Lord, I Am Not Worthy

Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

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The centurion said in reply,   “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof;  only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes;  and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”  When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith....

"Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed." -- I love these beautiful words proclaimed at Mass. How small I am compared to Our Lord's greatness!  How much I love the Lord and He loves me!  Such words soak into my heart as I prepare for reception of the Holy Eucharist.

I am unworthy to receive Jesus under my own roof, a dwelling not always clean and tidy. I stockpile bad thoughts, stow away weaknesses, or attempt to hide my sins.  Yet, the Lord sees everything I do as if I live in a glass house.  Why hide my struggles, temptations, and transgressions when the Lord is ready to forgive and heal?

In today's gospel reading, the centurion stands in front of Jesus, humbled and contrite.  In fact, Jesus is so impressed by the Gentile's faith that he heals his servant through word alone.  No laying of hands.  This is like when we receive the Eucharist.  We eat and drink the body of Christ who is no longer physically present but spiritually with us.  The Eucharist provides communicants with the strength to persevere through life no matter what obstacles.

Under the roof of "Our Common Home"  I'm reading and reflecting on Pope Francis' new encyclical Laudato Si.   I find his message on the care of the environment very thoughtfully written with excellent biblical references.  I don't quite understand why some people are quick to politicize his words, misinterpreting them in a negative manner. Our environment, that is our common home, is in shambles and needs total reconstruction and preservation!  Humans beings, no matter what political affiliation, have trashed, abused, and neglected Mother Earth for way too long.  It's time for change on so many fronts; however, the most important first step is to make people fully aware, regardless if they believe God is the Creator, of the need to protect our environment from further destruction.  The Pope is making a valiant effort to inform and spark discussion across all environmental platforms.  I commend his initiative.

In light of today's gospel reading, I wonder if some people consider themselves not worthy to reduce their carbon footprint, conserve water or recycle. (In other words, indifference takes over initiative.) On the flip side, do others think they are worthy (entitled) to use and abuse the earth's natural resources, expecting an endless supply.  

Pope Francis discusses the fact that environmental degradation mostly affects the impoverished in the world.  I think about entrepreneurs and mega corporations utilizing their own sense of worthiness to exploit valuable land resources.  The poorest of the poor are left with unclean drinking water, polluted air, toxic soil, and little chance of economic prosperity.  This is socially and morally wrong.   We are all unified, gloried, and linked together as God's creation.  When we neglect the environment as well as other human beings, we are saying to God, "I don't care about the world or the people in it!"  Sadly, I worry about how our environment will hold up for future generations.  

I'd like to conclude with a passage taken from Chapter 2 of Laudato Si.  It's especially poignant in relation to today's meditation.  I highly recommend reading the entire encyclical from start to finish. Reflect on the following questions:   How can you apply some of the Pope's ideas on care of the environment in your own life or in the life of your parish?  How can you become more environmentally friendly?  

"At times we see an obsession with denying any pre-eminence to the human person; more zeal is shown in protecting other species than in defending the dignity which all human beings share in equal measure. Certainly, we should be concerned lest other living beings be treated irresponsibly. But we should be particularly indignant at the enormous inequalities in our midst, whereby we continue to tolerate some considering themselves more worthy than others. We fail to see that some are mired in desperate and degrading poverty, with no way out, while others have not the faintest idea of what to do with their possessions, vainly showing off their supposed superiority and leaving behind them so much waste which, if it were the case everywhere, would destroy the planet. In practice, we continue to tolerate that some consider themselves more human than others, as if they had been born with greater rights."

 (Paragraph 90)

Lord, I am not worthy to receive you under my roof.  However, I am responsible for care of my common home.  I love you and I praise you.  This means I will respect others around me as well as the land, the water, the soil, the animals, and the plants that surround me.   They are all precious gifts of your creation!  Amen!

-J.

When Life Throws A Zinger, the Holy Spirit Provides

Wow, what an eventful afternoon.  I'm finally home after a nerve racking two hours.  Now I can relax with a glass of Red Zinfandel as I share a story with my blog readers...

