Signs and Wonders

Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent

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Gospel of John 4:43-54

Now there was a royal official whose son was ill in Capernaum.

When he heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea,

he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, who was near death. Jesus said to him,“Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” The royal official said to him,“Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus said to him, “You may go; your son will live.”The man believed what Jesus said to him and left.

Signs Yesterday, my mother and I briefly chatted on the phone about the 5.1 magnitude earthquake that shook the Los Angeles area last Friday followed by hundreds of aftershocks. Having lived in the Bay area for many years, my mom experienced a couple of quakes herself!  We discussed "signs" of when an earthquake is about to happen.  Even with advanced technology it's still difficult to predict.  Sometimes the only indication is when wild life suddenly behave erratically.  Since nobody knows with 100% accuracy when the next major earthquake will happen, preparation is key.  Buildings are constructed to withstand severe earth movement.  People are drilled on emergency evacuation procedures.  How foolish if Californians all of the sudden said:  "We don't believe in earthquakes.  They won't ever happen again in our life time.  Show me a sign one will happen this instant!" Yikes!  Well, I think past history says a lot about the future especially when millions of people live right on a fault line.  

Wonders  The Pharisees, scribes, and others constantly want to see "signs" in order to believe Jesus is the Messiah.  What if they had blind faith?  What if they just took the word of the crowds and immediately became believers, too?  No, that would be too easy!  We know conflict and dissension is part of God's plan. 

 What's interesting about Jesus healing the royal official's child is that he goes no where near the child.  He doesn't enter the house, touch or speak to the child.  All Jesus says to the royal official is, "You may go; your son will live."  This is sharp contrast to Sunday's gospel reading where Jesus rubs blind man's eyes with his saliva and clay paste.  Jesus is physically present and performing his miracle in front of others.  It appears as if Jesus is beginning to distance himself  knowing his life is about to dramatically change.  People will no longer flood to him with kindness and compassion seeking miracles.  They will want to seek his flesh and blood instead.  

What if Jesus lived beyond his 33 years?  What more could he have accomplished?  We will always wonder "what if?"

Let us recognize God's gifts and blessings in ourselves as well as others.  Let us use a little bit of imagination and wonder when it comes to building a better relationship with our Lord.  Always believe no matter how bad circumstances get in life.  There's something comforting about knowing God is with us through every step of the way.  When the big and small tremors of everyday life hit, Our Lord is there to save us no matter what magnitude!

-J.

Blind And Now I See!

Fourth Sunday of Lent  

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Gospel of John 9:1-38

As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth. He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes,and said to him, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” — which means Sent —. So he went and washed, and came back able to see.

Anointing of the Sick   My parish celebrated the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick at the early morning mass.  How appropriate considering the gospel reading talks about Jesus giving sight to a blind man since birth.  As each sick parishioner received a blessing, I wondered the nature of the illness. Not everyone coming up to the altar appeared elderly or disabled. Some looked perfectly healthy.  Then I thought:  "How many other people sitting in the pews may be sick but are too embarrassed to stand at the altar? It takes a lot of courage to recognize our own sickness and ask for God's healing!"  

Spit and Clay - Yuck?!   Once the blind man sees, he is asked by people "How are you able to see?"  He's not only asked this question once but several additional times.  I'm sure the poor man found this very annoying!  Why can't these people get it?  Why all the questioning?  Why the drama?  Why can't the people just celebrate the miracle and believe Jesus Christ as the Prophet?  Unfortunately, the blind man's healing only intensified controversy among the Jews and Pharisees. Jesus was stirring up too much dust.

I found this beautiful quote from Saint Thomas Aquinas featured in the book "A Lenten Journey with Jesus Christ and St. Thomas Aquinas"  by Rev. Paul Keller O.P.  It explains the significance of Jesus using spittle, clay and the pool of Solam to heal the blind man:

Augustine gives the mystical and allegorical explanation.  He says that the spittle, which is saliva that descends from the head, signifies the Word of God, who proceeds from the Father, the head of all things:  "I came forth from the mouth of the Most High" (Sir 24:3).  Therefore, the Lord made clay from the spittle and the earth when the Word was made flesh.  He anointed the eyes of the blind man, that is, of the human race.  And the eyes are the eyes of the heart, anointed by faith in the incarnation of Christ.  But the blind man did not yet see, because the anointing produced a catechumen, who has faith but has not yet been baptized  So he sends him to the pool of Siloam to wash and receive his sight, i.e., to be baptized, and in baptism to receive full enlightenment.

WOW! This makes so much sense to me.  I don't think I will ever read this passage the same way again!  The idea of clay and spit in the eyes sounds pretty disgusting, but the theological significance is quite amazing. How anybody could ever doubt the authenticity of Jesus Christ as the Messiah will always be a mystery and paradox.  The evidence was real and very compelling.  Yet, the enemies of Jesus chose to remain blind and closed-minded. They didn't want to admit that this strange man among them had the power to heal:  A power no follower of Moses could ever possess.  

