The Mute Demoniac

Tuesday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Matthew 9:32-38

A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said,“Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.”

The Mute Demoniac   Movies and televisions shows depict demoniac possession in dramatic ways with cursing and yelling, sexual provocation, acts of violence, strange supernatural voices and physical distress.  This wasn't the case of the demoniac healed by Jesus.  The demon, possessing the body of his human host, purposely remained mute, not speaking one word or uttering one sound.  Why is this?  Did he not want to be discovered?  Surely the demon realized the host's uncharacteristic silence  may indicate something not quite right to his friends and family. Was the demon intimidated by Jesus? Or, was he remaining silent in order to inflict even more misery on his victim?  

Whenever I read in the bible about Jesus curing demon possession, I often wonder how many of these "demons" were actually figments of the imagination, by-products of mental illness.  I'm not discounting the authenticity of physical demon possession.  I believe it is a real phenomenon. What better time for the Satan and his demons to attack than while the Son of Man travels from city to city, proclaiming the Kingdom of Heaven?  However, I can't discount that those who lived during the time of Jesus dealt with "inner demons" caused by mental issues.

The Wow Factor! Throughout the gospels, the crowds are constantly amazed by Jesus' miracles and healings.  It was bible reality tv 24/7, with live broadcasts even on the Sabbath!  Massive crowds followed Jesus wherever he went.  Of course, Satan continued to work hard corrupting minds and souls.  I imagine him rolling his eyes every time Jesus drove out one of his worker demons.  Blasted!  There Jesus Christ goes again with his dog and pony show driving out my demons!  How on earth am I going to ruin the world with this guy around?  I know...I'll just direct some Pharisees to stalk him and criticize his every move.  Corrupt people into thinking this Christ character is the true prince of demons instead of myself! Haha!  Sizzle.....

The Pharisees accused Jesus of driving out demons as a prince of demons, but this was all negative propaganda.  They didn't want to see one man out-maneuver Jewish law and make a statement for himself!  They didn't want Jesus of Nazareth to convert others to his teachings.  The Pharisees continued to criticize and slander as Jesus' popularity grew.  The demon silently witnessed those around him knowing fair well that Jesus and the Pharisees would debate with one other.  Mutely, he accessed the situation.  Yes, in the end he was driven away back into hell but he left a definitive mark on Jesus' plan:  Jesus Christ's ministry would be  forever challenged.  Believers would stay close to him but enemies even closer.

Abundant Harvest  We should never remain mute when it comes to proclaiming the teachings of the Church.  We should never remain silent when it comes to sharing the good news of the gospel.  The bible is rich in wisdom and examples of virtuous living. Likewise Catholicism is rich in tradition and history.  She has withstood the attack of evil throughout the centuries but still remains as strong as ever.  The laborers may be few as people chose to follow secular ways and non-spiritual paths.  However, the spiritual harvest is still plentiful.  It only takes one seed planted in a welcoming soul to blossom and bear fruit.  It only takes sharing our faith with someone else to spark inquiry and curiosity.  The demons in the world can  place thoughts in peoples' minds:  God is a sham.  He's a fake.  He's worthless and won't do any good!  But then it takes a devout Christian - a true laborer of Christ - who turns around the thinking pattern.  He or she makes the unbeliever realize that God is love!  He never abandons us and always keeps us close to his heart.  We don't have to be scared that God will turn a deaf ear toward us.  In fact, his hearing is amplified.  He knows everything we think and say even within our inner silence.  

The harvest is abundant but laborers are few.  Choose to be a laborer for the Church!  Don't remain mute but proclaim the Truth with fervor and zeal!

-J.

The Burden of the Poor

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Matthew 11:25-30

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

My apologies for the delay in posting.  It's been a hectic few days!  -J.

Expectations  We just celebrated America's 238th birthday.  As citizens of one of the wealthiest nations on earth, we pride ourselves on the freedom guaranteed in our Constitution.  Our Forefathers expected us to use these freedoms prudently and responsibly.  Freedom is a tremendous gift.  Freedom is something  many countries will never experience.  Yet, even though we live in a free society, I can't help but think about the plight of the poor.  Financial burdens are all-too familiar.  Even though we see signs of the Great Recession ending with Wall Street at records highs and unemployment below 7%, people still live in poverty.  

