Together As One

Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Mark 10:1-12

The Pharisees approached him and asked,

“Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?”

They were testing him. He said to them in reply, “What did Moses command you?” They replied,“Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.” But Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts

he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,

and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.”

I'm late posting Friday's meditation.  The last two days have been incredibly hectic.  But, I'm trying to stay disciplined in writing anyway......

Early this morning (March 1st) my sister delivered her baby.  After 36 hours of labor, we didn't know if my little niece would ever venture out into the world.  She seemed comfortable and content in the womb.  My sister posted a picture of the baby on Facebook. My little niece has my brother-in-law's dark hair and my sister's eyes and nose.  She is so beautiful!  I can't wait to hold her in my arms.  Unfortunately, my sister lives in Nevada so it will be a few more months before I can visit......

After seeing a pic of my niece for the first time, the idea of two shall become one flesh really hit home.  Clearly, Our Lord designed man to be bonded to woman in a faithful and life-long marriage.  Their intimate love creates another human person with an amazing combination of personality characteristics and physical features.  The act of procreation between spouses is a beautiful invention of God.  It's not something that should be trivialized and cheapened.

I always wondered why it's so easy to get a no-fault divorce.  Just like abortion on demand there's divorce on demand!  I regularly hear a radio advertisement for a law firm that specializes in divorce cases where the husband will potentially lose all his "hard earned assets" to the wife.  The ad makes me cringe as if the dissolved marriage is the wife's fault.  

What if, just what if, Moses never permitted a husband to draw up a bill of divorce. Would the idea of divorce ever become a reality?  If it did, would divorce be such a rare occurrence that only in extreme circumstances (I.e domestic violence) a couple could divorce?  I just think of not only the monetary expense but the emotional toll divorce plays in a couple's lives.  Why even go down that path?  Why not do all it takes to make the marriage work?  When the going gets rough in marriage, the easy way out is divorce. I think if laws made divorce an extremely difficult and complicated process many marriages would stay together.  Marriage is difficult but it's a life long commitment.  

Are you in a difficult marriage?  Turn to a priest or pastor for guidance.  Attend marriage counseling sessions together.  Take time off to attend a Marriage Encounter weekend.  Pray as a couple for the strength to work things out.  One thing so beautiful about the Catholic Church is her devotion to marriage and family.  There is always help available.

-J.

Fires of Gehenna

Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Mark 9:41-50

 “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone

were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 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...."

Avoid Gehenna I admit today's gospel reading is unnerving.  I certainly wouldn't want to cut off my hands, feet or pluck out my eyes in order to avoid Gehenna (the Old Testament interpretation of hell).  However, if being crippled is the only way to avoid such a horrid existence I'd endure it.  Bring on that millstone. (Yikes!)  Overall, I'd prefer not to lead others into sin if I can conscientiously help it.  I deal with enough temptations on my own (i.e. vanity, envy, sensuality).  I don't want to transfer my "sin infection" to others.  Sin can so easily spread like a virus anyway.  We may erroneously think our "sins" only affect us.  In actuality, they can affect our friends and our loved ones.  The Devil doesn't want sin to stay localized.  He wants it to spread like a wild fire burning up relationships and destroying lives.  The only way to quench this out of control fire is through Christ's water fall.  We need to be weary of our sinful nature and find ways to fight temptations.  I admit it's difficult day in and day out NOT to sin.  The little white lies, the personal stuff we do at work, or the aggravation we project on others makes us aware that sin is a constant battle.  Even our Lord was tempted in the desert by the Devil himself.  But, the big difference is he resisted such temptations.  Our Lord knew all too well that following Satan's path  would lead his people into eternal damnation instead of eternal salvation!

Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another.  The first thing I thought of after I read this verse is how cranky I get whenever I don't eat.  My blood sugar drops causing extreme irritability, an inability to concentrate, and overall feeling of sickness.  Keeping a peaceful disposition becomes almost impossible!   When I maintain balanced blood sugar levels by eating "mini" meals throughout the day I'm less prone to arguments and temper flare-ups.  Same thing goes with alcohol.  If I drink my wine in moderation, and don't over indulge, I'm at peace.  Too much drink I don't play so nice.

Spiritual diets In our spiritual diets, heavenly salt is necessary for proper metabolism and vitamin absorption.   We cannot replace salt with "seasoned blends" composed of pride, vanity and sensuality.  We should never think Vitamin W (wealth), Vitamin P (power), and  Vitamin F (fame) will enhance the salty flavor in our spiritual diets.  All of the money, the power, and the success on earth won't be of much use in heaven.  This is why as Christians we must continuously cleanse our palettes.  Throw out the bitter herbs.  Pour out the poisonous liquors.  Refresh our souls with the Salt of the Word.  

Let us not become crippled with sin but healed through the power of the Holy Spirit!

-J.

About God or with God

Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Mark 9:38-40

John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him.

There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.”

I was thinking about how much I really love Our Lord.  Even at times when I feel sad, tempted, and alone I still love him with all of my heart.  Yes, I do feel spiritual dryness, especially when things are rough, but the tremendous love never goes away. God isn't a superficial being.  He isn't a deity that I can ignore and push away whenever I feel like it.  He's always present with me through the good and bad times.

