The Least vs. The Greatest

Wednesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle

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Gospel of Matthew 5:17-19

 Jesus said to his disciples:“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” 

The smallest letter of the law   As Jesus began his public ministry, he announced to his disciples:  I have come not to abolish the law or the prophets but to fulfill.  He wanted his apostles to understand the Commandments and Mosaic Laws remained valid, even to the smallest letter.  He had much work to do before heaven and earth pass away.  The disciples needed to connect-the-dots: Old Testament prophesy vs. Christ's ministry on earth.

I'm sure in some respects the Jewish people feared Jesus and his real intentions.  Would he go against Jewish tradition?  Would he insist on changes to the moral code so heavily influenced in the culture?  Would he rise to power as a King of the land demanding his own rules and laws be followed?  Is Jesus for real?

Jesus was a new element of God - a loving, caring, and compassionate human being.  He was no longer the angry God of the Old Testament who'd punish people with pestilence, famines, and floods. Jesus' main concern was that his believers continue to follow the law to the letter.  Riches lied in the Kingdom of Heaven for those who obeyed and taught others the commandments.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we were all perfect and never strayed from God's commandments?  If this was so, there'd be no need for God or for his healing forgiveness. Sin wouldn't exist.  It would be as if Adam and Eve never ate the apple from the Tree of Life.  We'd all be basking in the glory of the Kingdom of Heaven.  There wouldn't be a least versus a greatest.  We'd all be the greatest!

The Least in God's Kingdom I think of the Least in God's kingdom as the "bad boys and girls."  They are typically good-minded people.  They aren't murderers, rapists, or satanists.  They just like to play on the wild side.  They may break a commandment or two like involving themselves in adulterous affairs, cheating, stealing, and defamation.  Also, they may influence others to do the same.  They are aware of God's commandments but choose to ignore them.  Again, they aren't destined for Hell. However, they could use some fine tuning.

The Greatest in God's Kingdom  By contrast, the Greatest in God's Kingdom are the saints and saints-to-be.  (We are all called to be Saints!)  These people make an honest effort to follow God's Commandments and teachings.  At times when they do fail, they acknowledge their sins and ask for pardon and forgiveness.  They show compassion, humility, and respect towards others.  They put God as the center of their lives.

The Least can become the Greatest and the Greatest can become the Least.  By our human nature we are tempted into performing acts contrary to Christ's teachings.  Thank goodness for the Sacrament of Reconciliation!  I preach this over and over again the importance of regular confession. What a way to heal our inner wounds!

Let us all become one of the greatest in God's kingdom!

-J.

Spiritual Snippet -- A Culture of Comfort

My comments & opinion on the following article:

Pope blames "culture of comfort" for intentionally childless marriages (June 2, 2014)  


Recently in a General Audience, Pope Francis commented on the state of marriages. He blames the "culture of comfort" on people intentionally forgoing children for the pursuit of travel and carefree living.  He sparked controversy, especially among Animal rights advocates, when he said people think it's much easier "to have a puppy, two cats, and the love goes to two cats and the puppy.  Isn't this true or not? Have you seen this?...And in the end this marriage will end in the old age of solitude, with the bitterness of bad solitude."

Personally, I was taken aback by the Pope's reference to cats and dogs!  I can see why Animal Rights advocates are shaking their heads in disagreement.  In their minds, cats and dogs (pets in general) should be given the same rights as humans.  They should be respected, cared for, and never consumed as food.  Some Animal Rights advocates go so far as to value an animal over a human child.  Clearly the Pope recognizes a trend, particularly in marriages where couples decide to raise pups and kittens instead of babies.

I think the point Pope Francis was trying to make is that married couples should not enter into marriage in selfish, self serving ways.  Married couples should be open to life and not only creature comforts.  There needs to be a willingness to bond with one another, love one another, and relate to one another, mutually fulfilling each others needs.  The Sacrament of Marriage includes the willingness to be open to conceiving and raising children: Real human children and not only pets.

Why get married if a couple isn't open to having children?  Is marriage only something to get into for convenience and financial security?