With freedom comes certain "expectation" that we can make our own success, maybe without God in the picture.  We must compete to get ahead.  We must be selfish and only consider our own future.  God is no longer in the equation.  We're free!  We can do whatever we want, whenever we want.  No God, no Jesus Christ can help us in the midst.  Just as Frank Underwood in the Netflix series, House of Cards, says in a scene a Catholic Church:  "I pray to me and for me!"  Then he blows out all of the candles lit by others...

 Cans for Redemption  I'm a huge documentary buff, especially those produced by HBO.  A few months ago I watched the documentary titled Redemption which chronicles the stories of NYC homeless who collect aluminum cans for recycling cash.  Day in and day out they push along grocery carts full of cans.  The job is dirty, grueling, and tiring.  Many of those collecting cans are immigrants who don't speak English.  Others are people with families who were laid off from their minimum wage jobs.  Still others are alcoholic or mentally ill.  The little money they do earn helps pay the electric bill or put dinner on the table.

These people are doing a service for the city of New York.  Why not be paid a livable wage on top of the 5 cent redemption value?  These people carry a heavy yoke upon their shoulders every single day as they haul around trash! But, I know God is right there beside them.  He knows these people are burdened not only financially but physically and mentally. In the documentary, religion is not discussed but I always think Jesus has a special affinity for the recycling poor.  He will always provide for them even if only through aluminum cans.

What about my own burdens?  When I think about my own burdens, I'm really ashamed!  My personal "burdens" are nothing like what the homeless in NYC experience, the religiously oppressed Christians in the middle east, or even families who receive a foreclosure notice.  I should stop complaining about my own woes and start praying for other people!  Be thankful that my burdens are really light.  So many people have it much worse!  I always hope and pray that they believe in God and don't give up the fight.  Their burdens will not always be as severe. 

Be meek and humble of heart.  Take another person's yoke and walk right along side them when needed.  Get out of yourself and your own selfishness.  Remember you have it better than so many other people.  Be just like Christ and  help ease others' burdens.

-J.

Prohibition To Preservation

Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

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“The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast…..People do not put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the skins are ruined. Rather, they pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.”

Recently, I watched a fascinating PBS three-part series titled Prohibition.  During the 1920's, in an effort to legislate drinking behavior in American society, our nation passed the constitutional 18th Amendment prohibiting the sell and distribution of alcohol. As we know from history, Prohibition was a complete failure.  Crime and violence prevailed as underground speakeasies and bootlegging operations became the norm. More people died in New York City from poisoned moonshine (made from methanol or wood alcohol) than all of the American casualties in the First World War.  Prohibition intended to regulate moral behavior.  No booze meant America as a "nation of drunkards" could become a nation of temperance.  Anytime government tries to regulate individual behaviors, limiting our freedoms, unintended consequences result.....

What if Jewish law banned wine?  Imagine no wine at the Wedding of Cana or the Last Supper!  An important staple in the Mediterranean diet is suddenly eliminated. In most cases, wine was safer than drinking the water.

Sabbath Prohibition  In today's gospel reading, Jesus is questioned by the Disciples of John as to why everybody else fasts except for his disciples.  Jewish law dictated fasting on the Sabbath - "prohibited" from work, food or drink.  Jesus and his disciples didn't follow the rules. They continued to graze through the wheat fields and perform miracles.  It was as if Jesus and his disciples were biblical bootleggers ready any time of the week to feed the poor, heal the sick, and drive out demons. The laws of the Sabbath didn't apply.  Of course, this didn't make the Pharisees and Scribes very happy.  Jesus would continuously be criticized and watched.  Not following the fast was considered a punishable crime as evidence mounted against him.

Why fast when the bridegroom is present?  Why not pour out the libations and feast throughout the day and night?  Jesus, the Lord and Messiah, is alive in human flesh as predicted by the prophets! 

Prophet Amos & Restoration   The Prophet Amos beautifully writes:  

"Yes, days are coming, says the Lord,..... the juice of grapes shall drip down the mountains, and all the hills shall run with it.  I will bring about restoration of my people Israel; they shall rebuild and inhabit their ruined cities, plant vineyards and drink the wine, set out gardens and eat the fruits."  

Amos is known as the prophet of doom and gloom.  However, in this passage he writes with hope.  Restoration will be at hand.  Jesus Christ, the son of God, will die for the salvation of all. We no longer have to weep and mourn.  He is there to give us life and sustenance.  Just as the Jews will be freed from Babylon captivity, Jesus Christ will free us from sin.  His blood is thicker than water.  His precious blood is the consistency of the wine we receive at communion every Sunday.  The world will flourish as God restores the good back to earth.  However, we must respect the restoration.  We must honor God and his commandments.  We must be vigilant in preserving the Christian faith.