About God or with God I've been reading some interesting stories on the life of Saint Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers.  Everything he did was "about God or with God." In fact, Dominic was so disciplined when it came to chastity, poverty, and obedience that he often ate very little and would spend long vigils in prayer.  He barely slept.  He walked from place to place often on bare feet.  He would perform penance on himself with the use of a chain.  His life was totally and completely absorbed with Christ. He battled against heresy, preaching the Truth of God with great vigor.  In modern day, Dominic's behavior would be described as unusual, even crazy.  Yet, he inspired so many men and women to join the Dominican Order.  His humility, his love for preaching, and his love for Christ radiated in everything he did during his lifetime.  His Spirit still resides in the Order to this day.  I find Saint Dominic's story fascinating as well as the stories of other Dominican Saints.  

Do not prevent  In today's gospel reading, the disciples see someone else driving out demons in the name of Jesus who isn't a disciple.  They are concerned that this "imposter" shouldn't be doing this.  Jesus makes it clear not to prevent this man from his actions:  There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me.  

We should never prevent the Christian message from being proclaimed accurately and enthusiastically.  It doesn't matter what denomination a Christian is affiliated with (Protestant or Catholic).  The good news needs to be preached to the masses.  What's great about social media is the Christian message is easily available.  Anybody who wants to learn more about Jesus Christ can look up scripture passages, read blogs like this one, or watch videos.  Of course, Christians regularly encounter atheists who want to spread their vile hate and ignorance all over the Internet.  We understand the Lord's message will be subject to slander.  However, the positive Christian message outweighs the atheist's negative rhetoric. The Gospel Truth will prevail regardless of attempts to eradicate it!

As our society becomes more secularized and less religious, people will naturally begin to hunger for spirituality.  They will realize that materialism and commercialism doesn't quite quench their thirst.  People will sense something missing. Belief in God brings about an interior peace that's indescribable. Even better, knowing that God loves us unconditionally makes life worth living.  Life is one momentous step to heaven, the final destination for our souls!  Let us not turn away from God but invite him into our hearts.  

"About God or with God" - Let's always remember these words!

Saint Dominic, Pray for Us!

-J.

All Puffed Up with Pride

Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Mark 9:30-37

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent.For they had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them,“If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”

Why is pride one of the seven deadly sins?  It places the selfish ego above everything else.  Pride makes us think we are supreme beings.  Oftentimes, a prideful man (or woman) looks his (her) head down on others.  It's all about me, myself and I.   People puffed up with pride think the world revolves around them.  These people are so attractive, wealthy and educated that they assume others should bow down  and worship them.  In many instances, pride  leads to idolatry.  The prideful prefer to worship  themselves and their material gains instead of Our Lord and His heavenly reign!

Interesting the disciples remain silent when Jesus asks what the arguing was all about.  The disciples understand all too well their talk about "who's the greatest" wasn't  fruitful conversation.  Instead of arguing who's greatest among their group, they should all unanimously agree that God is the greatest.  Aren't they serving their Lord and savior?  Haven't they been commissioned to be humble and good role models to others? Why engage in all this prideful talk about who is the greatest?  Rest assured, a person who thinks of himself as first will be seen as last in the eyes of God.

With a prideful attitude, we are less likely to help others because we think we are so much better.  In fact, we can easily turn people off by our arrogance.  Nobody wants to put up with someone too full of himself.  I've met some stunning men in my lifetime.....and they were very well aware of their beauty.  One guy I briefly dated regularly manicure his nails and treated his skin with tea tree oil.  His gorgeous outer appearance masked a very hollow interior.  He simply was not all that great.  In fact, he treated women like  garbage.  He quickly threw me out to the curb when I was  a little too honest.  He wasn't used to a woman NOT swooning over him, falling for his superficiality.  Moreover, he wasn't used to a woman a thousand times smarter!  (Yikes, now I sound prideful!)

Pride is an easy sin for all of us to fall into.  Let's always keep in mind that God is the greatest.  We are small in comparison!

-J.

Spiritual Snippet -- 25 Ways to Pray

The Lenten Season begins with Ash Wednesday on March 8th, 2014.  Your "Lenten resolution" may involve enhancing your prayer life.  Here is a list of 25 Ways to Pray.  These are actions I've found useful in my own prayer journey.  I understand how difficult it is to find time out of a busy day to pray.  But, it can be done.  It just takes willingness and discipline.  I always feel better after a brief prayer period with our Lord.  You can, too!

1.  Pray with the liturgy at Mass.  Make an extra effort to attend daily mass during Lent.

2.  Adore the Blessed Sacrament for as little as fifteen minutes.  Dedicating a holy hour on a weekly basis will really enhance your spiritual life.

3.  Pray the rosary daily.  (It brings about so much inner peace.)

4.  Say a prayer of blessing before all meals.

5.  Pray the noon Angelus.

6.  Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

7.  Pray the  Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) morning, evening and night prayers -  (This is my personal favorite form of prayer. Very spiritually engaging along with the rosary.)

8.  Pray the Act of Contrition before retiring each night.

9.  At the Consecration, recite the Fatima Prayer when priest holds up the host and chalice. (I've done this for years and find it connects me to the Eucharistic Lord in a more intimate way.)