Are you blind?  Are you blind when it comes to your faith?  Do you question everything about God to the point of failing to listen to the Truth?  Do you like to debate and critique those who believe in God and worship him devoutly?  Don't be like a Pharisee!  Don't turn your back away from God!  He loves you so much.  Yes, he challenges us in life but in ways to make us grow stronger and more resilient. I think about the atheists who love to fuel the fire with nasty comments and outlandish statements on the Internet.  I try to stay away from such filth because I know in my heart these "atheists" could not be possibly happy with their lives.  If they were happy and content without a God wouldn't they leave the religious folks alone?  They are clearly blind to the Gospel truth.  They rather live in darkness attempting to "convert" others into their party of disillusionment, ignorance, and negativity.  Christ is a bright light that will always circumvent darkness.  People can choose to acknowledge God seeing the light or they can choose to push away God remaining blind in the dark.  It's a choice.  I pray the people will choose to see and believe.  

-J.

Oh God, Be Merciful to A Sinner Like Me!

Saturday of the Third Week of Lent

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Gospel of Luke 18:9-14

The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity — greedy, dishonest, adulterous — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’

We are all sinners  No bones about it - we are all sinners!  We may try to "act" like we are perfect.  We go to mass every Sunday.  We say our prayers daily.  We tithe to the church and regularly commit our time to volunteering.  But, do these actions automatically exempt us from sinful behavior or its consequences?  No way!  We will still say the occasional cuss word, little white lie, or spread gossip.  There's absolutely no way for us to become completely sinless. This is why the Church gives us the Penitential rite at Mass for the forgiveness of venial sins and then the Sacrament of Reconciliation for more serious sins.  God opens his door to us at all times willing to grant sinners his infinite mercy.

The Pharisee arrogance In the gospel reading, I can't help but laugh at the Pharisee's prayer to God.  His arrogance, pride and judgment just proves how truly sinful he is.  He can fast and tithe until he's starved and penniless but that won't make him any holier! If confession was available during Jesus' time, I doubt the Pharisee would speak to a priest.  In his mind, he has nothing to confess.  He's done nothing wrong.  In fact, he deserves praise for being such a good Jewish parishioner.  Not so fast.....Obeying every facet of the Jewish law does not mean that the Pharisee is a good person.  The fact that he criticizes and condemns instead of offering compassion and mercy is not all that pleasing to God.  Yet, this man doesn't recognize this.  His prayers are said in vain.

The Tax Collector's humility  The tax collector is so shameful of his sin that he beats his breast and cannot even raise his eyes.  He stands at a distance.  I think we've all been like this.  We feel so guilty for our sins that we stop going to church.  We become gloomy and withdrawn. We feel like nobody could possibly love us because we committed such a heinous act!  Maybe we aborted a child, stopped speaking to a loved one, or committed a crime.  The fact we recognize that we've sinned and seek God's mercy is a great act in itself.  This is when the healing begins!  Our Lord is ready and willing to pour out his love and forgiveness.  No matter how big or little our sin is, God is ready to listen!

Let us recognize the sin in our hearts and ask for God's pardon and forgiveness!

-J.

Heart + Soul + Mind + Strength

Friday of the Third Week of Lent

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Gospel of Mark 12:28-34

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him,

“Which is the first of all the commandments?”

Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

24 Hours of Forgiveness On March 28th through the 29th, Pope Francis has designated a special "24 Hours of a Forgiveness."  All faithful have been asked to reflect on their lives. Examine our consciences.  Pray for mercy and forgiveness.  

Do you have mortal sin within your heart?  

Make an appointment with God in confession.  

Have you hurt someone's feelings through harsh words?  

Make an effort to apologize and make amends.

Have you been jealous of someone lately?  
Turn that jealousy into love.  

Have you turned away from God for one reason or another?  
Pray and meditate seeking Christ's consolation.  

The Great Commandment   In today's beautiful gospel reading, a lawyer asks Jesus a poignant question:  "Which is the first of all the commandments?"  Being a lawyer, was he trying to interrogate Jesus?  I often wonder if a lawyer during antiquity was classified into the group of tax collectors or Pharisees.  Did they uphold the law or did they cheat others who broke the law?  Maybe both? Hmmmmm....One thing different about this young lawyer is that he understands Jesus.  He stops the questioning. Even Our Lord says the young man isn't too far away from the Kingdom of God.  It appears a new conversion has taken place.  This lawyer and those around him will understand the importance of love:  love for others as well as love for God.

How can we better love God and follow his Great Commandment?  

With our heart   Pray for the conversion of hearts to God. So many people live in the world without knowledge of God.  They either choose not to believe or have been discouraged by tragedy.  When we pray for others' conversions, our own hearts change for the better.  In many ways, our hearts connect to one another since we've been created in the image and likeness of God. 