Christ's Preservation  Blessed Jordan of Saxony describes the Gospels as the new "wine of everlasting joy."  Saint Catherine of Siena expands this theme when she writes:  

"Let us behave like the drunkard who does not think of himself but only of the wine he has drunk and of the wine that remains to be drunk!"  

As Christians, it's crucial for us to preserve the new wine of Truth in fresh wine skins composed of faith, hope, love, and charity.  Don't allow the old wine skins of indifference, disbelief, and ignorance prohibit the gospel truth from being consumed.  Joyfully imbibe, spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to others! 

-J.
 

God Bless the USA!

Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Matthew 9:9-13
“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

Happy Birthday, America!  Today is a special day for Americans all across our beautiful nation.  We celebrate Independence Day when our nation became the land of the free and home of the brave.  It's a day spent with family and friends eating BBQ and drinking cold beer; playing sports or lounging by the swimming pool; attending a parade or religious service.  Fireworks end the festivities with plenty of oohs, aahhs, and joyful cheers!

God & the Forefathers  Our Forefathers sacrificed a great deal of blood, sweat and tears to establish a nation where we enjoy immense freedoms.  Some Americans question if the United States is still a solid leader in the global economic and political world. Are we becoming a nation of porkers instead of innovators?  Are we going to keep falling behind in our children's education compared to other countries?  Will we lose our religious liberty?  

Fortunately, on a day like today, many of these questions take a backseat in our minds.  We focus on the good aspects of living in the United States -  freedom of religion, freedom of the press, right to bear arms, right to vote and own property, and even the right to entrepreneurship.  People are still flooding into our country with the desire to become a US citizen. It's seen as a land of amazing opportunity!

God certainly blessed our Forefathers with incredible intelligence and wisdom!  Without their foresight and determination our nation would not be the same.  

Let us honor our military and our government leaders for their service.  Let us remain united and strong as fellow Americans!

God Bless the USA!

----

If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife
I'd thank my lucky stars to be livin' here today
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can't take that away

And I'm proud to be an American where as least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land God bless the USA

-Lyrics from "God Bless The USA" by Lee Greenwood 

Let the Dead Bury Their Dead

Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Mark 8:18-22

Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But Jesus answered him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.”

Why the hurry?  This passage from Mark brings me discomfort.  Why is Jesus in such a hurry for his disciples to follow him?  Why not give them a chance to say their final goodbyes, even bury their loved ones?  It appears as if Jesus doesn't care.  It's rush, rush, rush. Gather up the disciples quickly and efficiently....  

On the contrary, Jesus cares about his apostles very much.  He understands how difficult it is to drop all comforts and assume a ministry of poverty.  Why not separate the "former life" quickly without all the drama? It's important to get them to work asap.  Jesus only has a limited time on earth to spread his message of love and salvation.  

I think of when loved ones in the military are deployed to war-torn countries like Iraq or Afghanistan.  For months they've lived in comfort with a regular paying job and a loving family.  Suddenly, their circumstances change and the US military asks for their immediate service.  No time for sad goodbyes.  A soldier must be prepared for the strategic military mission just as Christ's disciple prepared for the holy mission.

Let the dead bury their dead  How can the dead bury their own dead?  This line from scripture puzzles me.  It's physically impossible for a dead person to bury another dead person.  Of course, we know Jesus is speaking symbolically.  

People who are spiritually "dead" do not know Christ.  They are like bottom feeders in the ocean or the vultures eating roadside kill.  They systematically clean up the filth and decay surrounding them.  However, they go through the motions not realizing there is life way before death.  This radiate life transpires through the Holy Spirit.  The spiritually dead will gravitate toward others who are also dead.  This cycle of lifelessness feeds upon sin and disbelief. When one follows Jesus Christ, he or she becomes an impregnable force that gives life to others.  There is an understanding that our life on earth is temporary.  We should live it to the fullest striving to better ourselves.  A beautiful after life awaits us in heaven.

Become spiritually alive in Christ!  Become like one of the disciples - drop everything and follow Jesus with resilience and determination.

-J. 