10.  Say a short prayer of thanksgiving when something good happens in your life.

11.  Pray a prayer of remembrance after hearing of someone passing away.

12.  Visit a nearby cemetery and silently pray as you look at the tombstones.

13.  Pray the Pope's intention of the week.

14.  Pray for 5 minutes while in the shower or bath.

15.  Pray while driving in your car with the aide of a recording or radio broadcast.

16.  Think about social injustices important to you and silently pray for an end to issues.

17.  During job breaks, spend a couple of minutes with eyes closed praying for God to help your work efforts.

18.  Pray for the Souls in purgatory.

19.  Pray while reading sacred scripture.

20.  Pray through the writings of Saints.

21.  Install a Catholic prayer app on your smartphone and pray with it often.

22.  Memorize scripture passages you find inspiring and recite them as a form of prayer.

23.  Pray for the people you don't like and for your enemies!  

24. Each day Google search "prayer" and see what you find.

25.  Pray micro-prayers - only a few short phrases.  The Jesus Prayer is a great example.

Remember our Lord wants you to talk to him on a daily basis.  Don't be a stranger.  Be a good friend to a Our Lord.  Always set aside time throughout the day to pray and to reflect.

-J.

You Can Do It!

Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Mark 9:14-29

Jesus said to him,“‘If you can!’ Everything is possible to one who has faith.”Then the boy’s father cried out, “I do believe, help my unbelief!”Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering, rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it,“Mute and deaf spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!” Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!” But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up. When he 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.”

You Can Do It  On Ebay, I recently purchased an official Vatican Pope Francis rosary.  It features large blue crystal beads with an icon of the Pope along with the four basilicas.  It will arrive blessed by the Pontiff with an official papal certificate.  I should receive the rosary within the next two weeks.  I've been on the look out for a Pope Francis rosary for some time now.  Most of them are cheap souvenir types.  This one is different.  It's one of the rosaries the Holy Father gives to special guests who meet with him.  I plan to pray this rosary as part of my Lenten observance.

I definitely need more of a "You Can Do It!" mentality.  In today's gospel reading, I love how the epileptic's father says to Jesus: If you can do anything have compassion on us.....I believe, help my unbelief!  He knows Christ can heal his son who has been sick since a child.  The boy is cured by Jesus and Jesus alone.  The disciples couldn't even heal the boy!  What was the difference?  Prayer.  

 Spiritual Dryness Lately, life has really beaten me up emotionally. My attitude hasn't been the best.  I'm afraid I'm entering a dry spell when it comes to my faith.  I realize prayer is the best way for me to relieve the dryness.  Yet, I'm having trouble concentrating.  I'm not hearing Our Lord speak to me as clearly as he did just a few months ago.  Envy of others keep creeping into my mind and my heart.  Even after going to reconciliation I'm still fighting the envy and jealousy fight.  I wonder if I will ever be able to like the beauty and uniqueness of myself.  Why do I always seem to desire to be like someone else?  Why can't I be happy with how the Lord created me?  Why do I long for other people's talents and not be satisfied with my own?  I think others probably can relate to feelings of inadequacy and discontent.  We always feel a competitiveness.  We always want to "one up" someone else.  We just have a hard time being satisfied with what Our Lord has given to us!  

The disciples could have become discouraged when they were unable to heal the epileptic boy.  They could have harbored envy toward our Lord thinking, "Well, we pray just as much as Jesus.  How come our prayer didn't work?"  However, disciples accepted the fact that sometimes only God can truly heal.  We go to the doctor when we're sick.  Also, we try healing ourselves with herbal remedies and concoctions.  But, sometimes Our Lord is the only one who can heal us from our sufferings.  

My Lenten goal is to prayerfully ask God's assistance in remedying my sadness, feelings of inadequacy, and envy toward others.  I ask for Our Lord to allow me to see the good within myself.  I want a "You can do it!" attitude where I'm able to push away my negative thoughts and form them into positive actions.  Allow Lent to transform me into a better person!

-J. 

Imaginary Enemy

Sunday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Matthew 5:38-48

“You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.

But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,

and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust...."

Today is my weekend off from liturgical ministry.  I attended Saturday evening mass, so I planned to sleep in this morning.  It didn't work out too well.  I woke up even earlier than usual due to another one of my sweat inducing dreams.  I can't recall the details, but it got me thinking about the power of the imagination.   Human imagination is a beautiful gift from God.  With the ability to creatively "think out of the box" people make amazing discoveries and inventions everyday.  The genius of imagination created comforts we often take for granted such as electricity, automobiles, and even the flushable toilet.  

Imagination can bring about so much good.  However, imagination can also harm.  For every new drug discovery that cures a disease there's also one that leads to addiction.  For every precious gemstone unearthed for a woman to proudly wear on her finger someone dies for the blood money.  (I think of mining in African countries.)  For every Internet broadband connection unleashed to areas of the world as a way of enhancing  communication it opens a portal to child predation and identity theft.  The examples go on and on.....

In today's beautiful gospel reading, Jesus reminds us we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute.  This is extremely difficult at times, especially if it involves people who harm others like drug dealers, murderers, and computer hackers.  

