprosy, we bandage up and hide our sores for fear of being cast away.  Secretly, we desire healing but how?  

"God made me this way! He must not love me like others because I'm inflicted with so much pain!"   

"How can their be a spiritual deity? I'm so unhappy with my life!" 

"I don't know if this religious thing is good or not.  I just don't feel a God present in my life."  

Our spiritual battles can be won with the help of Jesus Christ, Mary and the Saints.  They are omnipresent around us, never at rest.  Yes, at times they leave us alone to fight our own battles but in an effort to make us stronger and holier.  Our Lord never gives us anything we cannot handle!  Just like Israel, they lost the battle against the Philistines.  However, they never gave up! They eventually captured back the Ark of the Covenant.  The ark turned into the temple of Jerusalem.  The temple migrated into to individual synagogues .  Synagogues later accompanied by churches and monasteries throughout the world.  God will become present across the entire universe.

Let us turn to Our Lord when a spiritual battle rages within us through prayer, adoration, and the Sacraments.

Note:  I absolutely love the picture chosen for this meditation.  What a wonderful representation of Jesus with the ark of the covenant.  Art can be just as meditative as words!

-J.



   

Action & Contemplation

Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Mark 1:29-39

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.  Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.  They immediately told him about her.  He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.  Then the fever left her and she waited on them.  When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.......Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place where he prayed.

Jesus in action  We see Jesus in action on the spiritual battlefield, healing the sick and casting out demons from the possessed.  Word of his amazing healing powers is sweeping throughout the land of Judea.  People are flocking in great numbers to hear Jesus preach.  Although Jesus and his disciples welcome the people, it drains them both physically and mentally.  In the early morning before dawn, Jesus decides to go off alone to a deserted place to pray.  His action turns into contemplation.  He desires private time in prayer in order to rejuvenate his mind, body and heart. Jesus' mission on earth is a serious one that requires courage, persistence, dedication, and strength.  He cannot do it alone without the guidance of his Father above. 

Jesus in contemplation Prayer is a sustaining life force.  Prayer is a way of keeping Our Lord close to our hearts.  Prayer is  a way of sharing our most intimate secrets and longings without fear of judgment or ridicule.  Through regular prayer, we set aside time to speak to the Lord, patiently listening to his response.  Sometimes the response isn't always immediate.  We may see an "answer" to our prayers by observing the action of others, or our "answer" may be dead silence.  Think about Jesus questioning God during his crucifixion:  "My God, My God why have you forsaken me?"  Our Lord clearly doesn't respond to Christ. It's only later we understand the full effect of God "forsaking" Jesus.  Jesus Christ was meant to die for our sins - salvation is a part of God's master plan.

Called to Action & Contemplation  As Christians, we are called to action and contemplation.  It's very important for us to act in ways that are loving, caring and respectful.  Our actions oftentimes speak louder than words.  We may bend on our knees in prayer, but then ignore the signs of action affecting a situation we face.  I think of the drug addict or alcoholic who prays asking for God's healing from addiction but then refuses to attend an AA meeting.  Of course, there's always the opposite situation when someone is too busy in action but spends little time contemplating!  For example, a person may be so busy moving up the corporate ladder that they fail to stop and contemplate how much God has blessed them.  Action and contemplation go hand in hand.  One cannot be sufficient without the other.  Our Lord calls us to pray and to follow him.

Let us take time out of our day to say a prayer of thanksgiving.  Let us take a moment to act in a way that demonstrates to another person that they are loved.

-J.

Remember & Do Not Forget Me!

Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

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First Book of Samuel 1:9-20  

Hannah arose after a meal at Shiloh, and presented herself before the Lord.....In her bitterness she prayed to the Lord, weeping copiously, and she made a vow promising:  "Oh Lord of hosts, if you look with pity on the misery of your handmaid, if you remember me and do not forget me, if you give your handmaid a male child, I will give him to the Lord for as long as he lives; neither wine nor liquor shall he drink, and no razor shall ever touch his head."

Normally my meditation primarily focuses on the gospel passage of the day.  But, today the reading from the first book of Samuel really pulls at my heartstrings!  I cannot imagine the pain poor Hannah felt, grieving her barrenness and so desperately wanting a male child.  In all of her weeping, mourning and her fervent prayer, she appeared as if drunk.  Even Eli commands her to sober up!  How would you feel weeping in your church's sanctuary and the priest comes up to you accusing you of being drunk? Embarrassment?  Shame?  Anger?..... Yet, Hannah simply remarked:  I am an unhappy woman.  I have neither wine nor liquor; I was only pouring out my troubles to the Lord.

Remember & do not forget me! Hannah asks the Lord to remember her and not forget her suffering.  She is willing to offer her child as a consecration to the Lord - a Holy sacrifice-if only her prayers would be answered.  Our Lord remembered.  He didn't forget her!  She became pregnant with Samuel who'd grow up to become last of the great prophetic Judges.....

The Lord remembers you and me, too.  He doesn't forget about us in our times of need.  Sometimes it may feel like God isn't listening to our prayers.  We wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night with the same burdens, frustrations and sufferings.  We cannot see anyway out of the agony of life!  We may feel like weeping as if our lives died right in front of us!  But there is so much hope in Jesus Christ.  There's so much love he wants to share with his precious children.  

Have you ever suffered a terrible situation to only later be freed from its grips?  Have you ever been healed from an illness that seem to linger on forever? Have you ever witnessed a loved one's life miraculously change course for the better?  Do no underestimate the authority of God!  He remembers us when we think he's neglected us.  He never forgets us when we think he's abandoned us!

-J.

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Remember Me, Oh Lord (An Original Poem)

Remember me, Oh Lord, when I'm feeling blue;
My life seems a mess, I don't know what to do.
I pray for guidance but you fail to reply;
My eyes full of tears, do you hear my cries?
I plea to you every day, free my suffering and pain;
This world is so restless, full of disdain.
I don't feel good enough, bold enough or strong;
So many people better, they can do no wrong.
I love you so much, Lord, I want to be like you.
Follow your ways, Lord, but I feel so marooned.
Like a woman on an island with no ship in sight.
To save me from the dryness, loneliness, and blight.
Please do not forget me, Lord, a handmaid of your creation.
I understand my sufferings are meant for purification.
Preparing me to join the kingdom of heaven at hand.
Remember and don't forget me, Lord......
You are the best thing that happened to man!