With our soul   Pray for individuals who have died and in a state of purgatory.  Their souls may not be completely at rest.  They are in the midst of a cleansing process.  Sometimes people haven't died physically, but they are emotionally dead.  Their souls have become so harden by poor choices and circumstances that God has a tough time reaching out to them.  That's where he needs our help in ministering to those in need, rather living or already passed over the rainbow bridge.

With our mind  Read and meditate on daily scripture.  Study more about the lives of the Saints and our Church fathers.  Take enrichment classes related to the bible , church history, theology, or even apologetics.  Make an effort to engage the mind in God's message of love, mercy, and forgiveness.  Nothing better says "I love you, Jesus!" than learning more about him and his Church.

With all our strength  Take the time to volunteer in a church ministry or missionary effort.  Courageously fight for the sanctity of life and for social justice.  With confidence, defend the Church's teachings.  Don't be afraid to take what you've learned and apply it to everyday life.  Evangelize God's message wherever you go.  Don't keep it locked up within parish walls.  Love Jesus by spreading his message with vigor.

Heart + Soul + Mind + Strength = Love!

-J.

Import & Export God's Word

Thursday of the Third Week of Lent

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Jeremiah 7:23-28

Thus says the LORD:This is what I commanded my people: Listen to my voice;then I will be your God and you shall be my people. Walk in all the ways that I command you, so that you may prosper.

Importing/Exporting  Sadly, I've missed a couple of days of daily mediation.  With Spring has arrived an increase in work load. Yesterday I participated in a seminar on the basics of supply chain logistics - importing/exporting.  So many rules and regulations accompany international transport!  I felt a little overwhelmed by all the terminology but thought the topics were interesting, especially ocean transport.  

When I read today's first reading, I couldn't help but think of importing/exporting in terms of our relationship with God.  Jesus imports his teachings to us at Mass through holy scripture and our reception of the Eucharist.  However, when we leave the confines of the sanctuary we may export a lot of negativity, disrespect and ugly behaviors that don't line-up with the call to be good Christian stewards. It's as if we forget what we learned in Church on Sunday!  We neglect the importance of listening and reflecting on God's voice.  Walk with our Lord hand-in-hand daily.  Evangelize the faith to others in ways that are always pleasing to the Lord.  Be good Christian witnesses!

International trading of the spiritual life means distributing a heaven-inspired product with care and safety.  We don't want the product, composed of God's love and mercy, stuck in customs faced with hefty fines or tariffs.  We don't want God's Word to become quarantined and not allowed to reach others along the supply chain of life!  Importing and exporting God's message is a challenge but can be done.  It involves listening, reflecting, and consistently "shipping" the message to others without relativism, compromise, or distortion. 

The Labyrinth  My parish is blessed with a beautiful labyrinth resting  inside our columbarium.  Walking along the maze really brings a person closer to God.  There's a sense of peace and tranquility.  God is clearly present!  I can feel him in the wind, in the singing of the birds, and in the blooming of the trees.  I can feel him in my heart as I walk one step at a time praying and meditating.  What have I learned visiting this sacred space is that God blesses me each and every day with the little things.  It may be a smile from a stranger.  It may be a lucky penny I find on the ground.  It may be in the form of a "thank-you" from my boss for a job well done.  I find whenever I give myself to God I reap the benefits in return!  When I receive his imported love, and genuinely export that love back to others, I feel good about myself....And I know the Lord is happy with me!

Let us listen to the voice of the Lord and walk in his ways along that narrow path to holiness!

-J.

Spiritual Snippet - The Ear of the Heart

  

During Lent, I have been reading the wonderful autobiography "The Ear of the Heart: An Actress' Journey from Hollywood to Holy Vows" co-written by Mother Dolores Hart, O.S.B and her longtime friend Richard DeNeut.  It's a beautiful story of conversion, changing from a life of stardom to a life of contemplative, monastic seclusion.  Mother Dolores' testimony is very compelling and worth the read.  I'm amazed by the level of detail and the richness of her words.  The book is written in narrative/interview format making it a very interesting back and forth dialog. I think any young woman who is discerning a vocation to the monastic life should read this book.   

Mother Dolores was actually a convert to Catholicism!  She attended Catholic schools but didn't decide to become Catholic until 10-11 years old.  She beautifully writes:

 "In becoming a Catholic, I thought of myself as part of a colorful new cast of characters in an exciting new story.  I was a member of the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Saints, the Kingdom of Angels."

She gives words of wisdom in regards to a religious vocation:

"To enter the contemplative life truly, you have to go through a narrow, lonely place in your being, where you face all your fears and selfish patterns, even when you don't know what these are.  I thought I was very grown up, very mature.  You don't realize what a child you are until God tests your heart and you go through that deep place all of us have to go through."