After work, I drove over to the vet to pick up my dachshund.  She's suffered from terrible itching, due to seasonal allergies, so I asked the vet to give her a full evaluation.  My poor little girl!  Not only does she have a staph infection on her paws but a yeast infection in her ears.  The vet prescribed  three prescriptions and gave me a cone to put around her head so she won't lick her inflamed paws. When the vet also told me she has developed minor cataracts in both eyes my heart sank.  I realize my best furry friend in the world is getting up there in age.  She's around ten or eleven years old now.  The thought of losing her is something I just don't want to think about yet.  Thank the Lord she can still see for now, and the meds should clear up her infections in no time...

I paid my bill, grabbed  my little Tooters, and then got in the car.  I turned on the ignition and proceeded to move the gear shift out of park when all of the sudden the button knob popped out, falling on the floor board.  I pulled out a hand full of plastic pieces along with the spring.  Oh no! What the $&@#?  Here it's 95 degrees outside and I have my sick pooch in a sweltering car that won't move out of park.  What was I going to do?!

I went back into the Animal Clinic and asked one of the gentlemen in the lobby to see if he could get the gear shift to budge.  No luck!  He kindly offered to give me a ride home, but I didn't want to leave the car.  So, I promptly called AAA for a tow.  My idea was to get the car over to the dealership and then have my mom pick me up from there.  The problem was my dog with me.  It's not like we could both ride in the back seat of a tow truck.  My pooch sensed I was nearly out-of-my-mind stressed. (I could barely get my new cell phone to work!)  She whined with her snout as I held on to her leash.  I tried calling my mom...no answer.  I called my aunt...no answer either.  I even attempted to call the service department at the Honda dealership to let them know my tow was being brought in.  All I got were busy signals!!  I sat there in the lobby of the clinic in tears!!  All I could do was wait for 45 min for the tow truck to arrive and just hope I could find a way back home from the car shop.  (It didn't dawn on me until now that the vet would've let my dog stay overnight.)

Then the miracle happened...The AAA truck arrived quicker than expected.  The technician looked at my predicament and knew exactly what to do.  (I was SHOCKED when he offered me a bottle water!!)  All I needed was to reach into the gear shift and push a hidden medal button in an up and down fashion to move the gears (while applying the brake.)  Better, yet, remove the entire plastic cover and just shift with the metal knob.  He even recommended that I go to the auto parts store to get an aftermarket cover. The total cost would be half the amount of the dealership price.  Now I know the reason why I couldn't get the dealership to pick up the phone....This very nice AAA service guy was ready to help!  After we got the gear shift working again, my tears turned into laughter.  I couldn't believe how bad that gearshift looked but at least it worked! Yes, I will have to get the knob replaced and possibly the transmission re-calibrated but at least I'm not totally stranded.

The AAA tow guy was my hero for the day! I thanked him for his awesome help and told him how happy I've always been with AAA.  He gave me his business card and asked me to contact him if I ever needed assistance.  He even said, "God Bless!" Wow....that was a kicker for me.  Nobody says "God Bless" anymore!

Did God know I was having an incredibly stressful moment and sent along special people to help me through a crisis?  Absolutely!  Even the people at the vet clinic offered to look after my pooch, giving her fresh water and a clean cage to stay in, while I worked on my car situation.

Wow!  It's amazing how bad situations have a way of working themselves out, thanks to the power of the Holy Spirit!

-J.

A Rainy Father's Day

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel of Mark 4:35-41

Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion.
They woke him and said to him,“Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm.

I'm laying in bed with my cell phone in hand typing today's meditation.  More heavy rain pounds on the roof.  Looks like I cannot make it to Mass this morning.  I just do not feel safe driving in this downpour. My mom and I are scheduled to go out to the country for a family celebration.  Not sure if we will be able to safely drive there either.

In today's gospel reading, Jesus calms down the raging sea. I think we can use a miracle from Jesus now:  Please stop the torrential downpour.  We are drowning with overflowing street trains, rivers up to the brim, and marinas underwater!  Our unseasonably rainy Spring and summer just won't quit!