On the flip side, I can see many reasons why a couple may decide to not have children.  Perhaps they are financially unable to care for a child or multiple children.  Children are expensive.  Weigh the amount of money to raise a child to the age of 18 (plus college tuition) against raising a cat and dog to the age of 10-15 years.  Understandably pets are less expensive.

Secondly, a couple may decide not to have children due to genetic abnormalities or mental health issues that could be passed down in their offspring.  Sometimes a woman may be able to conceive but she is unable to carry a child to term without significant health concerns.

Finally, a couple may decide to forgo children because they marry later in life.  This is a very common trend in today's society.  A couple may decide to marry in their mid to late 40's when having a child is no longer possible.

Overall, I see the idea of a "culture of comfort" affecting all states in life, not just marriage.  In fact, singles often are so set in their own ways and their own comforts that they decide to NEVER get married because then they have to share themselves, often dealing with another person's vices. Married life is tough.

The Pope's words are very interesting.  I can see both sides of the debate.  In terms of the Catholic Church's teachings, its important for marriage to be taken seriously and not seen as something of a convenience.  A married couple's creature comforts should never trump sacrifice and pure love-- Love that includes an openness to children if there is not viable reason not to.

-J.

Shine On

Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

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Book of 1 Kings 17:7-16

Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid. Go and do as you propose. But first make me a little cake and bring it to me. Then you can prepare something for yourself and your son. For the LORD, the God of Israel, says, The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.’”

Gospel of Matthew 5:13-16
You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

The Widow of Zarephath   Every time I read the passage from 1 Kings describing the Widow of Zarephath and her child, my heart aches with compassion. I love this moving story.  At the time of Elijah's ministry, a severe famine swept the land.  Men, women, and children died of starvation.  In horrendous acts, some even resorted to cannibalism.  Here we read the story of a woman gathering sticks in order to prepare her final meal.  She knows this is the last of her provisions.  Death is imminent.  Darkness has wrapped itself around the Widow and her child, refusing to let go, causing despair and lost of hope.  Yet, something miraculous happens.  The Prophet Elijah, instructed by God,  meets this woman.  He asks for some water and a bit of her bread.  At first she's worried that she won't have enough remaining to feed her small family of two.  However, Elijah assures here that her jar of flour will not go empty and her jug of oil run dry until the rains return.  In exchange for the widow sharing her provisions with Elijah, the Lord provides her sustenance.  Clearly, the heavy darkness of hunger and death has converted to the light of hope and survival.

As a parallel story in the New Testament, I often think of the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well.  In several ways both protagonists are similar.  Both women have no husband. Both women are outcasts in society.  Both women give a cup of water to quench the thirst of a prophet (Elijah with the widow &Jesus with the Samaritan woman).  Both women are suffering in a spiritual way.  God intervenes in their lives, healing their inner wounds and providing them the peace and mercy they so deserve.  Their faith and hope is realized.

Your Light Must Shine On   In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus commands his disciples that their light must shine before others.  The Apostles should perform good deeds that are noticed by others; good deeds that glorify God to the fullest.  The Light of Christ is something that must be spread so that it illuminates the lives of everyone.  One small flickering flame of light can convert a heart a a soul.

We all have the light of Christ burning inside of our hearts.  It's up to each one of us to follow the Lord's Commandments and his Beatitudes, sharing Christ's profound wisdom with others.  If we allow the light of Christ to extinguish itself, we risk falling into darkness, despair, and even temptation.

Just like the Widow of Zarephath shared a meal with Elijah, so we as Christians should share our gifts with others.  Allow the light of Christ to shine on in our caring actions.

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine! 

-J.






 

Blessed are the Peacemakers

Monday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of Matthew 5:1-12

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.

Prayers for Peace  On Pentecost Sunday Pope Francis met with Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian Leader Mahmud Abbas for a special evening of prayer and music at the Vatican Gardens.  Already the media are saying this gesture won't lead to anything significant.  The countries will continue to war with each other no matter the peace efforts enacted by the Pope! 