I love this quote from Mother Dolores about true love and giving:

"True love is completely open and free of self.  It has only to give, even if the price is pain.  How does one express the desire to give?  I think that one gives completely when he can totally accept all that another person is, by basking in the incredible uniqueness of God's love expressed in His creation of another human being.  We just have to accept Him and be grateful for the love He plants deep within our hearts.  Accept it, live on its fruits, and share it."

Mother Dolores is truly an inspiration for all of us!

-J.

God's Selection

Monday of the Third Week of Lent

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Gospel of Luke 4:24-30

Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth:"Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel

in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon......."

No prophet is accepted As we get closer to Easter, the gospel readings get deeper and heavier. When I first read this passage, I couldn't quite understand why the people in the synagogue became so furious with Jesus.  I can only assume they were offended by his words.  I mean, the idea of a prophet only ministering to one "chosen" individual seems foreign.  Weren't prophets supposed to help everyone in need?  And why this talk about a prophet not being accepted in his own native place?  Jesus speaks of himself as Prophet.  The synagogue officials, the Pharisees, the Scribes, and all others of the priestly cast refuse to accept Jesus as the true Messiah. They feel threatened by Jesus and don't want to be wronged.  Tensions are building, but Jesus is still able to escape arrest.

God's selection process I can't help but think of times when a horrific event like a car crash, a fire, or even a plane crash takes place. Some people die immediately whereas others survive unscathed.  The worst is when a drunk driver survives a crash but his victim dies.  That just seems so wrong!  The innocent dies but the offender lives.  What is the justice in this?  Why does God allow such things to happen?  It's all about God's selection process.  We know that the drunk driver, if convicted, will live the rest of his life with the mark of shame and guilt.  His life is ruined whereas his innocent victim will enjoy peace and tranquility with Jesus in heaven.  Yes, it may seem like a life was taken away too quickly.  However, this is what the Lord had planned all along.  

We must never take our lives for granted. We must always live each day to the fullest.  God may "select" us to cross the heavenly gates at any time.  Keep trekking along that narrow path to holiness.  Don't be sad when our loved ones die too soon.  I always think that those innocent lives who die prematurely will be hand selected as our guardian angels!  God has a special purpose for them that we may not be fully aware of in this lifetime.

I will always remember my junior high orchestra teacher.  She died from a staph infection in February 1986.  It was the first time in my life I experienced a tragic, unexpected death of someone I was very close to.  She was my favorite teacher and always so kind to me.  She often drove me home from school and gave me private tutoring lessons.  (I played the violin.)  She was a wonderful role model.  To this day, I think her spirit is still around as my guardian angel.  I remember her around Valentine's day every year, the anniversary of her death.  Mrs. C was just a beautiful, giving woman.  God rest her soul.

During these last few weeks of Lent, pray for the loved ones who have passed on.  Rest assured that they will be forever at peace.

-J.

Living Water

Third Sunday of Lent

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Jesus answered and said to her, 

“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him,

“Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty  or have to keep coming here to draw water.”

Are you thirsty?  Today's  readings are some of my favorites.  I call it Living Water Sunday.  The Old and New Testament passages parallel so nicely.  From the book of Exodus, we read about the Israelites complaining to Moses how thirsty they are in the desert.  God intervenes by asking Moses to strike a nearby rock with his staff.  Instantly fresh water flows and the thirsts are quenched.  Compare this event to the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well.  Jesus asks the Samaritan woman to give him a drink of water. Later Jesus says to the woman she will never go thirsty again with Christ's living water.  Jesus Christ is the rock who saves us and will eventually save her.  She will become a believer, spreading the good news to her people.

Have you been so thirsty that you felt lightheaded and faint?  Has your throat ever been so dry that it felt like sandpaper?  We all need water to physically survive, but sometimes we forget that we need water to spiritually survive.  We are baptized with water.  We bless ourselves with water when we enter and exit  mass.  The priest sprinkles us with holy water during special feast days.  The living water of Christ quenches are spiritual thirsts that forever keep us connected to him.  The holy water of Christ lives and breathes inside of us nurturing us in spiritual growth.  If we allow Christ's living water to dry out because of our own lack of faith, we allow the burdens of life to overwhelm us.

Stop complaining The Israelites constantly mumbled and grumbled during the 40 days in the desert.  Moses got pretty sick of the complaining. Do you know people who are negative all of the time?  The Debbie Downers and Peter Poopers can really make life uncomfortable if not down right unbearable. As a result, we become negative ourselves.  Negativity can spread like a virus. 