Oftentimes, we may think we are up against an enemy when we really aren't.  We butt our heads against an imaginary enemy.  How can this be?  This may sound strange but often our greatest enemy lies in the form of fear and anxiety.  We allow unnecessary fear to create make-believe situations that cause us to overreact.  I think of the traffic accident when the highway suddenly stops.  Drivers can't see what is ahead so they immediately think some idiot is the cause.  This can result in frustration, anger, and road rage.  Another example may be when we go to the doctor for a medical test.  Out of fear, we already assume we're diseased.  Our minds begin passing on the blame:  I should never have slept with that loser who gave me HIV!...Uh, if I'm pregnant I will make the father pay child support! That horrible man!

Life is too short to waste time and energy constantly worrying about enemies whether real people or imaginary.  Turn that hate and resentment into love.  Turn that fear and anxiety into something useful and positive.  Pray for God to help you overcome negativity.  Just think of the amount of stress we can release by lifting up our enemies to God saying: "Dear Lord, here is enemy XYZ.  Please provide me with the strength and grace to love instead of hate.  Please settle down my fears and anxieties so I'm not quick to overreact.  I love you so much!  I sincerely want to be able to pass that love to everyone even those people I don't like who make life so difficult.  Thank you for your infinite blessings.  Amen!"

-J.

Keys to Heaven

Feast of the Chair of Saint a Peter, Apostle

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Gospel of Matthew 16:13-19

"And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the neither world shall not prevail against it.  I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.  Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven; and whatever is loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, the apostle.  Pope Benedict XVI describes the meaning of the "chair" eloquently:

"The chair represents (the pope's) mission as guide to the entire people of God.  Celebrating the 'Chair' of Peter means  attributing a strong spiritual significance to it and recognizing it as a privileged sign of the love of God."

Jesus giving the keys of heaven to Saint Peter lays down the foundation for the birth of the Catholic Church.  Saint Peter, technically our first "Pope", will be responsible for not only spreading the Christian faith but also growing the Church.  Today, Pope Francis and other popes of the past follow this same lineage.  One thing fundamentally different about the Catholic church versus the Protestant church is this idea of papacy.  Unfortunately, some people think Catholics "worship" the Pope just like they do Mary and statues of the Saints.  This is far from the truth!!  

Whenever I read this passage from scripture, the idea of "binding and loosing" has always confused me.  It's difficult to interpret and even after studying it extensively I still don't quite get it.  I'm no theologian or biblical scholar.  But, how I see it is this:  Jesus  chose Saint Peter as the future leader of the Christian Church.  Whatever Saint Peter decides is good for the Church or bad for the Church, God will inspire and influence such a decision. There will be continuous spiritual dialog between God in heaven and the Vicar of Christ on earth. God will not leave Peter alone to continue his mission without divine assistance.  In fact, divine assistance will continue with all future Popes.  Our Lord will not allow his Church to fail!  We've seen through the centuries how the Catholic church has been attacked from all fronts.  Even to this day the church is bombarded by resentment, hate, and misunderstanding. Yet, 2000 years later it still remains.  It's still growing by leaps and bounds, especially in Africa and Latin America.  The Catholic Church is strong and vigilant.  It will not be crushed or torn apart!

Let us continuously pray for Pope Francis.  He has such a difficult and stressful job!  However, he's doing amazingly well.  His personality and friendliness is putting the Catholic church in a more positive framework, especially in media circles.  Yes, we still have our problems and our wounds.  The Catholic church is not perfect.  However, it's promising to know that Our Lord really has everything under control.  The fact that our cardinals elected the first Latin American to the papacy is amazing in itself.  The fact that Pope Francis' personality is drawing people back to the faith is remarkable. I can't imagine the Catholic church without the chair of Peter as leader.

-J.

Take Up Your Cross

Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Mark 8:34-9:1

Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them,“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.  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?

Monthly confession As part of my spiritual formation, I'm making an effort to go to monthly confession.  I find it extremely beneficial in handling everyday crosses and disappointments. (I don't always have mortal sins but confess bothersome venial sins.)  It's been an emotionally tolling February. I've been more impatient than usual. Not only am I experiencing seasonal "winter blues" and cedar allergies but people I know are dying left and right.  I attend a parish with a high proportion of elderly parishioners, so death is to be expected.  Mr. Mortality is ringing my life line with a loud wake-up call! Even though I'm still fairly "young" I never know when the Lord will decide to take me away.  I need to live each day as if it were my last. Don't live the day all anxious and worried.  Even when annoying crosses beat me down keep trekking along that narrow path to holiness, slowly climbing the mountain to heaven.  Think of creative ways to make each day more fulfilling.  

I recommend visiting the Sacrament of Reconciliation monthly.  It's a powerful way of cleansing our debilitating habitual sins.

Our crosses  Every single person on earth experiences some type of cross.  It may be physical, emotional, professional, personal or even financial.  The cross may involve the family.  The cross may be in the form of an addiction.  Nobody is exempt from struggle.  If people say they have no crosses to bear, they are not speaking the truth!  