 I tend to think Pope Francis' gesture is a humble one. It pains me to hear of so much oppression, violence, neglect, and degradation of women and young children that take place in these nations.  Two thumbs up for Pope Francis' ecumenical outreach...And very fitting for the celebration of Pentecost.  Plant a seed and allow the Holy Spirit to guide it to fruition; that is, if God is willing.  I think he is, but it's humanity's greed, power hungriness, and  love of control that's causing so much unrest.

Will prayers for peace by three major leaders of monotheistic religions make a difference? Only time will tell....

Blessed are the Peacemakers  Have you ever known a person who always seems so peaceful? They sincerely love people and desire the best for them.  These men and women are willing to give all that they have to keep peace within their families, places of work, and places of worship.  They just seem to have the flame of the Holy Spirit burning in their hearts at all times.  Some important celebrity peacemakers who come to mind include Nelson Mandela, Ghandi, St. Pope John Paul II, and even Mother Theresa. 

I remember as a child I used to occasionally go to Sunday school at my grandmother's Methodist church out in East Texas.  My Sunday School teacher Charlsey was a friend of my grandmother.  She was quite elderly but still loved to teach bible study.  I remember she used to give me gifts whenever I'd come to visit.  One time it was a bible.  The most memorable of her gifts was a little wooden plaque that displayed:  Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9)  For years I hung that small plaque in my bedroom. Even after I became Catholic, I displayed this beautiful reminder of not only Ms. Charlsey but Our Lord's Beatitudes.  I always think of the Beatitudes as the "brick and mortar" of Christ's teachings.

Let us be peacemakers in our own communities!

-J.

Happy Birthday to the Church!

Pentecost Sunday

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Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11

Chapel in the St. Albert Priory - Irving, TX

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

Happy Birthday to the Church!  Today we celebrate Pentecost when the gift of the Holy Spirit was bestowed on the Apostles.  It's representative of the birth of the Catholic Church. This is one of my favorite liturgical celebrations!

This morning I attended a special mass with the Dominican Friars and Lay Dominicans at St. Albert Priory in Irving.  Three new candidates were admitted as Lay Dominicans along with three "senior" members who made their permanent promises.  I've never attended a mass officiated by the Dominican Friars, so this was a very special day for me.  When one of the novices asked for a volunteer to read the first reading, I gladly offered!  I just read this same passage from the Acts of the Apostles at my normal 7:30 am Mass.  What an honor to read in front of the Dominican family!  I hope to become a Lay Dominican candidate in January 2015.  Only a few more months away.....

Interesting.....When I arrived back home after the mass and reception, I noticed my car's odometer read exactly 143,000 miles.  This made me think:

One Four Three = One "for" Three = One for the Trinity 
The Holy Spirit has arrived and now makes up the Trinity!

 Okay this may sound kind of weird.  My brain thinks crazy thoughts sometimes!

Different tongues   Can you imagine being one of the Apostles witnessing the arrival of the Holy Spirit?  The wind building up and tongues of fire appearing.  Is this a horror movie or for real?  Is it Jesus' breathe I just felt on my face?  Do I hear strange languages all around me?  Wow, this is something else!  Yet, among all of the wind and strange languages is a profound spirit.  A Spirit so moving and so intimate that it's impossible to think as diabolical.  The Holy Spirit transforms from Jesus Christ.  After his ascension into heaven, Jesus left the apostles the gifts of the Holy Spirit as a way to help guide them through ministry.  Jesus may not be physically present, but he's now spiritually present.  

To this day the Holy Spirit interacts with us regularly.  I find it amazing so many times when I read the scripture passage of the day and think, "How on earth does this relate to my life?  How can I write a meditation on this?"  Then I will hear a song, read an article, or even see a bumper sticker on the car.  All of these little nuisances give me ideas of what to write about!  The Holy Spirit is clearly at work in all aspects of my life.  What's really wonderful is how the Holy Spirit becomes an important part of my relationships.  Some relationships are short-lived but most seem to last a long time.  I feel blessed to have close friends and acquaintances who love me as much as I love them.  The Holy Spirit is definitely composed of love as it's central ingredient.