 I remember in high school I used to complain a lot mainly because of high stress and anxiousness.  In the ninth grade, my biology teacher gave me a special gift.  It was a "No Whining" pin!  I still have that pin in a scrap book somewhere.  But, that's the first time I realized that mumbling, grumbling, whining and complaining about stuff unfair, too hard, or too boring is a waste of time. It doesn't necessarily help a situation. People really don't want to hear habitual complaining.  Having worked with the general public in a retail setting and as a volunteer at a public arboretum, I know complaints can get pretty ridiculous!  Even my own parish always hear a complaint here and there from someone.  It annoys our pastor, but what can you do?  Smile and try to console. Some things are not worth complaining about. 

We need to stop the complaining and let it go if it's something we can't change.  Lift up our grievances to God in prayer instead of burdening others with negativity.  

Let us quench our throats with the living water of Christ. Stop the complaining and start living in meek, humble, and respectful ways.

-J.

Lost and Found

Saturday of the Second Week of Lent

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Gospel of Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice,
because your brother was dead and has come to life again;he was lost and has been found.’“

What have you lost?  We lose things from time to time:  car keys, a phone, an earring or even a pet.  We look long and hard for the object.  Sometimes it's no where to be found.  Other times the object reappears days or months later.  What happiness we feel when we do recover something lost!  Most likely the item was very important and special to us.  

Last year I lost an extra set of house keys.  I thought I dropped them while walking my dog.  Nearly a year later I found those keys thrown inside a plastic bag full of Halloween decorations!  This past week I once again lost something special to me:  my James Avery sterling silver wave ring.  I hope I do find it soon. I think it's odd this ring just vanished. I wear it nearly every day.....

In my imagination,  I think of a little child angel playing a heavenly game of "hide and go seek" with that ring.  Maybe she thought it was pretty and wanted to wear it for a while.  Of course, Saint Anthony won't be too pleased by the naughty behavior and hopefully return the ring back to me!  But if not, so be it.  I mean, it is the season of Lent the time of penitence and going without.  But why this ring I've owned for years?   I don't easily lose things, so when something disappears I wonder if it's a sign from God that I need to pay attention and look-out.  Something gone missing may indicate something new and better entering my life soon.

Jesus helps Whenever we've lost something, Jesus is there to help us find it. We may have lost a loved one, a job, a home, or our good health. Sadly, we may have even lost our faith.  Everyday burdens can turn our inner souls raw and resentful.  We brew over what is lacking in our lives.  Our mean dispositions have turned away friends.  Our addictions have made us lose intimate connections with family members.  Our selfishness has encouraged us to lose respect and dignity for others.  Through Christ, we can find what we've lost!  We can rejoice in finding a new life that is not centered around negativity, sadness, and anger.  

What have you found?  In today's gospel reading, the father celebrate's his son's return.  The son squandered all of his inheritance on a decadent lifestyle.  His father could have shamed him for good.  Yet, because he loved his son so much he warmly welcomed him back home.  In fact, he slaughtered a calf on his behalf and threw a celebration with feasting and dancing.  He was once lost but now found!

If your missing son or daughter came home after living an immoral life, would you welcome your child back home?  Would you throw a party like the father did in Jesus' parable?  Would you praise God for the safe return of your loved one?

I know whenever I've lost something and found it I tend to treasure it even more.   What have you found lately?  Have you discovered Christ's handiwork in your life?  Have you discovered something you lost may actually be of benefit?  (I think of when we lose a bad relationship.)  Have you found peace and love that used to never be there before?  

When we lose, we always gain in return. Keep searching and hoping.  If what is lost is meant to be found, Our Lord will make it happen!

-J.

Chief Cornerstone

Friday of the Second Week of Lent

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Gospel of Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

Jesus said to them, 

“Did you never read in the Scriptures:

The stone that the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone;

by the Lord has this been done,

and it is wonderful in our eyes?

Therefore, I say to you,the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.”When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them.


Pinned into a corner  Have you ever felt trapped, pinned into a corner not able to breathe much less think or strategize your next move? A boss assigns you work with a tight deadline.  Debt collectors harass you with phone calls.  Your children make unreasonable demands of your time and wallet.  Your husband or wife gives you an ultimatum:  either change or it's divorce court.  You're unable to free yourself from that tiny little corner of burden, stress, and anxiety.  It feels like bricks and mortar cave in all around turning your sensitive flesh into a pile of rubble.  

Do you feel rejected?  I attended confession last night at a sister parish.  It was a very bad confession.  I thought the priest didn't seem all that interested in what I had to say.  I guess I was too dull and boring.  He was too busy putting on hand lotion and drinking sips out of his water bottle.  He interrupted me by giving me a penance before I even finished speaking.  (Grrr.....Not good!) He said that my "sins" weren't really "sins."  Also, he implied what I told him was a bunch of nonsense.  As C.S. Lewis once wrote:  "Nonsense remains nonsense even when we talk it about God.”  I took my penance and left totally frustrated and annoyed. I've never been to confession when a priest told me my sin wasn't a sin. Moreover, I never left confession thinking a priest didn't want me there as if I was annoying, not worth the time to deal with.  In my mind I thought: "Wow, this is unbelievable!  I don't think Jesus Christ would treat me like this priest did.  He certainly wouldn't rush through confession because he needed to leave early for another appointment.  (Maybe some time management skills would be applicable?) He'd never discount my word or insert his own egocentric commentary.  He'd understand the difficulty in speaking clearly and coherently with a mind going wild with guilt and frustration.  I needed comfort and peace, not immediate judgment and a quick send off as if I need to be hauled off to a slave ship!"  