Saints Peter and Paul

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

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Gospel of Matthew 16:13-19


Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

Running out of communion!  For the past month or so, we've seen a spike in attendance at my parish's 7:30 am Mass.  I love this trend.  Our pastor calls the 7:30 am the "low mass" preferring not to preach at our Sunday liturgy.  I find this disappointing.  It appears as if he really doesn't care about us, but I'm sure he does.  He just has other duties to fulfill.  Considering the upward trend in attendance maybe our pastor should re-consider celebrating the "low mass" with us.  It can be just as beautiful, even more reverent, than any popular "high mass"! Thank God our wonderful parochial vicars have no problem leading our liturgical celebrations. One of our priests gave an outstanding homily today despite an unfortunate occurrence.......

During the distribution of the Eucharist, we ran out of communion hosts! The priest made a sincere apology from the pulpit.  I thought to myself, "This is absolutely unacceptable.  How can a Catholic church run out of communion - the most important part of the Mass?  What would Peter and Paul think of a shortage of the body and blood of Christ?"  Peter would have been apologetic and consoling, just like our priest.  However, I imagine Paul being a little more fiery about the occurrence, speaking on and on about the tragedy of the situation.  He'd assure everyone Jesus still loves them despite not being able to receive him. I see Paul offering everyone a blessing as they recite the "spiritual communion" prayer.  Paul would definitely be more zealous than reserved Peter!

Peter and Paul  Today we celebrate an incredible feast honoring Saint Peter and Paul.  Both apostles were very different yet they both worked together to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.  No rivalry developed.  No butting of head or egos.  Both men understood their calling to promote Christ's teachings, accepting martyrdom as their fate.

 Peter was an uneducated, married fisherman who ministered right along side Jesus as one of his original disciples.  Jesus specifically handed over the keys of the kingdom to his authority.  Although Peter denied Christ three times during the passion, he still remained faithful in the end. By contrast, Paul was much more educated and understood the Jewish law backwards and forwards.  He remained single all of his life, actually promoting the benefits of a single in ministry.  His zealous nature made him an excellent candidate for missionary work.  He spread the good news to the Gentiles throughout the nations. To this day, we still read his letters as a solid testament of his tremendous faith and love in Christ. Both the ministries of Saint Peter and Saint Paul exemplify unity of the Church.  The keys to the Kingdom were not given to Peter for his own personal use but given to all of us as Christ's followers - the entire body of the Church.  

Unique gifts & talents  Just like God blessed Peter and Paul with unique gifts and talents, he did the same with us.  We should look into ways that we can evangelize the Word utilizing such talents.  I've discovered over the years I have a gift for writing and proclaiming scripture as a lector.  I purposely set up this blog as a way of sharing my insight about how God interacts in my every day life.  It took me a while to gain the courage to be so forthright and honest, but I think in the long run it is paying off.  Others may not enjoy writing but they have been blessed with a beautiful singing voice, solid business acumen, empathy for serving the poor, or a gift for teaching our youth.  

Saint Peter and Paul are wonderful examples of faith and mission.  Despite the hardships they faced, they persevered with determination.  They desired as many people as possible to believe in Jesus Christ.  If it wasn't for their work, the Catholic Church would not be the same.  Thanks to Saints Peter and Paul we are forever unified and glorified in Christ!

Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Pray for Us! 

-J.

Lost and Now Found

Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers.

Friday morning my telephone rang at 5:45 am. My heart raced as I thought: "That's got to be mom calling about a medical emergency.  Maybe something happened to my sister or my grandparents? Oh no!"  I picked up the receiver.  An automated voice from the city police department announced a lost teenager missing since 3:30 am.  A complete description of her height, weight, and clothing followed.  I'm used to radio Amber alerts and freeway Silver alerts , but I'd never received a call from the city regarding a missing person.  It's comforting to know the suburb I live in offers such a service.  I prayed a quick "Hail Mary" and "Our Father" for the young teen. Thank the Lord only a few hours later another message left on my voicemail confirmed the girl was located.  Where had she been all night?  Hmmm.....I think most parents can make an educated guess or two.

What have you lost?   Have you recently lost something like your car keys, a piece of jewelry, or an important document?  We all lose things every once and a while. How we deal with these losses is the key.  Do we lose our marbles? Do we complain and beat ourselves over the head in disgust and anger?  Or, do we logically retrace our steps back to the point we lost the object?  Of course, we can say a prayer to Saint Anthony.  Along with prayer, simply calming down our anxious minds helps.  I find nine out of ten times when I stop freaking out about something lost I suddenly find it.  Worst case scenario:  I simply forget that I lost the object to begin with. No gain, no foul.   For example, I lost an extra set of house keys, figuring I dropped them on the sidewalk while walking my dachshund.  One year later I discovered the missing keys in a bag of old Halloween decorations stored in the closet. Amazing how things lost are found when we no longer make a fuss over them.