Today throughout the US families are celebrating Father's Day.  This is a bittersweet day for me because I have not spoken or seen my own father in 15 years.  The last time he reached out to me was about four years ago through a LinkedIn invite of all things!  Perhaps an email or phone call would've been a little bit more personal.  I remember looking at his profile and his consulting website.  I couldn't help but laugh and shake my head.  Of all the days to contact me and he chose Father's Day.  I guess he wanted me to remember him.  Sadly, I rather forget.  He only caused my mother pain and heartache. I'm amazed that I turned out as well as I did.  One of God's greatest blessings to me was the chance to break ties to my father.  His abuse, lies, and thievery was not something anyone should have to deal with.

Instead of dwelling on my father, I am celebrating the fatherhood of my maternal grandfather and uncles.  They are loving and caring men who inspire me to be great.  Each one of them has been a shining example of what a good father is all about.  I enjoy their presence!

The rains have quit for now.  The skies are quiet and calm.  It looks like I'll make it out to visit my family after all!

Happy Father's Day!

"I pray to be a good servant to God, a father, a husband, a son, a friend, a brother, an uncle, a good neighbor, a good leader to those who look up to me, a good follower to those who are serving God and doing the right thing." - Mark Wahlberg, Actor 

-J.

Beauty Among the Thorns

Saturday of the Eleventh a Week of Ordinary Time

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Therefore, that I might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.

A year after I moved into my  first home, I discovered a small wild rose bush growing in a flower bed.  It nestled perfectly along the fence.  I figured the wind transplanted a seed or two from a neighbor's yard.  The bush grew tall with gnarly thorns but no roses.  Every time I mowed the lawn I carefully cut back the rose bush's deformed leaves and stems.  One day I decided to dig up that ugly bush.  I always give plants a fighting chance but this one was too much trouble.  What's the use of keeping a plant that refuses to bloom? 

Mother Nature soon performed a miracle. The sick-looking rose bush finally produced tiny little blooms. Within a couple of days those blooms transformed into beautiful red roses.  The fragrance was exquisite, even attracting honey bees.  In my excitement, I cut a few roses for a nice bouquet.  I forgot all about those thorns until I felt a stinging on my arms.  A large thorn scratched the tar out of my flesh, drawing a few drops of blood.  I rushed back into the house, mumbling in pain, yet still happy with my prized roses.  

Beauty always lies among the thorns.... 

A rose only blooms for a short time; however, the thorns stay around for the life of the plant.  They snag, pick and prod.  When I think of thorns of a rose, I think of the thorns of everyday life.

Thorns constantly poke us at different angles and in different directions.  Thorns of hatred penetrate our gut causing us to get upset at people and situations we find appalling.  Thorns of pride allow us to think we are "better" than others in terms of status, power, and wealth.  Thorns of addiction draw us into a parallel life; a life consumed by drugs, alcohol or sex where fantasy becomes a way to mask the pain of reality. Thorns of disability, both physical and mental, cause us to doubt ourselves and our self-worth.  We are overly-conscience of our weaknesses and maybe even think that people loathe us for our imperfections.  It's as if the thorns dig deeper and deeper into our skin - a permanent reminder of our human defects.

In today's scripture reading from 2 Corinthians, Saint Paul speaks about possessing his own thorn in the flesh. Biblical scholars are uncertain about the specific "weakness" Paul refers to.  Some think he had a problem with stuttering; others contribute the weakness to a problem with his sight or even a mental illness such as bipolar disorder.  All we know is that Paul was tormented by this "thorn" given to him by an angel of Satan.  He begged God to remove it.  Yet, the Lord left Paul's weakness a part of his life.  Instead of making it disappear, God provided sufficient grace to persevere.  In fact, such perseverance in times of suffering only makes us stronger as we realize that God dwells within our hearts and minds.  We lift up our weaknesses and Christ transforms them into a beautiful reminder of his deep love for us!  As Saint Paul wrote, " I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me."  Amen!

Sometimes we blame God for all of the thorns in our lives.  We become so debilitated by our own weaknesses that we do not see the silver linings.  The only way for us to grow and develop into holier people is to take the bad and transform it into something good and meaningful. God didn't create life to be all roses but challenging enough so we will rely on His mercy and grace.

