Do Not Weep



Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him.  As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.  A large crowd from the city was with her.  When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, "Do not weep."
-Luke 7:11-17


After reading this gospel passage, I really feel for this poor widow.  Here she is about to bury her son.  She is weeping with agony like any mother who loses a child. Yet, Jesus is standing by her and consoling her saying  "Do not weep!"  I wonder how the widow reacted when she saw Jesus raise her son out of the coffin during the funeral procession.  Was she scared, shocked, happy, sad, confused?  Did she know what was happening?  Did she quickly realize a miracle took place?  I'm sure she was so grateful to have her precious son back to life.....

Many times in my life I've wept tears uncontrollably.  It may be out of sadness, joy, or anger.  I may watch a sad movie.  I may hear of the passing of a friend or a loved one.  I may read a story on the Internet about another mass shooting like what happened at the Navy Yard in Washington.  Here Christ brings back a young man from the dead as in this gospel story.  But, then people continue to bring others TO their death.  I think it's difficult not to weep at the way our society is deteriorating with more people deciding to kill in cold blood even if "mental illness" is often the excuse. 

I wonder if Our Lord sometimes weeps when he sees how his created men and women hurt themselves and others....

I pray for all of those who have recently lost a loved one.  I pray to the Saints and the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede for us so more miracles will happen in our own day in age.

-J.

I Have Seen The Lord!

Jesus said to her, "Mary!"  She turned and said to him in Hebrew, "Rabbouni", which means Teacher.  Jesus said to her, "Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.  But go to my brothers and tell them, 'I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God."  Mary of Magdala went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord," and what he told her.
-Gospel of John 20:11-18


Today the Church celebrates the Feast Day of Saint Mary Magdalene. I selected Mary of Magdala as my confirmation name. I've always carried a special affinity towards her:  Her love for Jesus.  Her courageousness.  Her humility and commitment to support Jesus' message.  She believed when others didn't believe.  She is one of the very few women mentioned by name in the bible. This points to her incredible significance in the culture of the time as well as in salvation history.

I imagine Mary Magdalene feeling scared and confused seeing Jesus risen from the tomb!  How could this be?  How could a man rise from the dead?  Yet, in all the shock and confusion the first thing she wanted to do was touch Jesus - physically hold him in her arms as tears of sadness turned into tears of joy at the thought of Jesus' return.  However, Jesus doesn't want her to hold him.  He is preparing for something even greater, ascending into heaven and being at the right side of the Father.  Jesus commands her to go announce to the disciples of his reappearance.  After all, Mary will soon discover he will only be with them for a short while longer.....

Mary Magdalene's deep desire to touch Jesus makes me reflect on the times in life when people want to cling to loved ones.  I think of the recently divorced wife with children.  The papers have been signed on the dotted line; however, she cannot completely separate from the idea that the marriage is over.  She continues to pine for her ex even though he has moved on.  (Sometimes into a second marriage.)

Then there is the example of the teenage girl who gets dumped by her boyfriend.  She is so "in love" with him that she weeps in agony.  She cannot understand why her boyfriend could disappear like he did. Even thought the hurt from being pushed away is unbearable, she will soon realize that someone better will come along.

Worst of all is the elderly grandparent who is on his death bed.  The family waits around in vigil as the priest says the last rites.  Mourning and weeping the children hold on to the grandparent's hand as he drifts off to sleep observing the last breathe escaping the lungs.  They realize their loved one has now left this world and entered into Heaven.   He will be able to see Our Lord and be with him for eternity.

What would salvation history be like without Mary Magdalene?  A whole different story!

St. Mary Magdalene, Pray for Us!

-J.

Hospitality of God's Word

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.  She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.  Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?"  Luke 10:38

This passage from the Gospel of Luke is one of my favorites.  In this story, Luke highlights Martha and Mary and their interaction with Jesus.   Mary is attentively listening to Jesus speak.  Martha is complaining how she needs help in the kitchen.  She sees Jesus as not caring.  After all, women in those days were supposed to serve the man.  Not sit around and engage in conversation!

I suspect Martha was jealous that Jesus didn't give her the same type of attention.  Martha, so busy serving, didn't realize how Mary was demonstrating hospitality by listening to Jesus' words.  In so listening attentively, she showed willingness to learn from the Master teacher. She loved Jesus and sought comfort from his words.  Why couldn't Martha be more sensitive to this?  Martha is a doer, not a contemplative.  I suspect she felt it was her duty to make sure Jesus' meal was prepared perfectly.