Wonderful to the eyes  With Jesus' help, we begin to recognize  our wonderful blessings.  Yes, there are times when we're placed in a difficult "corner" and have to make immediate decisions.  Hopefully, we've already prepared for the cornerstone moment.  We've prayed, fasted, meditated, and gone to confession.  We are aware of what we've done and what we need to do. Count on our Lord to guide us through our difficulties.  He will not leave us alone to fend for ourselves.  Our Lord wants all of us to bear much fruit.  Fruit encompasses faith, love, hope and charity.  Fruit is delicious to eat and beneficial for our spiritual health.

Let us take the time to thoroughly analyze our spiritual lives.  Are we praying?  Are we participating in the sacraments regularly? Are we able to let go of situations that may affect us emotionally?  Are we able to forgive those who have offended us?  Are we able to love and cherish everyone, even those who may reject us?

Let us strive to enter the Kingdom of God! It's one tough journey but well worth it!

-J.

Spiritual Snippet -- Happy Spring (An Original Poem)

  

Happy Spring (An Original Poem)

The first day of Spring has arrived;

Thank God for the change of season.

Cold converts to sunshine and warmth;

The trees bloom with reason.

To remind us of God’s hand in creation;

A canvass painted with colorful nature;

Once dead, lifeless, dormant and raw;

Now shows signs of resurrection.

Jesus Christ died on the cross;

At the hands of his worst enemy;

But like Spring's sleepy awakening;

Our Lord rises--transforming history.

Spring and Lent merge together;
Two beautiful seasons in one;
Both are life-giving and renewable;
Designed to convert hearts to love.
Love for God and love for man.
Love for nature and love for life.

Happy Springtime!

-J.

Happy Feast Day, Saint Joseph!

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Click Here for Readings) 

Gospel of Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24A

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.

Happy Feast Day! This is a very special day for my parish family.  Our church is blessed to be named after Saint Joseph. Every year, during the month of March, we honor Joseph with a specially-arranged shrine in the corner of the sanctuary. The shrine encompasses a beautiful statue of Joseph and baby Jesus along with flowers, candles, rosaries and other devotionals. Tonight we will celebrate mass as a community and then share a meal.  Our parish is very diverse, so we always have a wide selection of ethnic foods including yummy desserts! 

Saint Joseph in the background   Seems like Saint Joseph is more recognizable as patron saint of home sales than as guardian to Jesus and Mary.  He worked in the background supporting Mary and Jesus as a loving father, a faithful spouse, and a devoted servant of God. He could have decided to abandon his role.  He could have announced to God: 

 "Lord, I simply can't take the stress of supporting a sinless and holy family.  I'm only a poor old carpenter.  I don't amount to much.  I have these weird dreams that I don't quite understand.  Why didn't you choose another man to raise your Son?  I feel like I'm not good enough, not strong enough for such an important role. ...And my beautiful wife Mary, wow, she's perfection! She just radiates a glow.  How can I relate to her?  Jesus, he's such a brilliant child!  I teach him the ways of carpentry, but  he is destined to a new priesthood. A true Messiah! This is a tough job for me, Dear Lord. I just don't know if I can do it."

Saint Joseph is a HUGE role model for fathers all over the world. He didn't stray or abandon his family in difficult times. He never treated Mary and Jesus with disrespect or hostility.  Importantly, he protected his family in times of danger, faithfully obeying God's commandments through trials and tribulations; good times and bad times.  He followed the ways of God with incredible devotion.  He is certainly a Saint that we should pray to often.  He may not be fully divine but his righteousness, gentleness, kindness, and compassion is worth emulating!

St. Joseph, Pray for Us!

--

A Special Prayer to St. Joseph

Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interest and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers. Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him close in my name and kiss His fine head for me and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls - Pray for me.

Amen.

-J.

Follow Christ's Example

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

(Click Here For Readings)

Gospel of Matthew 23:1-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying“The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you,  but do not follow their example.For they preach but they do not practice.....