The famous French philosopher Voltaire once wrote, “Life is thickly sown with thorns, and I know no other remedy than to pass quickly through them. The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us.”   To pass through life's thorns requires faith and trust in Christ.  The Lord uses our weaknesses as an instrument for growth.  We are much better Christians when we can weed through life's thorns, fairly unscathed and tightly bound to Christ!  

 “Roses have thorns, and silver fountains mud;
Clouds and eclipses stain both moon and sun,
And loathsome canker lies in sweetest bud.
All men make faults.”  

-William Shakespeare

-J.

Damaged Goods

Friday of the Eleventh a Week in Ordinary Time

2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30

I passed a night and a day on the deep;
on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers,
dangers from robbers, dangers from my own race, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city,
dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea,
dangers among false brothers;  toil and hardship, through many sleepless nights,
through hunger and thirst, through frequent fastings, through cold and exposure.
And apart from these things, there is the daily pressure upon me of my anxiety for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak?
Who is led to sin, and I am not indignant?

I wish Saint Paul was in the room right now with me as I type this meditation.  He would give me useful advice, especially since he suffered so much.  Yet, he kept treking along from one community to the next surviving all sorts of dangers.  How did he do it?  Faith, hope, love and courage!

 Today was another one of those work days when I pleaded with God, "Wilł you please grant me a new job opportunity so I can get out of this place?" Daily I have to work with someone who can be passive-aggressive.  I never know what reaction I will get when I do or say anything.   I pray every day for the grace to stay strong and be as loving of a Christian as I can.  But, boy, does my stomach turn and my heart race with uneasiness.  It's a lot of stress I wish I didn't have to deal with.

I've discovered as I've aged that God places people in our lives for a reason.  Some people are wonderful and blend well with our personalities verses others who are difficult.  Sometimes we are meant to be a positive role model for someone we find a mess.  Other times, we are called to remain patient and calm, knowing very well that striking back will only get us in trouble.

We are all wounded and damaged in one way or another.  The term damaged goods comes to mind.  Even the wealthiest celebrities or the most devout religious in the world harbor some kind of interior "crude."  Of course, some people warehouse more damaged goods than others. Much of this has to do with how well we can adapt to bad circumstances.

I have been praying a 54-Day Novena to Our Blessed Mother.  I'm now about half way through.  My prayers are for two main petitions.  The first is for a healthy mental outlook, and the second for peace at work.  I hope a new job change will come my way, if God wills it.  I understand I cannot just pray for a miracle and expect it to happen immediately.  I need to be an active participant in my own change.  Many times as Christians we can fall into the habit of praying for a special need thinking if God hears us it will miraculously be fulfilled.  Yes, it can happen this way at times; however, for the most part God provides us with tools to help ourselves.  If we have mental health issues, perhaps a friend's recommends a terrific counselor.  If we suddenly lose our jobs, maybe we get to networking like we've never done before and land an even better job.

With Pope Francis coming to visit the United States, I recently received a mail out from a Catholic non-profit asking for donations on their behalf.  In the envelope contained two prayer cards:  One with a picture of Pope Francis and a second one with a picture of Mary Undoer of Knots.  I kept both cards as I tossed away the donation form.  (I normally do not respond to mailings.)  I just happen to receive these prayer cards during a time of a lot of work struggles, so I found them comforting.  Then, two weeks later I received another solicitation containing the exact same prayer cards!  I found this an interesting "God-instance."  I felt like our Blessed Mother was carefully watching over me, inviting me to pray for her intercession.  Soon after I got the idea for the 54-Day Novena.  I'm convinced once this is all completed I will see my life struggles in a different way.   

Hopefully I can return the damaged goods to the warehouse of burden and replace them with spiritual goods!

Now it's time to say my morning rosary and pray the Divine Office.  I pray for peace in my heart.

-J.

Love Your Enemies

Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel of Matthew 5:38-42

Jesus said to his disciples: “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.

The concept of loving your enemies is difficult for most of us to swallow.  Every time I read this passage I'm reminded of a girl at the Baptist 
daycare center who used to bully me in the 5th and 6th grade.  She daily told me how ugly I was. One day she announced to everyone: "Four Eyes needs to wear a training bra! Look at her flapping around.  Haha!"  I was horrified that growing into womanhood was made into an embarrassing spectacle.  I felt ashamed of my looks, and felt like everybody thought I was a loser! I couldn't get the girl to leave me alone. She showed such vileness and hate towards me that the idea of ever loving her as a child of God never crossed my mind.  All I ever thought about was how to survive after-school.  Would I ever be rid of this bully??