Come, Holy Spirit, Come!  Let us recognize the Holy Spirit at work among the people we know or we don't know; among nature and our environment; and among our every day life experiences.

-J.

A Prelude to Pentecost

Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter

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Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.”

Today marks a transition point in the liturgical calendar. This is the last weekend of the Easter Season as we prepare for the celebration of Pentecost Sunday.  Next week we return to Ordinary time as the scripture passages refocus on Jesus' public ministry.

As we close our celebration, Saint Augustine reminds us of the meaning of Easter:  "The season before Easter signified troubles in which we live here and now, while the time after Easter which we are celebrating at present signifies the happiness that will be ours in the future. What we commemorate before Easter is what we experience in this life; what we celebrate after Easter points to something we do not yet possess....now the fast is over and we devote the present season to praise."

What concern is it of yours?   Have you ever known someone who attempted to meddle in your affairs?  Perhaps a friend, a co-worker or a family member?  We may feel uncomfortable telling anyone our plans much less explain why.  The same goes with Our Lord.  When Peter questions him about the fate of the beloved disciple, and if he will live or die before the parousia (Second Coming), Jesus' answer is frankly none of your business.

We may feel hate and resentment toward meddlesome people:  the knickpickers, the naysayers, the judgmental folks, and those who question us non-stop.  If it comes to a person's safety and welfare, then yes, it is important to get into their business.  However, many times people only want to hear the latest gossip.  Their "concern" is not heartfelt.

Compassionate concern   I just finished reading the riveting memoir titled  No Place to Hide: A Brain Surgeon's Long Journey Home from the Iraq War.  Dr. Lee Warren, a now retired U.S. Air Force military neurosurgeon, spent 4 months in 2005 serving in a tent hospital on Balad Air Base.  Every day he experienced mortar attacks and bombings.  He witnessed horrific injuries and mass casualties.  His medical training taught him to help all the injured, regardless if an American soldier, Iraqi civilian or Al Qaeda terrorist. The idea of love the enemy hit very hard.  Why should he be concerned about keeping the enemy alive? It's hard to imagine limited blood supplies, surgical instruments, and medical staff saving the life of a terrorist so filled with hate and jealousy toward America.  

In an email letter sent to his family and friends, Major Warren wrote:

"I understand the sensitivities of church and state and all that, I really do.  But don't you think that our Founding Father's ethics and belief systems have something to do with the fact that 230 years later we are still the kindest and most compassionate nation on earth, even to people who are trying to kill us?"

Major Warren often turned to prayer in a resilient effort to find peace amidst fear, sadness, and tragedy of war. He worried about his own life.  Would he survive to see his children again? Would the nightmares ever stop? A military chaplain gave him some valuable advice:  Pray more, worry less, and let God do the rest.

Follow the Lord   The first and second readings link the ministries of Peter and Paul in a meaningful way.  Both Apostles followed the Lord knowing all too well the job would be difficult, even dangerous at times. Paul remained chained in prison for two years but still welcomed those who wanted to hear the message of God's Kingdom.  Not even imprisonment stopped him from spreading the Truth of Jesus Christ.

We can follow the Lord with the same zeal as the early apostles.  We have the benefit of the Holy Spirit to ignite the flame of Christ's love within us.  Furthermore, we have the whole body of the Church as our fortress, our shield, and our centralizing force.  The Church may be in a constant battle with those who think her ways are archaic, fighting wars against the culture of death and religious persecution.  However, the Church will never back down and never give up!  

The following lyrics from Peter, Paul & Mary's song "River of Jordan" resonate a special meaning as we prepare for Pentecost:

"I wanted to know if life had a purpose
And what it all means in the end
In the silence I listened to voices inside me
And they told me again and again

There is only one river, there is only one sea
And it flows through you, and it flows through me
There is only one people, we are one and the same
We are all one spirit, we are all one name
We are the father, mother, daughter and son
From the dawn of creation, we are one, we are one, we are one."