What if Martha didn't feel so over burdened?  She'd be praying in thanksgiving while cooking the meal not at all worried that her sister wasn't helping.  I imagine her later asking Mary, "What did Jesus talk to you about?  I want to hear all the details!  He's such a wonderful teacher!"

I know I need to learn to listen more, pray more, and be more aware of Christ all around me.  Let go of the times when I'm jealous of someone who seems closer to God than I am.  Also, free myself from thinking negatively of others who may not do things to my expectations. I need to become more hospitable in all of my interactions with people as well as the Lord.

-J.

Pure Joy & Endurance!

My brothers and sisters, count it pure joy when you are involved in every sort of trial. Realize that when your faith is tested this makes for endurance. Let endurance come to its perfection so that you may be fully mature and lacking in nothing.  (James 1:2-4)

When I think of endurance, an image of a marathon runner comes to mind.  A runner will train for weeks, months, even years to condition his body for the ultimate race.  Why put the human body through so much pain - aching muscles, shin splints, and blisters on the feet?  It's for the pure joy of accomplishment!   It's the ability to exclaim:  "I did it!  I completed that marathon.  I achieved my goal!"

 

Endurance is closely associated with sports. Can endurance be linked to our Christian faith as well?  Absolutely!  So many people want to give up when the going gets tough.  (Not everybody thinks they are cut out to be a marathon runner.)  People want to blame religion for everything wrong. ( "As an atheist I can't accept this "Christ" figure as doing anything good in my life.")  Trials are meant as God's way of helping us mature and grow into better human beings.  When thought of in a positive way, trials can bring joy to our lives.  I think of the example of pregnancy and birth. I'm sure most women would agree it's not a very comfortable experience. Childbirth is painful!  However, the immense joy after giving birth makes the endurance worth it all. 

 

Next time we are faced with trials and tribulations, let's try to look at the joyful side to the situation.  Let's look for ways to mature and grow.  Let's use God's gift of endurance to persevere and get through the rough patches.  From my own experience, trials usually don't last for very long.  Usually after I accept them, and endure them patiently, my life calms down.  My faith may be tested during these trials;  however, I know in the end everything will work out.   I lack for nothing believing in Jesus Christ!

 

-J.

 

Do Not Grow Stubborn

Today, listen to the voice of the Lord; Do not grow stubborn , as your fathers did in the wilderness, when at Meriba and Massah they challenged me and provoked me, Although they had seen all my works."  -Excerpt from Psalm 95 (The Divine Office Invitatory Prayer)

Every time I read this passage from Psalms 95 I'm reminded of the Israelites "mumbling and grumbling" about the manna and quail during 40 days in the wilderness.  They were tired from the long grueling journey. They were fed up with the icky food!  If I traveled along with Moses and his entourage I'd be grumpy, too. Probably the smell and taste of strange food falling from the sky would make my stomach turn!  Being uncomfortable, filthy, and ragged would leave me blind to any "good" deeds God performed for his people!

In my own stubborn self I'd be thinking: "Ok, God, it's been like 39 years now. Why can't you feed us something other than this wretched manna?  I don't know if I trust that we will ever make it to the Promise land!  Already a few generations of us have passed on.  I don't even know if Moses is fit for the role as our Leader.  I'm wanting change and I want it now.  I'm so tired of this travel...."

When I am stubborn, I fail to listen to the voice of the Lord.  When I want things immediately (instant gratification) or want things to work out my way (refusal to let go) I'm not growing stronger in my Christian faith.  I'm backsliding into a me-centric world.  Our Lord doesn't want me to grow more and more stubborn as I live the only life he gave me.  He wants me to let go of the things "I" want and allow things to work out the way "He" wants.  This is quite the challenge.  God gave me the free will to behave however I like.  I can complain or I can be grateful.  I can curse or I can praise.  I can frown or I can smile.  I can be foolish or wise.

Do not grow stubborn!!


-J.