How we handle our crosses is key.  It's important we don't blame others for things that happen wrong in our lives.  We must accept that circumstances will not always be perfect.  We may not have our dream job, spouse, or children.  We may suffer from a terrible disability or recently accepted a cancer diagnosis.  The best way to help us get through our crosses is to turn to Our Lord for comfort and guidance.  We should bravely and confidently follow Christ even when the weight of our crosses appears too heavy.  One by one crosses will be lifted as our faith in God grows.  Not all crosses are permanent.  Sometimes our struggles are only a temporary set-back designed for us to learn a lesson.  More permanent crosses like a degenerative disease are designed for us to explore ways we can be a good example to others.  Have you ever known of someone who knew they only had a few months to live but still remained positive?  Have you ever known someone who lost a job but within a few weeks found a new one?  These people displayed the right attitude.  They didn't moan and groan about their plight. They didn't give up and hate God forever!  They took the cross as a challenge which bonded them closer to Our Lord.  We can survive anything if we know Our Lord is holding our hand and guiding us.  We will encourage others in their own struggles as we positively and humbly accept our own crosses. 

I recently read an excellent book called "The Difference Maker" by John C. Maxwell.  It includes the poem "The Bend in the Road" by Helen Steiner Rice.  The last few stanzas are perfect for today's meditation:

"So relax and grow stronger.  
Let go and let God share your load,
Your work is not finished or ended,
You've just come to a bend in the road."  

Remember to take up your cross courageously, follow Christ, and become an amazing and positive witness to others!

-J.

Think as God Thinks

Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Mark 8:7-33

Jesus and his disciples set out

for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples,“Who do people say that I am?” They said in reply,“John the Baptist, others Elijah,still others one of the prophets.”And he asked them,“But who do you say that I am?”Peter said to him in reply,

“You are the Christ.”Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him.

You are the Christ  Interesting we've spent weeks reading from the Gospel of Mark about the disciples' lack of understanding.  Finally one of them gets it.  Peter acknowledges that Jesus is the Christ.  This is a very important revelation.  As "Christ" Jesus is distinct from John the Baptist, Elijah and all of the prophets of the old covenant.  Jesus is someone new and fresh. A man both human and divine.  His uniqueness will forever change the course of salvation history.  Later Peter rebukes Jesus for predicting his own death. Peter and the disciples would love for their Master to be with them forever.  Why should Jesus talk about rejection, suffering and dying?  Why not think positive?  In this case, Peter "gets it" temporarily but then falls right back to a lack of understanding.  Jesus responds to Peter:  "Get behind me Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do."  Obviously the disciples have difficulty thinking as God does.  Most of us would probably experience the same difficulty.  How God thinks is often foreign to the way humans think.

How Humans Think    In the last 20 years, especially with the spread of social media, humans "thoughts" are globally accessible.  The technological "Me Generation"  has promoted individualism to a new plateau.  Everybody seems to have an unsolicited opinion.    

The way a human thinks isn't always rational.  Thoughts can become highly emotional.  These emotions turn into prejudices and bias that don't always sync with how God thinks.  We naturally desire luxury, wealth, sophistication, comfort and appreciation.  We praise successful, philanthropic people.  But, then we look our heads down on the "losers" of the world:  the perpetually unemployed, the poverty stricken, illegal immigrants, the disabled, the mentally handicapped, and others who come across as weird.  

Rich vs. Poor Just the other day I received a copy of our bi-weekly diocese newspaper. On the front page cover was a tribute to one of the wealthiest couples in our diocese.  They give millions to Catholic education and other philanthropic efforts.  Yes, they deserve recognition and acknowledgement.  However, I thought to myself:  Why doesn't the paper feature a front page article on a homeless person, the student or an immigrant that this wealthy couple helped? Why is the media quick to acknowledge the rich before the poor? The popular wealthy is portrayed as somehow better and more newsworthy than the unpopular poor. I frown that our diocesian newspaper usually includes photographs of the same priests and the same benefactors over and over. Humans think in terms of favoritism. People gravitate toward people they generally like and know well.  However, Our Lord steps outside of favoritism boundaries showing how much he loved and respected everyone regardless of money or popularity.  In fact, he gave extra graces toward those that nobody else cared for......That's how God thinks!

 If Jesus was the editor of our diocese newspaper, I bet he'd publish on the front page a story involving a leper.  He wouldn't be embarrassed to put a grotesque picture of a deformed human instead of a beautiful picture of a benefactor dressed in black tie.  Shocking as it is, Jesus thought of the lowest of the low as beautiful!  

Why don't we take a few minutes out of our day to think as God thinks.  Are we being caring and compassionate?  Are we honoring those different from us?  Are we showing humility toward others?  Do we see the beauty in the ugly?  Are we willing to honor and praise those who may not be the wealthiest or most popular?  Are we willing to love everyone without pre-conceived judgment and bias?  Think as God thinks!

-J.






  

Righteous Anger

Wednesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

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Letter of Saint James 1:19-27

Know this, My dear brothers and sisters:  everyone should be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger for anger does not accomplish the righteousness of God..... 

The letter of James is one of my favorite books of the New Testament.  Rich in wisdom and advice on how to live a good Christian life, the text helps me reflect on my own behavior.  I'm not always quiet and reserved.  Sometimes I can be hot-tempered.  I don't fly off the handle as often as I used to.  As I've aged, and learned hard lessons, I'm able to control my anger.   For example, this morning I waited in a long drive-thru line at Starbucks.  The baristas were not very well organized.  I was asked twice what I ordered.  The second time I answered in an impatient voice, "I ordered a tall Cafe Americano and there are 20 people waiting behind me!" The lady apologized, handed me my order, and I calmly said "Thank-you." In the past I would've cursed, yelled, and honked my horn in anger.  Trust me: Displays of a bad temper don't look good in public.  In fact, it doesn't resolve the problem and often makes it worse. 