Finding Jesus in the temple  One of my favorite Mysteries of the Holy Rosary is this passage from scripture about Mary and Joseph finding Jesus in the temple. I understand the horror parents must feel when a child suddenly goes missing.  Mary and Joseph experienced the same situation.  Fear and confusion suddenly become overwhelming. What happened to Jesus?  Is he safe? Dear God, please bring him back to us!  After three days, they find Jesus in the temple engaging in dialog with the teachers.  That's when Mary and Joseph understood Jesus to be a blessed child like no other.  He possessed wisdom and knowledge advanced for his years.  He was simply astounding and amazing for a mere youth!

What can be found?  When we have lost our way in life, burdened by grief and hardship, we can find new meaning and hope in Jesus Christ.  All we have to do is open ourselves to him -- our entire mind, heart, body and soul.  Most importantly is the heart.  When our heart is conjoined with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we discover joy and contentment.  We suddenly find that some people we've lost may not be worth finding.  Perhaps God only intended us to associate with a girlfriend or boyfriend for a short period of our life.  Furthermore, we realize some things may be worth the find, especially if they brings us closer to Christ.  Maybe you've drifted away from the Church for a while.  Jesus and the Blessed Mother are pulling at your heart strings inviting you back to the Sacraments!  Make an effort to reconnect with Jesus again.  He is more than willing to receive you back with loving and open arms!

"Mary, give me your Heart: so beautiful, so pure, so immaculate; your Heart so full of love and humility that I may be able to receive Jesus in the Bread of Life and love Him as you love Him and serve Him in the distressing guise of the poor."
-Mother Theresa

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for Us!

-J.

The Sacred Heart to the Rescue

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

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Gospel of Matthew 11:25-30

"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

Over-burdened   Some weeks slip by without any real issues.  The traffic flows nicely.  Work load is at a moderate pace.  Overall people are in good moods and things seem to be calm.  But, then a "life storm" swarms through and everything hits the fan.  For example, this week started out rough when I receiving two bills relating to my alarm monitoring service that I forgot were due in June.  Then the next day good old Mr. Postman placed a jury duty summons in my mailbox scheduled for mid July. Later on in the week my dog, because of all the rain, decided to mess up the carpet and hardwood floor in chosen spots.  (Mess to clean!) Finally, when I turned on my dependable electric lawn mower to mow the grass I discovered it had no juice.  The connection housing is toast.  Yikes!  So I had to order another mower which will arrive Tuesday.  (Hurray for Amazon Prime 2 day free shipping!)  In the mean time, I'll weed whack the areas of the front lawn with the more unsightly "high" grass until my new equipment arrives. Talk about over-burdened. Yes, this seems quite minor compared to other circumstances people experience.  All the same, it's still one huge headache!  I can't stand when "life happens" in inconvenient and aggravating ways.  One good thing: This gives me an excellent excuse to turn to Jesus for comfort and a bit of spiritual guidance.

The Sacred Heart to the Rescue  Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  Devotion to the Sacred Heart has been around for centuries.  There's something soothing and comforting about looking at the image of Jesus with his heart bursting out of his chest.  The unmistakable heart of Jesus on fire is an awesome sight!  When times are tough and I feel overburdened and anxious, I imagine my heart beating alongside Jesus' sacred heart.  I imagine my heart's rhythm in sync with Christ's.  My burden-induced high blood pressures subsides.  I feel an incredible peace and calm.  I pray to Our Lord, "I know you are with me, Dear Jesus!  I feel your outpouring of love and grace entering my arteries and veins.  Why do I feel like I need to runaway from you?  Why do I think I'm so unworthy of your compassion? Please ease my burdens however minor they may be.  Please open my heart so that I always praise you, not curse you.  Dear Sacred Heart, fill me with your most precious blood so that I am satisfied.  Help me to be humble of heart just like you.  I love you and adore you.  Thank you for dying for my salvation.  Amen."

-J. 

Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
O most holy heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you, and with lively sorrow for my sins I offer you this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to your will. Grant, Good Jesus, that I may live in you and for you. Protect me in the midst of danger. Comfort me in my afflictions. Give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.

Sandpaper & Sand Castles

Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Matthew 7:21-29

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house.