We are all one blood, one body in Christ.  Be compassionately concerned for one another.  Allow the Holy Spirit to transform each of us into passionate evangelizers of the faith.  Follow Our Lord and never forget Christ's infinite love for all of humanity.

Come, Holy Spirit, and dwell inside our hearts.  Amen.

-J.

Do You Love Me?

Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter

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Gospel of John 21:15-19
“Do you love me?” and he said to him,“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger,you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.”

When you grow old  After reading this passage, my grandparents came to mind.  They are both in their 80's.  My grandfather, who turned 88 this past February, isn't feeling well.  He's depressed and already anticipating death.  It doesn't help that he's experienced several falls over the last few weeks, forcing him to use a walker.  Granddaddy is fiercely independent and active; yet, stubborn in many ways.  He hates being crippled. We want him to see a regular physician for his leg issues, but he insists on going to the VA hospital for "free" treatment.  (With all of the controversy of the VA right now, this is not a good idea.)  I told my mother that this Father's Day we need to "go-all-out" for granddaddy.  Pamper him with attention and affection.  Patiently listen to his old stories even if we've heard them before.  As a Christian, as well as the oldest granddaughter, I feel it's my duty to "feed the lamb" who has been a huge role model in my life.  Feed my grandfather love, compassion, warmth, and charity.  I don't want him to think that life is ending soon.  Life is only beginning. In fact, when he passes on, which will be much later than sooner, he will make it into heaven. No more pain and discomfort.  No more worry about what the future holds.  God will be there to smother my grandfather with tremendous love. Every day I pray for my grandfather.  I hope he will be with us for many more years to come.  

Do you love me?  As we age, we begin to notice the graying hair, the lines under our eyes, and the sagging skin.  We get depressed thinking, "Does anyone still love me looking so old and wrinkly?  Does anyone even know that I exist?"  

Our Lord loves each one of us no matter if we are young or old.  He created us in his image.  He sees us as something good and beautiful.  Society clearly favors the young and sophisticated.  However, we should NEVER discount the elderly.  They are so full of wisdom and experience.  Throughout their years, they have faced hardships that the younger generation could not even fathom.  My grandparents grew up in the Great Depression.  My grandfather fought in World War II.  They were never rich, but they lived content and happy.  I love talking to them about their childhood experiences.  At times when I want to mumble and grumble at how hard my life is, I just think about the era my grandparents lived in.  Talk about tough!  

Next time you see an elderly person in a store or on a street corner, give them a smile and say hello.  Don't look away, discounting them as if they are nothing.  If our Lord thinks they are worthy, so should we.  It's important as the younger generation to learn as much as we can from those who are older.  Many of the elderly are deeply devoted to Christ.  When I attend Daily Mass at my home parish, I'm usually one of the minority.  Seniors make up the majority of attendees.  This is such an outstanding example of devout faith!  

Love Christ.  Love Others. Be generous with your time and attention to the older men and women in your community.

-J.

Jesus - Conqueror of the World

Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter

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Gospel of John 16:29-33

Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

A world in trouble  This morning I read about Islamists bombing several Coptic Christian stores in Luxor, Egypt.  A Christian is on trial for blasphemy allegedly writing Internet postings condemning Islam. As a result, Islamists decided to riot, killing innocent Christians in the process.  It's sad to think Coptic Christians make up less than 10% of the Egyptian population.  Islamists are slowly driving away any trace of Christianity.  Their intolerance toward other religions is growing in staggering ways.  I always thought communism would lead to World War III.  Now I'm frightened radical "Islam-ism" may end the world as we know it.

Catholic Christians are in serious trouble throughout the world.  They are attacked by secularists who demand religion stay out of schools and public places.  They are attacked by gay and lesbian advocates since Catholic Christians don't support same sex so-called marriage laws.  Catholics are attacked by the media for upholding archaic "traditional values" that don't jive with the relativism of the 21st century.  Government laws as well as coerced violence threatens religious liberty and freedom.  

It's a frightening and sad world.  We may think doom and gloom is all we have to look forward to in the future.  However, God wants us to be courageous.  Fight the good fight when it comes to preserving our Christian faith.  Keep our chins up never allowing the world's troubles to damper our spirits.  Every generation in the past, present and future has thought the world will end in their lifetimes.  