We are reminded to be slow to anger.  Anger is not a bad thing.  What's bad is when we engage in unproductive anger.  A lot of times we cannot change circumstances.   We can't always get away from the pokey driver in front of us on the highway.  We can't control the price of gasoline (petrol) going up during the summertime.  We can't control what our teenagers will try to get away with doing next!  However, there is a time for righteous anger.  This is anger when we as Christians see injustice in the world around us.  I think about the violation of religious freedom and oppression happening to Christians in the Arab world.  I think of the thousands of babies killed by abortion each and every day.  I think of the poverty stricken people who do not have enough food to eat or even running water to clean with.  These are injustices we should be angry enough about that we vow to remedy!!  

Our Lord became angry several times in the gospels, righteously so!  For example, we read about how he took a whip to drive out the money changers in the temple.  Also, we read about his confrontations with the scribes and Pharisees.  

The next time we feel angry about something, let us stop and think:  "Is this something our Lord would be angry about?  Is this a trivial issue?  Is this a problem that I cannot control?  Is this a problem I can fix if I simmered down my anger and came up with a creative solution?"

Useless, unproductive anger wastes a lot of energy.  It increases stress and anxiety.  It's clouds the mind and the heart where good decisions may be difficult to make. It's a type of anger that tears us away from God and from others.  If we do become angry, let us convert the anger into positive change.  Righteous anger is something necessary when it comes injustice.  Righteous anger can turn into love when it's used in a purposeful, meaningful way.


-J.

Understanding God

Tuesday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Mark 8:14-21

“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 broke the five loaves for the five thousand,

how many wicker baskets full of fragments you picked up?” They answered him, “Twelve.” “When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many full baskets of fragments did you pick up?” They answered him, “Seven.” He said to them, “Do you still not understand?

A Lack of Understanding In the Gospel of Mark, we read again about the disciples' lack of understanding.  The way Jesus speaks in riddles and answers questions with questions I don't blame them for being confused! Yet, the disciples persevered and stayed loyal to our Lord. They listened to Jesus and learned from him the best they knew how. As simple Jewish fisherman, some of the apostles may not have been as well-educated and literate as others.  This may have presented more of a challenge to our Lord.  It took longer for his core group to learn.  Their full comprehension was necessary for the spreading of the Truth in ways that will convert minds to Christ.

Harden Hearts  I think if all of the apostles' hearts were  hardened they would not have been as effective in ministry.  They'd be easily persuaded to work on the side of the Pharisees and scribes.  Of course, we already know Judas the Iscariot possessed a harden heart from the very beginning.  He betrayed the Lord in the worst way possible:  by turning him over to the authorities for crucifixion and in exchange for a few silver coins!  Thank the Lord the other apostles didn't follow the same path of evil.

Many times we understand God but choose to not listen and  learn.  We are so "in bed" with our own selfishness that we make the same mistakes over and over. Simply put: Many of us don't want to change.  We are happy in our own sinful ways.  We love ourselves so much we choose to disobey God's Commandments. We love our habits and addictions in ways that turn them into idols of worship.  We love immersing ourselves in negativity more than showering ourselves with the positive light of the Holy Spirit.  

Twelve fragments of bread represent the 12 disciples.  Seven fragments of bread represent the 7 Holy Sacraments.  How many fragments of bread will it take for us to understand God?  It should take only one:  Our tremendous faith.  Faith truly nourishes our hearts and soul!  

Lent begins only in a few more weeks.  This season we should attempt to better understand God in line with Church traditions.  Let's make an effort to attend daily mass as often as possible.  Pray the rosary daily.  Schedule an appointment in front of the Blessed Sacrament for an hour.  Make a humble and contrite confession.  Discover new ways of helping others.  

-J.

Spiritual Snippet -- Breaking Unlawful Soul Ties

The president of our Lay Dominican group gave each of us a copy of the book titled "The Holy Rosary for Purity of Body, Mind and Spirit" by Kathleen Beckman.  It's one of the best little Marian prayer books I've ever come across.  The book includes prayers for purity aligned with the mysterious of the rosary.  In the back of the book are some beautiful prayers relating to purity, chastity, and healing.  There's one in particular prayer that really spoke to me.  The prayer is titled "Breaking Unhealthy Soul Ties."  WOW!  This is a prayer I've need for many many years.  Throughout my life I've become mixed up with people and things terrible for me.  Too bad I didn't know this prayer back in the day, but now that I do I'd like to share it with my readers.

Breaking Unhealthy Soul Ties 

 (Source:  "The Holy Rosary of the Body, Mind and Spirit"  pg. 54)

Lord Jesus Christ, make clear to me those relations, past or present, not in accordance with your most perfect will.  If I accidentally or deliberately entered into a  friendship that developed into an unlawful soul tie, please break that unholy bond by the power of your Precious Blood.  I take up the sword of the Spirit and lay it to cut all unlawful soul ties.  I ask you to break all the bonds between me and persons of my past, especially those with whom I have been intimate, who attached to me against your divine will.