Just the other day my mom asked me what ever happened to the bully.  The last time I ran into her was summer of my senior year of high school.  As I sat in my Oldsmobile idling at a stop light, I noticed Miss Bully on the other side of the street driving her mother's old tan Volkswagon Rabbit. She wore very thick glasses, so thick that her eyes magnified 3 fold.  All those years that horrid girl made fun of me for wearing glasses and here she was wearing ones even thicker and bigger than mine! I couldn't help but smile.  She was no better than me.  That brought a little bit of relief...

Now I realize after years of tolerating bullies, and doing much soul searching, that loving your enemies is the best thing to do.  Allow God to judge and punish them as He sees fit.  We feel much better inside when we can love instead of hate.  I admit I don't hate the bully.  I feel sorry for her in a compassionate way. Hopefully she grew up and left her bullying ways.  If not, well, the Lord is watching and guiding her. 

Loving your enemies...Our enemies can include so-called friends who harass us, coworkers who backstab us, corporations who use us for profit, environmental changes that sicken us, and even Media who slander us.  How can we love such people and situations?  It takes trust in God.  It takes vigilant prayer.  It takes keeping the high road, not allowing negativity and evil to knock us down into fits of helplessness.

 “To love with understanding and without understanding. To love blindly, and to folly. To see only what is loveable. To think only of these things. To see the best in everyone around, their virtues rather than their faults. To see Christ in them!”  -Dorothy Day

-J.

Majestic Growth

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time




Ezekiel 17:22-24

It shall put forth branches and bear fruit, and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind shall dwell beneath it, every winged thing in the shade of its boughs. And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the LORD, bring low the high tree, lift high the lowly tree, wither up the green tree, and make the withered tree bloom. As I, the LORD, have spoken, so will I do.                                

In May 2000,  I was hired as a part-time U.S. Government Census Taker for Dallas County.  I was assigned to my apartment complex earning a nice $11 per hour to knock on doors and help people fill out their census forms.  This was way before online surveys and digitized everything.  Since I was close friends with the Assistant manager of the complex, she helped me connect with several people. I found the experience quite rewarding.  Not only did I help serve my country in a unique way but got to know many of my next door neighbors.  I still have my Census 2000 "swag" in the back of a closet.

Fifteen years later, the City of Dallas has exploded in population.  Such majestic growth has helped bring jobs to our city as well as improve infrastructure.  Yes, the streets may be more crowded and housing more expensive; however, the availability of fine dining establishments, sporting events, concerts, and cultural arts makes this a pretty cool place to live.  I never imagined back at the dawn of the new millennium Big D would expand even bigger.

In Sunday's first reading, we read the Prophet Ezekiel's beautiful image of God taking a tender shoot from a cedar tree, planting it on a high and lofty mountain, and then putting forth branches.  The birds  dwell beneath it. As a tender shoot grows, it provides shade and nourishment.  It's a beautiful reminder how much the Lord blesses us with his mercy.  He plants seeds within our hearts.  It's up to us to decide to water and feed those seeds, allowing us to grow into better examples, witnesses and disciples.

God desires for us to live simple, humble lives.  Make ourselves low so that we are willing to help the marginal in society.  A withered up tree will eventually die if it's not compassionately attended to just like our suffering brothers and sisters will eventually "die" of loneliness, starvation and neglect if we don't make a diligent effort to help them.

We grow spiritually when we help others.  Also, we grow spiritually when we give up our selfishness and follow God's will.  We  have a natural tendency to fertilize and water our own pride and sensuality, dedicating life to "growing" our careers, social status, and stock portfolios.

Why don't we grow trust in God?  Why don't we grow in love for God as well as our neighbors?  Why don't we grow our hearts and minds so we are more confident in following the Way of Christ instead of the Ways of the World? Why is power, prestige, and money such a big deal?