My mom used to always tell me that as long as war and conflict exists the world will exist.  It's not until the Middle East reaches peace that the time of the Last Judgment is at hand.  Honestly, I'm not sure if this is true or not.  I just continue to pray for peace everywhere in the world.

Jesus the Conqueror  Jesus conquered the world in amazing ways.  He conquered hate with love. He conquered sickness through healing miracles.  He conquered humanity's sins by dying on the cross.  He even conquered the skeptics and non-believers by proving the Old Testaments prophesy was fulfilled.  He still acts as conqueror of our souls in the present day. If the heart is shielded from Christ's message, then his divine sword can't penetrate it.  We block the flow of his blood into our own.  What is needed is for us to remove the protective shield comprised of disbelief and ignorance.  Allow Christ's body and blood to become bonded to us.  With this bond comes strength.  With this bond comes an understanding of what God is all about.  He is made of infinite love.  This outpouring of love makes him the most effective conqueror of all time.

As we approach Pentecost, think about ways Jesus has healed you from your troubles.  Stay away from the negative doom and gloom news.  Pray, meditate and reflect on ways Jesus has helped you conquer struggles in your own life.  Invoke the help of the Holy Spirit to give you the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of the Truth of  Jesus Christ.

-J.

Looking At the Sky

The Ascension of the Lord

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Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11

While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee,why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”

Rain & Sunshine Yesterday as I drove home from confession, I looked up at the sky noticing rain droplets coming down in full sunshine.  It rained quite heavy for about 30 minutes.  No wind, no thunder or lightning, no sun hidden behind a cloud...Just big rain droplets showering the street.  What an unusual sight considering the Dallas area is known for severe thunderstorms.  Unfortunately, I didn't see a rainbow, but I'm sure one appeared somewhere nearby...

 I thought to myself, "God and the heavenly angels must be weeping tears of joy!  Today we celebrate the Feast of the Mary's Visitation and tomorrow the Feast of the Ascension! Thank God for this much needed rain!"

The Ascension  Jesus ascended into heaven in a blink of an eye.  The apostles stared into the sky, totally mesmerized by what they just experienced.  They loved Jesus and didn't want him to leave.  It took two men dressed in white to lift the apostles out of their temporary trance.  In time, Jesus will return back to earth the same path he went up.  (He will set out to judge the living and the dead.)  After the Ascension, the apostle's mission  took a significant turn.  It will be up to them to courageously grow the Church.  Fortunately they will be given the power of the Holy Spirit as their Advocate and guide....

 No time for the Apostles to stare at the sky.  Time to spread the good news of the gospels to Jews and Gentiles alike!

What do you see in the sky?  When you look up at the sky, what do you see?  Do you see the obvious: big fluffy clouds, the sun, birds flying or maybe an airplane?  Or, do you use your imagination, noticing figures of animals or faces drawn out of the clouds?  

Some people look at the sky wishing things were different in their lives.  Perhaps they made bad decisions that have come to forever haunt them.  Other people look at the sky in praise and celebration.  Their lives are beautiful and full of content.  They recognize God's handiwork in all of their blessings.  

Still others may look up at the sky wanting to know what the future holds.  Will they live to a ripe old age?  Will they get everything they ever desired in life? To these people, the future seems to be the key to happiness.  They stare into the sky of the future when they should notice the clouds of the present.  Those fluffy clouds may be heavy and black with rain.  Lightning and thunder could be forming in the sky.  Yet, the person so hopeful of the future doesn't notice the storm of present-day life.  It's good to prepare for the future, but it's also critical to take care of issues in the present.  Think about the Apostles:  They could have sat their looking at the sky day dreaming about the wonderful times with Jesus only thinking about his return!  However, they took action, evangelizing the faith.