A Rainbow of Remembrance

I am sunk in the abysmal swamp where there is no foothold; I have reached the watery depths; the flood overwhelms me.  But I pray to you, O LORD, for the time of your favor, O God!  In your great kindness answer me with your constant help.  -Psalms 69

I endure a rather lengthy commute to work.  With all of the driving I observe many interesting every day occurrences.  Today I saw the most beautiful rainbow!  The last couple of days have been rainy and cooler.  Very out of the ordinary for mid July in North Texas.  As I observed the rainbow's brilliant colors and wide range it reminded me of the story of Noah's Arc. A rainbow created to signify God's promise never to destroy the earth by water again.....

Sometimes I feel like I am drowning in a flood of sin, shame, and "pity me" parties.  I wonder why I can't be more successful.  I wonder why I am still single, never married without children.  I challenge God asking him, "Why did you create me?  How am I supposed to better serve you?"  Sometimes I imagine myself in the ocean swimming for dear life, struggling to keep my head above water as waves crash around me.  Then I see a beautiful rainbow in the sky as an oasis begins to form.  I see relief!  A savior at last!  All of those beautiful colors of the rainbow shining in the sky as if God is telling me : "I am here to help you!  Do not be afraid.  Do not feel lonely.  Do not feel like you are not worthy.  I promise to always be there with you to guide you along.  Things in life happen according to my plan.  They may not seem very exciting right now but you will understand their purpose in the future.  Keep faith alive. Look to the colors of the rainbow as a symbol of my enduring love for you."

-J.

Love Your Enemy?

 

 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." 

 - Matthew 5:43

 

 

As Christians, we hear repeatedly these words from our Lord:  Love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you.  Such a radical and uncomfortable command.  How can I love someone  who bullies my child?  How can I love a family member who stole money from me?  How can I love my abusive husband?   How can I love religious extremists? Why does Christ demand such love for those who make a wreck of our lives?  

 

As I grow wiser from age, I've discovered a little secret.  Loving everyone, even those who make life unpleasant, brings about a sense of peace.  Yes, it takes a tremendous amount of courage and a change in mental attitude to decide an enemy is not worth fighting with.  Some "enemies" in our lives love the fact that they alarm us and cause disruption.  What better way to bring down their negative influences than by showering them with the love Christ speaks of.  Love that is unconditional.  Love that is forgiving.  Love that is courageous and enduring. 

 

Maybe praying for those who persecute us can change their lives around.  Maybe those ugly people in our lives have never been unconditionally loved. 

 

Next time I instinctively say, "I really hate that person!  He is so annoying," I need to take a step back and remember Christ's words.  Love that person and not hate them.  Set aside a quiet moment to offer up a prayer:  A prayer for their well-being along with a prayer for my own change of heart. 

 

-J.

 

 

 

 

 

 



                     

 

Nature Takes Its Toll

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

The Serenity Prayer is something I keep in mind when life gets really rough.  I've experienced some of the most stressful and life growing challenges in the last  two years!   I don't know what is going to happen next.  Seems like nature is taking its toll on my life and life circumstances.  I don't feel what has happened to me is coincidental or bad luck.  I think Our Lord has brought about difficulties in order to allow me develop the maturity to deal with crisis.  It's still difficult for me to not become anxious and worried when life poop is thrown in my face.....

Ever since I moved into my home two years ago, I've had to replace my entire HVAC system, replace electrically burned light fixtures, replace broken garage door springs, and cut down a diseased tree!  This morning I woke up to discover a huge broken Bradford pear limb lying on my lawn.  The rainstorm from last night split a quarter of it.  The tree is old (18 yrs old) and is being treated for Fire Blight.  Now it looks like it may split again, tumbling onto the paved street and possibly causing damage to a car driving by.  Now I'm at a loss:  Do I cable and prune the tree or cut it down for safety purposes?  I was floored having to pay $350 for emergency tree service.  (Fortunately this fee was negotiated.)  I'm sad to think of cutting down this beautiful tree that supplies so much shade.  The kicker is cutting it down requires more money I don't have.  Credit card debt looms as I struggle to pay off the unexpected A/C work on  the Honda as well as cutting down the backyard tree.  I keep praying to God asking, "Dear Lord, can you please help me out here and allow me to pay off debt before anything else major goes out?  I can't stand it!  Why me?  Why all the stuff happening continuously? " 

The stress of home ownership is wearing me down.  I love my cute little home but maintaining it doesn't come cheap.  I sometimes think buying a home was the biggest mistake of my life.  Of course, a second income would help tremendously.  Not something to happen anytime soon. 