I admit sometimes I'm envious of Catholics who are super devout where majestic growth just oozes from their presence! They attend daily mass, have a strong prayer life, and are well-versed in not only scripture but the writings of the Saints.  They appear to be perfect Catholics! They are married with a bundle of children. They have sweet dispositions, never cursing or complaining.  They help those in need always with a smile. They radiate peacefulness!  I look at them and think:  "Why can't I be the same?"  Then, I shake my head in disgust with myself. I should never resent these beautiful people but learn from them!  Imitate them as much as possible.  Read scripture.  Attend mass as often as possible.  Recite the rosary, read scripture and writings from the saints.   Be kind and compassionate to everyone with a genuine smile on my face.

God wants us all to be good examples to others.  None of us are perfect - even the "perfect Catholics" with stellar reputations for good deeds.  We all have room to grow in faith and in love with God.  Yes, it's easier for some than others.  However, we cannot discount God has a hand in the process.

-J.

Ambassadors for Christ

Saturday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Click Here for Readings)

So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. And all this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.


This week I heard (yet again) another disturbing story.  After a serious highway accident, a woman laid trapped inside a burning car.  A Good Samaritan tried to unjam the seat belt without success. He cried out to bystanders: "Does anyone have a knife? I need to cut the seat belt and free this woman! Fire extinguisher, anyone?? Please help!" The onlookers remained silent, too preoccupied with their cell phones to respond.  In fact, a few of the bystanders stood there pointing iPhones at the man, shooting video of the entire scene!

Later, the Good Samaritan interviewed with a local radio station.  He said on the air how he couldn't believe nobody offered help.  The people appeared more focused on the entertainment value of the accident than the value of a human life.  Sadly, the woman died.  The husband driving the vehicle survived; however, he was later hauled off to jail and charged with DUI.

Where is the compassion? Will people always be on the look out for the next big story, ready to exploit a terrible situation?  

I applaud the Good Samaritan for going out of his way to help.  He's a fine example of an Ambassador for Christ.  As for the  bystanders, or "cell-phone huggers," they should be ashamed of themselves. I can see the benefit of using a cell phone to place an emergency 911 call.   However, the idea of shooting video of another person's tragedy is distasteful. A person's life, reputation, and privacy demands respect.  Yet, respect is slowly becoming obsolete in a society obsessed with fame and fanfare.  The rush to get the most provocative video posted on You-Tube and win the day's "viral video prize" overshadows class and tactfulness.

Daily we see videos of other people's misfortunes and misbehaviors. How is posting such negative content on a social media site building up the body of Christ?  Such behavior only keeps the flames of sin ignited!  It breaks apart relationships; it causes chaos; and it destroys peace.  Our society desperately needs more love, mercy, and forgiveness.

I wrote a few weeks ago about the importance of using technology wisely and for the benefit of the faith.  We are all called to be Ambassadors for Christ in our thoughts, words, and deeds.  We are not called to exploit one another or treat one another as objects.  We should serve one another in ways that lift up, not bring down.

In today's gospel reading, Saint Paul speaks to the Corinthians about becoming a new creation in Christ as new things come.  The Corinthians were a challenging community, hence the need to write two letters!  The people of Corinth gave him massive migraines and heavy heartache.  Despite the frustrations, Paul  eventually "broke through" to the stubborn community, teaching them the importance of being reconciled to God as well neighbor.

We can all be Five-Star Ambassadors for Christ!  Firstly, we dedicate our lives to promoting the Truth.  Secondly, we commit ourselves to follow Christ's teachings no matter what society and the world thinks of us.  Remember:  Ambassadors for Christ live in the world but not of the world!

What else makes up a Five-Star Ambassador for Christ?

1. Be a Good Samaritan.

2. Pray, especially for enemies.

3. Forgive others quickly. 

4. Love despite the costs.  

5. Serve one another with dignity and respect.

Certainly, our society can use a little extra kindness and thoughtfulness!

“The "show business," which is so incorporated into our view of Christian work today, has caused us to drift far from Our Lord's conception of discipleship. It is instilled in us to think that we have to do exceptional things for God; we have not. We have to be exceptional in ordinary things, to be holy in mean streets, among mean people, surrounded by sordid sinners. That is not learned in five minutes.”  
- Oswald Chambers

-J.