Next time you look up at the sky, say a prayer of Thanksgiving to Our Lord praising him for his infinite blessings.  Consider ways that you can serve the Church and evangelize the faith.  In a post-Christian culture, it's important that all of us as baptized followers of Christ to spread his good news in authentic and charitable ways.  Personally, I'm discerning ways how I can better serve the church in a possible mission role.  I look up at the sky in prayer looking for "hints" as to where Our Lord wants me to serve in ways I can use my talents and gifts. 

Go and teach all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, until the end of the world. (Gospel Alleluia)

-J.

Mary's Magnificat

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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Gospel of Luke 1:39-56

And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name.

Total Consecration  I have just completed the 33 day preparation for Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary according to Saint Louis de Montfort  (myconsecration.org). I made my private consecration at daily mass this morning followed by a very fruitful confession.  

 Actually, I started the consecration  process back in 2012 but stopped toward the end.  I didn't feel ready to devote myself completely to Jesus through the intercession of the Blessed Mother. Throughout my conversion process, I've struggled understanding Marian devotions and dogma. Only in the last year have I experienced the power of Mary's intercession in my own life!  As a fledgling Lay Dominican, I've come to cherish Mary's important role in salvation history.  Her "Yes!" to her call to become the mother of Our Lord is completely remarkable!  I can't see how a mere 13 year old young woman could possess incredible wisdom, humility, and acceptance.  I know if I was Mary, recently told I was pregnant with the Lord, I would shutter in disbelief.  I'd question the angel, "What on earth are you talking about?  There's no way God would choose me to carry the savior of the world in my womb!"  I'd probably feel a little ashamed at my pregnancy, worried people think ill of me.  Our Blessed Mother was conceived without the residual effects of original sin, so of course no surprise she'd accept the news without question and complaint.  The fact she traveled alone to Judah to visit her elderly cousin is special in itself.  She felt it was necessary to share her wonderful news with a close relative who happened to be pregnant, too.   Mary could have decided to keep her pregnancy a secret.  She could have instantly felt unworthy of her chosen motherhood, weeping in sorrow for something she never wanted to happen.  To the benefit of all of Christianity, she decided to SHARE her joy!  No wonder the child within Elizabeth's womb leaped for joy just hearing Mary's voice!  I'm sure Mary's beautiful voice radiated excitement and anticipation.  She was special and unique. She was purposely chosen to bring Christ into the world.  Magnificent indeed!

Pray the rosary  I recently saw a bumper sticker that read:  Are you angry?  Need a weapon? Pray the rosary!   I was experiencing a terrible week.  I'd been losing my cool, thinking ill of others, and pretty much hated the world.  I was so angry at everything wrong happening around me.  Then I saw this bumper sticker.  It was one of those perfect God-instances that stopped me in my tracks.  Wow, now I know what to do when I feel as if Satan is attacking my mind, my spirit, my heart, and my physical body.  Pray the rosary!  Ever since then I've tried to pray the rosary every day.  If I can't pray a whole rosary, then I at least say a few Hail Mary's throughout the day.  It has made a tremendous difference.  I feel more grounded and more centered.  The rosary has definitely aided me though Saint Louis de Montfort's total consecration preparation.  

I know now that Our Lord is definitely calling me to build an intimate relationship with Our Lady.  I pray I can maintain a constant connection to Jesus through Mary.  At times I become very selfish, immersed in my own thoughts.  Being an introvert by nature, I tend to think and feel a lot!  Satan knows this and will penetrate his evil into my thoughts so I begin to doubt and draw wrong conclusions.  He rose-colors my optics in an attempt to draw me away from my faith.  Now I know my greatest satanic weapon is the rosary! The best way for me to keep evil away from my mind and my heart is to allow Mary's illuminating intercession to shield and protect me.  She loves me just as much as God does!  I often imagine Our Blessed Mother in personal conferences with Jesus giving him advice on how to guide me along in life.  She sees things from a feminine, motherly perspective.  Being full of grace, she radiates Christ through her.  Mary's intercession is real and very powerful.  I'm so happy to finally be able to fully relate to her on an intimate level.

Thank you Mary and Jesus for your love and protection!

Saint Louis de Montfort, Pray for Us!

-J.