When life is challenging like this, it's difficult for me to turn to God in prayer.  I know my issues are hardly nothing compared to the circumstances of others.  So in a way I believe I'm  selfish.  I need to be content with where my life stands right now.  Try to manage my money as wisely as possibly.  I'm quite impatient and want things fixed right away.  

Even though I cannot change when something happens like a storm damaging a tree, I can change the way I react to the situation.  I admit I have the tendency to project my frustration on others, especially those who love me.  This is a terrible character flaw.  This is something I should be wise enough to recognize and change.  God gave me an intellect.  He gave me intelligence to realize that when nature takes its toll I can change the way I relate to the burdens even though I cannot change what happens unexpectantly.

-J.

False Bread of Life

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes me will never thirst." - John 6:35

As a Catholic Christian, I have the opportunity to take Holy Communion every day of the week.  Jesus gave us the spiritual food necessary to grow in holiness.  This "bread of life" is something many take for granted.  They begin to transfer the spiritual "bread of life" to the material. In the Sunday homily, our Bishop mentioned something that intriqued me.  It's the  idea of "false bread."  These are people, possessions, and pleasures that we believe are life-giving.  They are supposed to give us happiness, fulfillment, self-esteem, power, and wealth.  These "false" loaves of bread do not give us the spiritual nourishment we truly need.  Oftentimes, we pull us away from Christ.  We begin to starve ourselves, becoming anemic and crippled with sin.  At other times, we are given the false hope that the latest and greatest craze will make us younger, sexier, thinner, and richer.  In the long run, after the craze fades away, we see nothing has changed. 

When we fail to recognize Jesus Christ as the "bread of life" and truly believe in his presence, we lose the benefit of his unconditional love, grace, and mercy.  I feel a great deal of comfort knowing that when I receive communion Jesus becomes "one" with me!  He's fills up my heart with grace.  Then,  with his gentle hand I'm pushed forward to be Christ-like presence to others.  How can I be Christ-like if I'm already spiritually full from the "false" bread of life? 

My goal this week is to receive Holy Communion every day and reflect on how I can be strengthened by the Eucharist, the authentic "bread of life" given to us by Christ himself.

-J.

Thirsting for God

Oh God, you are my God, for you I long; for you my soul is thirsting.  My body pines for you like a dry, weary land without water.  So I gaze on you in the sanctuary to see your strength and your glory.
-Psalm 63: 2-9

These  verses from the Divine Office Morning Prayer (Psalter Week I) are very powerful and speak to my inner soul.  A soul at times filled with worry, doubt, and insecurity.  A tender soul who desires to be a good Christian: A giver not a taker, a lover not a hater.  I struggle with that sense of purpose and meaning in my life.  My soul thirsts for something much richer and deeper than the temporal things life.  I go to my job every day.  I maintain my home.  I go to Mass and Confession regularly.  I pray and say my rosary.  However, my soul seems to thirst for something much deeper and more profound.  I feel like my body is in a desert amidst a secular culture so wrapped up in material possessions, sexual pervasiveness, wealth, and power.  All of these material possessions are like alcohol for my soul.  They are intoxicating and tempting.  However, drinking such alcohol keeps me in a state of de-hydration.  The pure water of the soul, that water straight from the Lord's cistern, rehydrates and refreshes.

I look at the things I possess in my life.  I think of how many things I really don't need that are stock piled in my attic and closets.  What can I give up to charity?  What can I sell and put the proceeds into a savings account?  What subscriptions can I give up to cut down on costs?  How can I simplify my life?  I feel like so many of the "things" I own and don't use are a waste in the desert.  They are not life producing or fruitful.  They are just around gathering dust. 

This summer as I reflect on ways to re-hydrate my soul and focus on the strength and glory of God, I want to explore ways to live more frugally adopting a poverty of spirit that is quite counter-cultural to society today.  This will be a challenge especially with so many temptations to buy, buy, buy.  But, all I really need are the basics.  I discovered years ago I cannot hang out with the wealthy or pretend I'm "bigger" than I actually am.  It just makes me over-spend and then look like a "fake."  Yes, some people are blessed with wealth.  I happen to not be one of those types.  This is where I need to turn to God and thank him for the blessings He's given me.  Take what I have and cherish them.  Don't live excessively but simply. 

I do not want my soul to continue to thirst for the Lord.  I desire my soul to bathe from the waterfall of the Holy Spirit. 

-J.