But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”

Words like sandpaper  Has a person ever said something that caught you off guard -- revelations you didn't think he or she knew about?  Has anyone ever been brutally honest about your behavior, something that needs to change?  Such words feel like sandpaper scratching the surface of the skin. The words leave you feeling numb and raw.  You can't figure out why the "help" couldn't be delivered in a kinder manner. Recently, an acquaintance said to me: "You are always so negative. You're like a teeter totter.  One day things are good and the next bad...."  I was floored, shocked out of my pants, that someone I admire and respect could say something so abrasive. It was a wake up call, that's for sure.  A wake up call that I need to shape-up my outlook on life: Stop feeling sorry for myself, and stop comparing myself to others. Build my life based on solid rock, not the sands of self-pity.  

Sandcastles collapse  When I'm too focused on my own thoughts and feelings, I ignore the wise words of Christ.  I build a sandcastle composed of everything I wish I possessed - a husband, children, a better career, more retirement savings, or even a different temperament.  With the slightest wind of anxiety, flood of fear, or rain of tears my beautiful sandcastle collapses and is whisked away back into the ocean.  It's as if I erased a prized etch-a-sketch masterpiece: An imaginary piece of artwork that is more idealistic than realistic.  Just like the sands of time tick away in an hour glass so does my life.  When life is wasted worrying about things I wish I had instead of appreciating God's blessings I only feed unhappiness.  

Solid rock  When I begin to focus away from myself and become more "in tune" with God's words of encouragement, love, and self-sacrifice I build a life on solid rock.  I realize that God has given me special gifts that he wants me to use in a loving way.  He wants me to act in ways that are more Christian-like.  I'm a grown adult responsible for my own happiness.  I'm no longer a whiny, cry baby child who throws a temper tantrum because her little sand castle got blown away by the wind.  In fact, with the Lord as my guide, my rock castle will be built strong and sturdy. I don't have to worry about wind or rain washing it away.  The solid rock turns into a mighty fortress that provides me with the protection and strength to live a holy life.

Sandcastles are fun to make and pretty to look at but only short lasting.  By contrast, castles made from solid rock are permanent and long standing.  Not even the greatest tragedy or hurt will break them apart.  God provides us with the material on which to build our life.  Do we choose sand or solid rock? 

-J.

Are You Bearing Good Fruit?

Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Matthew 7:15-20

Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Just so, every good tree bears good fruit, and a rotten tree bears bad fruit.A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a rotten tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. So by their fruits you will know them.”

After reading this familiar gospel passage, I thought about the two old Bradford pear trees I cut down last year which grew in my home's front and back yards. One contracted a severe case of fire blight, brought along by drought conditions.  The other was a healthy tree but grew too big, too fast.  The weight of her branches and leaves couldn't support her trunk.  With one violent thunderstorm, she split in half.  I loved those trees for their beauty, but then I also loathed the trees because they required constant pruning.  Raking leaves in the Fall proved a terrible burden.  Even though I miss the shade, I don't miss the upkeep.  I did keep one small branch from each tree as a reminder of their immense beauty.

Rotting Fruit   Have you ever tasted a rotten apple or a mushy orange?  Nature's way of warning us that something is bad, even inedible, is a bad smell and foul taste.  If you see insects or worms feasting on a piece of fruit, another sign to throw it away.  Yet, every day we are surrounded by rotting fruit hanging from the tree of mortal sin.  It's easy to harvest the fruit since it simply falls to the ground.  We don't have to climb up the tree of mortal sin.  It's branches droop to the ground inviting us to continuously feed on selfishness, pride, sensuality, lust, etc.  The "rotting" fruit may have a sweet, intoxicating flavor on the first bite but ends up feeding our hearts with bitterness.  Simply put, rotting fruit "rots" our souls.  

Bearing Good Fruit  In order to bear good fruit, we must harvest from a healthy tree.  This tree may be huge in comparison to the rotting tree.  It's lush foliage and thick bark make it cumbersome to climb.  However, the fruit it produces is nourishing for our souls.  It's life giving and life affirming!  Eating good fruit encourages us to live a holy and moral life.  It's not an easy climb though. We may require assistance of  ladder, a large climbing rope, or even other Christians in order to harvest it's delectable fruit, but it's way worth the effort!

Which tree will you harvest from?  One that is rotting or one that is healthy?  It's your choice.  The easier choice may be to eat rotten fruit off the ground, but in the long run it will make you sick!  If it was up to me, I'd harvest delectable fruit from the healthy tree.  It's vitamins and minerals will only encourage the soul to grow in holiness.

-J.