Strengthen the bonds of human friendship where you are glorified; and cut away the bonds of friendship that do not glorify you.  I repent of any pain inflicted on persons because of an unholy soul-tie.  Thank you for cutting me free and protect me from repeating behavior that leads to  unholy, inappropriate relationships.  Holy Spirit, grant me the charism of discernment and wisdom please. 

The next time we are tempted to engage in unhealthy relationships or habits, we should pray this prayer.  With the help of God, we will be able to steer clear of relationships that are abusive or manipulative.  We will be able to rid ourselves of co-dependency and addictions.  Praying this prayer along with the daily recitation of the holy rosary will gives us the power to remain pure!  

-J.

The Heavenly Test

Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Tim

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Mark 8:11-13

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said,

“Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”

When I was in school, I despised standardized tests!  The scantron form was a pain in the you-know-what.  (Do kids even still use those things anymore?)  I always performed better on essays and short-answer tests than  multiple choice exams.  With a written response, there's always room for interpretation.  Partial credit is often awarded.  With a multiple choice question, the answer is either right or wrong.  No gray area!

In today's gospel, the Pharisees argue with Jesus.  They insist on a sign from heaven.  It's the ultimate test.  Of course, the Pharisees want Jesus to give them the "correct" answer but only to the "standard" of their own interpretation. See, this isn't a fair test.  It's a test designed for Jesus to fail.  This way the Pharisees can gather the evidence needed for an early conviction.  Jesus sighed from the depth of his spirit.  He remained calm even though I'm sure anger brewed internally.   Those pesky Pharisees were aggravating him beyond measure!   He refers to the Pharisees as "this generation."  Interesting.  Obviously this generation wouldn't fully understand and appreciate a heavenly sign if Jesus agreed to give one.  The Pharisees and scribes were part of the old covenant.  They would never comprehend the concept of Jesus and his new covenant.  If Jesus gave the Pharisees a heavenly test, they would get a big fat F! All the studying in the world would never convert their stubborn hearts.

If Jesus gave us a heavenly test right now, would we pass?  What kind of questions would Jesus ask?  Multiple choice questions, essay question, or short answer?  A mixture of all types?  

Firstly, Jesus would test us on our degrees of love and kindness toward others.  Do we live by the golden rule?  Secondly, he'd ask us if prayer is a regular practice.  What types of prayer do we engage in?  Thirdly, he's ask us if we celebrate the sacraments regularly.  Do we go to Mass every Sunday?  Finally, he'd ask us how much we love him.  Are we willing to become a martyr for the faith?  Are we willing to spread the good news of Christ to others? 

The ultimate heavenly sign proving Jesus' divinity was his death and resurrection.  He died for our salvation.  How could the Pharisees understand something so above their strict laws?  We as Christians understand exactly what Jesus Christ is all about.  He's faith, hope, and love.  He's our Lord and our Savior.  He lives and breathes with us through the everyday movements of the Holy Spirit.

The only way we'd fail the heavenly test is if we no longer believed in God and performed actions so horrendous only hell has space for us.  Let's choose to believe.  Let's choose to live a life that's morally sound and in line with Christ's teachings.

-J. 

A Confession from Interior Darkness

I've started writing poetry whenever I feel sad, lonely, and insecure.  After praying my rosary yesterday afternoon, I was inspired to write the following verses.  Maybe some readers can relate.

A Confession from  Interior Darkness (An Original Poem)

Dear God, please forgive me;

For what I have done.

I've treated people badly;

With instincts to run.

Run away from guilt;

For the harm that I've caused.

I'm so ashamed of myself;

I wish I had paused.

To think before I acted;

Been kind, merciful, and loving.

But instead I behaved wrongly;

Not at all becoming;

Of a woman created in your image;

Your likeness and your love.

I desire to correct my sins;

With guidance from above.

I pray to you, My Dear Lord.

Wipe away this jealousy;

That haunts my mind and heart;

And stirs up animosity.

I wish I was younger;

More attractive, smart and devout.

I see this in others;

And then I begin to doubt.

Why was I born?

What's my purpose on earth?

Nobody seems to notice me;

What am I worth?

Am I a precious emerald;

Prized for its rarity?

Or am I a fake gemstone;

 Only worth a penny?

You see beauty in me, Lord

Why do I see ugliness?

I know you love me, Lord.

Why do I feel worthless?

I pray for the courage

To tackle my insecurities;

I pray for a positive attitude;

That will change my priorities.

No longer do I drown

In self pity and shame.

Lift the heaviest cloud;

Dragging me down in pain.

Most of my inner thoughts

Keep me feeling low;

But the gentle Words of God;

Begin a radiant glow;

Warming my heart, soothing my mind;

Greatly infused with love;

Love so healing and so perfect.

It impossible to unplug.

This light so bright;

It gives me hope;

This light so bright;

I can cope!

No more  darkness;

to ruin my soul;

Christ is present;

I'm never alone.

-J.

A Gift of Reconciliation

Sunday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Matthew 5:17-37

 “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift..."

Anniversary of Our Parish Dedication Today my parish celebrates the 28 year anniversary of the dedication of our church building.  This morning as I looked around our aging facility, I thought of the hundreds of thousands of people who've worshiped in our beautiful church over nearly 30 years.  We've held hundreds of masses, funerals, weddings, first communions, and baptisms. Our church is definitely a gift to the surrounding Catholic community. 