Spiritual writer's block I'm finding my daily meditations more difficult to write.  I was on a roll for the last few months but now struggle with words.  I feel like I'm going through spiritual writer's block.  This is certainly not the time for my brain to think "Duh?  What should I talk about?" when we encounter such richness in the Lenten readings!  Seems like ever since Lent began, work and personal life has entered insanely busy mode.  (I always think Satan likes to throw "busy" in our laps so we stray from the Lord...)  I have so much on my mind with a list of "To Do's" a mile long.   I'm frustrated with myself because I'm not spending as much time with the Lord like I should be.  Discipline is something I'm normally very good at, so I'm not quite sure what's going on with me.  Maybe I'm trying to do too much at once?  Maybe I'm allowing things that aren't all that important take over my prayer time?  Maybe I'm absorbing myself in too much entertainment like television and movies?  What happened to my Lenten "resolution" to focus more on Christ, his passion and resurrection?  

Arrogance, Yuck! Have you ever known a really arrogant person?  I remember years ago, working as a paint chemist, I occasionally interacted with with an engineer in the plant.  I couldn't stand the man.  He talked down to me.  His ego was as big as a whale.  He'd never stop talking about himself.  On top of this, he was extremely unfriendly because he knew I wasn't as educated as himself.  Believe it or not, the jerk ended up moving up within the company.  He was terrific at "kissing up" which awarded him a high ranking position. (Gotta love Corporate America with its "good ol' boy" mentality.)  I thought the guy was full of cow dung!  He made me angry every time I even looked at his face.  (Trust me, this was not out of jealousy.  I could care less about his credentials.  I just thought the guy was rude and cocky.)

 Unfortunately many people of the prideful/arrogant state don't see anything wrong with their behavior.  They think everybody else is the problem.  Since they are so in love with themselves how could they possible love anybody else, especially Jesus Christ?  

Stop the supreme attitude We should get out of our selfishness and help others!  Stop looking down on others as smelly trash!  Dignify and respect.   Stop thinking we are supreme over everybody else.  Only God is the Supreme being on earth!  

Give a hand to someone else but don't gloat about it.  Help someone in need but don't later gossip about the "pathetic" person rescued.  Don't think of oneself as a "Master" and everybody else as a servants because they aren't as successful, wealthy, gifted, or educated.  

Above all, follow Christ's example.  Practice the art of humility and love.  All of the honors and prestige earned on earth won't mean jack diddly when it's time for the final judgment.  God will examine our intentions and actions within our hearts.  Did we make a strong effort to treat others with compassion?  Did we make a decision to live a humble and simple life? 

Lent is a time of purification, renewal, and change.  These forty days let us continuously cleanse our hearts so we can let go of pride and arrogance.  Turn those vices into virtues.  Be humble and love!  

-J.

Four-Leaf Clover of Faith, Hope, Love, & Charity

Monday of the Second Week in Lent
Saint Patrick's Day

(Click Here for Readings)

Gospel of Luke 6:36-38

Jesus said to his disciples:“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you;a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”


Happy Saint Patrick's Day!  Did you remember to wear green today?  I have hazel eyes which stay green most of the time, so to avoid a pinch for not wearing the trademark St. Paddy's day color I just say to someone:  "Look into my eyes! See the green around my irises?!  No pinching allowed!"    

The Irish love to celebrate the Feast of Saint Patrick with pub crawls, parades and festivities made up of drinking green beer, eating pub "grub" and singing traditional songs.  One thing great about celebrating St. Patrick's Day is knowing that Spring is just around the corner!  After this very cold winter, I'm ready for warmth and sunshine.  I'm ready to see tiny clover sprouting in my backyard.

Lucky Giving  In today's gospel reading, Jesus says to the disciples: 

Give and gifts will be given to you....for the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you. 

Aren't we supposed to give to others without expecting anything in return?  In many respects, we engage in what I refer to as lucky giving when we do receive unexpected acknowledgement.  It's as if we find a four leaf clover in a bed of three-leaf clovers. The four leaf clover consists of faith, hope, love, and charity.  All of our good deeds and virtuous living are recognized by not only others but God himself.   When we give of our time, talents and treasure with humility and sincerity, we will reap many eternal rewards. 

 I know whenever I give of myself unconditionally I feel happiness and satisfaction.  However, I have to stop myself from mumbling and grumbling.  Sometimes I think, "Gosh I really don't feel like doing much for others today.   I just don't want to be around annoying people!" 

How easy to start making excuses as to why we can't give, forgive, or stop passing judgments.  Remember the Devil loves to use laziness as a tool to keep the lure of selfishness strong.  He doesn't want us to show mercy toward others.  He'd be dancing the happy devil dance if he knew people were fighting, condemning, and ensuing hate for  one another.  Let us display our "four-leaf clover" penetrated deep inside our hearts.  Show Satan that we have faith in God. We love others. We hope for a better world. We see charity as an important part of being a Christian.

Cheers!  Have a pint of green brew in honor of Saint Patrick!  Remember to show mercy, forgive, give, and stop judging and condemning.  Our Lord will bless you abundantly for your good works!

Saint Patrick, Pray for Us!

-J.