Not Getting Along In parish life, we don't always get along with everybody we meet.  We may not necessarily like the person in the pew next to us.  Maybe he or she has said something offensive.  Maybe the person comes across as aloof or judgmental.  Whatever the case, it's natural for us to not always feel comfortable around someone.  Sometimes that uncomfortable feeling turns into anger or contempt.  Our Lord says that we must reconcile with our neighbor before we  present a gift on the altar.  In other words, our hearts should be free from mortal sin before we receive communion.  The Eucharist is a gift from God.  If we are at odds with another person, we are at odds with God.  

A Gift of Reconciliation I know whenever I'm feeling anger, resentment or frustration toward someone I head off to confession as soon as possible.  I speak to the priest about what's going inside my mind and my heart.  The penance I'm given often resolves around not only apologizing to the person but praying for their own soul!  Jesus provides us with the gift of reconciliation, but as Christians we can give the gift of reconciliation to others, too.  We can forgive their offenses.  We can accept their limitations.  We can make an effort to treat them with respect.  

Reconciliation is such a positive action!  It's a way to release burdens and struggles.  I'ts a way to release tension and fear.  Reconciliation opens our hearts to Christ and to everyone around us.  It's easier to love one another when we are reconciled with one another.  

Let's make amends with people and pray for them!  It will make us feel a whole lot better.

-J.

Breaking Bread

Saturday of the a Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of a Mark 8:1-10

He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then, taking the seven loaves he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute, and they distributed them to the crowd. They also had a few fish. He said the blessing over them and ordered them distributed also. They ate and were satisfied.

Pity for the Hungry Crowd  In today's gospel reading, Jesus is moved with pity by the hunger of the crowds. The people stood by him for three days listening to his preaching and witnessing his miracles.  Can you imagine not eating for three days?  Can you imagine your stomach growling and your mouth dry? Just think being physically present with Jesus made those hunger pains worth enduring!   Jesus multiplied the loaves of bread and fish for his people: He broke bread, gave thanks, and gave them to his disciples.  We hear these similar words at the Consecration of the Holy Mass in remembrance of the Last Supper.  We are invited to the Eucharistic table daily.  Christ's spiritual food provides us with daily nourishment.  This nourishment keeps our hearts, minds, and souls bonded to Christ.

Do you hunger and thirst for Christ in communion?  Do you acknowledge his true presence in the form of bread and wine?  

Breaking Bread with Others  I think most people enjoy eating meals with friends and family.  It's a time of  pleasant conversation, shared stories, laughter, and advice bonding us as human beings.  In our times of despair, we may not feel like breaking bread with others.  We prefer to isolate ourselves.  This way we can wallow in our own self-pity and think negatively.  Sometimes the best therapy is surrounding ourselves with others! Just listening to another person's problems can bring a new perspective on our own struggles. What we experience may not be so bad.  Why stay home alone and dwell?  I find attending Mass regularly and becoming active in a parish community is a wonderful way of getting out of ourselves.  When we minister to others, life seems to take a more positive route.  When we interact with other Christians in a meaningful way, we discover ways to deal with the issues we face.

The Holy Eucharist is a powerful form of healing.  I find frequent reception of communion keeps me well-balanced and more aware of others around me.  I feel the need to give rather than receive.    I feel more at peace with my life circumstances. Christ gave us his precious body and his blood as tokens of his deep love for us!  

-J.  

Open Your Heart : What Do You Hear?

Friday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

Memorial of Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop

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Gospel of Mark 7:31-37

And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue;

then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him,“Ephphatha!” (that is,“Be opened!”)

And immediately the man’s ears were opened,

his speech impediment was removed and he spoke plainly. 

It's V-Day  Today is Valentine's Day. As a single woman this is not one of my favorite observances.   I'm sad that I don't have that special "someone" in my life.  No flowers, chocolates or a romantic candlelight dinner. One of my friends recently told me:  "Jennifer, you could have a boyfriend if you really wanted one, but you choose not to!"  She's right.  What I desire most is opening my heart to the Lord.  Jesus is my heavenly valentine who loves me unconditionally!  He never hurts. He never abandons. He lifts me up in sorrow and provides grace along the narrow path to holiness. I desire to form a close relationship with HIM so I can grow in inner beauty. I don't always think I deserve to be loved and cherished.  I've allowed men to "use" me for so long that I don't know anything better.   I'm more comfortable staying away than exploring love.  I pray that God will  heal my wounded heart so I will be emotionally available to a life partner someday. There's always hope!

Ephphatha!   Jesus commands, "Be Opened!" as he heals the man's speech impediment.  I think of people who are deaf to the words of Christ.  I think of people who's hearts are so harden with anger, guilt, sadness, and indifference. If Jesus lived today, would any of these people be open to a miraculous healing?  Would they open their hearts, converting to Christ?  

Being Open  Being open to God doesn't mean being so "open minded" that we stray away from morality.  It doesn't surprise me that romantic love is so heavily emphasized in society today.  We see it on television, movies, news articles, advertisements, and even music.  Romantic love and sex sells!  Fraternal love and chastity is non-profitable.  This is really sad.  Just think if the reverse was popular. The idea of "openness" would mean something way different.

Open your heart to Christ.  What do you hear?  What is he telling you to do?  He loves you so much and wants your love in return!

-J.