  

Transfigure Your Life

Second Sunday of Lent

(Click Here for Readings)

Gospel of Matthew 17:1-9

Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.  And he was transfigured before them; his face shown like the sun and his clothes became white as light.  And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him......

Imagine being on the mountain with Peter, James, and John when Jesus transfigures himself into a white light who's face is as blinding as the sun.  How would you react?  Would you be scared enough to run away back down the mountain or stare at the transformation in a state of ah?  How would you react when the booming voice speaks to you out of dark clouds? Would you cover your ears in fear or welcome the words?  We know from scripture that Peter and the other two prostrated themselves low out of fear.  They didn't understand what the dickens was going on!  However, the Lord calls them to rise and not be afraid.  They have just been given a special "preview" of what the Son of God is all about.  Having seen such a startling revelation, the disciples are asked to stay quiet about their experience.  I'm sure they required time to process what they just saw.  Too difficult to explain until after Jesus' death and resurrection.

During these 40 days of Lent, each one of us is called to transfigure our own lives.  We should evaluate how well we are performing here on earth.  Are we kind and loving toward others?  Do we practice the sacraments regularly?  Are we practicing virtuous living?  Are we regularly examining our consciences and finding ways to correct sinful behavior?  We can make significant changes in our lives at any moment.  Why not now during this special Lenten season?  Just like we spring clean our houses, why not spring clean our spiritual souls?  Become one with Our Lord. Unite with God so we can radiate hope, faith, love, and charity.

Transfigure your life so you can love.....
Transfigure your life so you can forgive......
Transfigure your life so you can share......
Transfigure your life so you can believe....
Transfigure your life so you can deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ.....
Transfigure your life so you can travel the narrow path to holiness....
And be one step closer to the Kingdom of Heaven!

-J.

My Pope Francis Rosary - Straight from the Vatican!

I received my "blessed" Pope Francis rosary via Vatican mail this past week.  It's much more beautiful than I expected. I'm super excited since I've been searching for the perfect Pope Francis rosary for a while now. I discovered this one on Ebay being sold by an Italian priest. This one is unique because it is only offered to people who visit with the Pope at the Vatican, in person.  The rosary features sparkly blue crystal beads and images of the four Basilicas. The pictures don't do it justice!  

On the back of Pope Francis' image bears his motto:  "Miserando atque eligendo" meaning "lowly but chosen."  (Latin literal translation "by having mercy, by choosing him.)  Love it!!

When I hold this rosary in my hand, I feel like Pope Francis is reciting the meditations along with me.  I own many rosaries, but this one will be cherished for many years to come!

Pope Francis, Pray for Us!!

-J. 

Seeking Perfection

Saturday of the First Week of Lent

(Click Here for Readings)

Gospel of Matthew 5:43-48

"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....So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Perfectionism  Are you a perfectionist by nature?  Do you cross all of your "T's" and dot all of your "I's"?   Do you criticize yourself when you do make an error?  While in high school, I experienced the perfection itch.  I wanted to scratch the itchy spot raw, especially during times when I did make a mistake. I placed a lot of internal pressure on earning straight A's.  I felt like I needed to beat other classmates academically since I lacked athletic prowess or great social skills.  Introverted my nature, I often over-compensated for my lack of extroversion by studying hard, playing in the orchestra, and participating in various community activities. I remember crying often because of the stress I put myself under. I never thought I was good enough! 

None of us are perfect.  God didn't intend us to never make a mistake or falter. However, he does ask us to seek perfection like the heavenly Father.  This may sound confusing, but in a sense he means we should show love towards others just like he does.  This is especially important involving those who do not love us and may treat us badly...... 

I was bullied throughout middle and high school.  I became a prime target because of my shyness and lack of athletic ability. I wore large coke bottle glasses which didn't help.   My mom used to say these bullies were jealous of me.  They saw my beauty as a threat even though I never thought I was beautiful.  (None of the boys ever paid attention to me...) The bullies recognized my intelligence, but they also recognized a lack of self-confidence.  They took my inner demons and twisted them around to make me think I was ugly, stupid and no good.  As a protective force, I surrounded myself with books and study.  A book never made fun of me!  Teachers began to notice me as an excellent student.  Receiving praise from my wonderful teachers made me feel better about myself even though it seem to stir up perfectionism.  Thank God as I've grown older I've been able to accept my imperfections.  Oftentimes I laugh when I do make a mistake!  

Even though our humanity makes us imperfect, we can be perfected spiritually through Christ's example.  When we love others, even the bullies in our lives, we become a partner with Christ.  When we seek the perfection of holiness and virtue, we are saying to God:  "Thank you for creating me in your image! Even though this person has treated me like garbage, and I don't really like him, I will learn to love him because I love you with all my soul and being!  Please give me the grace to remove the anger, the hurt, and the pain this person has caused in my life.  I want to become perfect just like your heavenly Father is perfect!"

-J.