The word "Christianity" was not used until after Jesus' public ministry, death, resurrection and ascension. It has been used in relation to His followers living as disciples according to His teachings about faith, love, hope and service.
Jesus shared His message with a small group around Him that they might choose to live as God commanded. He also directed them, as accounted in each of the Gospels and Acts of the Apostles, to spread that message to all nations (Matthew 28: 16-20, Mark 16: 14-18, Luke 24: 36-49, John 20: 19-23 and Acts 1: 6-8). That directive was to sow the seeds of God's message into each others' lives. I think this had two benefits; one for bringing another person closer to God, and the other to strengthen the faith, love, hope and service of the messenger.
He commissioned the disciples to share in His ministry. We too are commissioned to profess the beliefs we've accepted. Our lives are the examples in words and deeds that lead others to God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).
We continually sow seeds and nourish seeds that have been sown, but the cultivating and harvesting will be done in God's time. Though the need for sowing these seeds is not greater in any particular season, the present time is what we have to share our faith.
We are not teaching our faith, but rather extending an offer to meet Jesus. it doesn't take much to meet our Lord. It can be as close as prayer of looking to each other. Jesus is present in each of us and shines through each of us. We just need to be reminded of that sometimes.
Our faith is not taught, it is caught. The children/youth (and adults too) are looking to us for a Jesus connection. We are interconnected through Jesus and that is our holy communion. That's what makes us ONE!
As we grow in our faith we see that holy communion connects us with other communities of faith. In this way we realize that our family is closely linked into one family, God's family.
One of the songs we sing, "We are the Church," speaks of being happy to be children in God's family. We are the Church in our homes too, and God happily wants to be part of our family. The seeds you are sowing continue to unify and build up the family. This blooming strengthens families, Church and community.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
The importance of "showing up"
A few years ago I was helping to coach my son's soccer team. They were playing in their last regular season game and because of the team's record, the next week they'd be playing in the championship game.
After the game I talked with the team and asked, "What's the most important thing you can do to help our team win next week?" They began searching their memories about all the things we'd talked about during the season. They came up with things like "passing the ball," "teamwork," "communication," "cheering each other on," and a few more things too.
Each time they gave me an answer, I responded, "That's important, but what's more important than that?" Soon they had run out of ideas and I added, "The most important thing that's going to help us win next week is you showing up. If you don't show up, then all the other things won't matter." We all needed to be there for the complete team to work together, for the whole team to give us the best chance possible.
Since then I've realized that concept applies to other parts of our lives, including Youth Ministry. Youth Ministry begins with Y-O-U, and TRY completes it. Each of us is the YOU who TRY to help make it a good and alive experience for all. If you think something is worthwhile, fun, enjoyable, etc., then most likely others would feel the same way too.
Many youth and adults continue to help make Youth Ministry at Church a vibrant program in the Catechesis classes, the community building gatherings, the Retreats, the seasonal activities and the Service Opportunities. I have a few good memories of my high school Youth Ministry experience, and that's part of why many opportunities and possibilities have been on the schedule in the past year.
When you look back at your high school Youth Minstry experience, will you have many great memories, a few good ones, or unhappy thoughts that you didn't get to do the things you wanted. Got ideas? Take that important step; Show up, and share them!
After the game I talked with the team and asked, "What's the most important thing you can do to help our team win next week?" They began searching their memories about all the things we'd talked about during the season. They came up with things like "passing the ball," "teamwork," "communication," "cheering each other on," and a few more things too.
Each time they gave me an answer, I responded, "That's important, but what's more important than that?" Soon they had run out of ideas and I added, "The most important thing that's going to help us win next week is you showing up. If you don't show up, then all the other things won't matter." We all needed to be there for the complete team to work together, for the whole team to give us the best chance possible.
Since then I've realized that concept applies to other parts of our lives, including Youth Ministry. Youth Ministry begins with Y-O-U, and TRY completes it. Each of us is the YOU who TRY to help make it a good and alive experience for all. If you think something is worthwhile, fun, enjoyable, etc., then most likely others would feel the same way too.
Many youth and adults continue to help make Youth Ministry at Church a vibrant program in the Catechesis classes, the community building gatherings, the Retreats, the seasonal activities and the Service Opportunities. I have a few good memories of my high school Youth Ministry experience, and that's part of why many opportunities and possibilities have been on the schedule in the past year.
When you look back at your high school Youth Minstry experience, will you have many great memories, a few good ones, or unhappy thoughts that you didn't get to do the things you wanted. Got ideas? Take that important step; Show up, and share them!
Shifting into re-Verse Makes A Difference
We keep hearing the same stories in Church, especially every three years because of our liturgical cycles. And many of them are discussed through the Religious Education classes.
When I've felt like the stories are so familiar, it's so easy to pass over them quickly and miss the messages that God wants to share with me. If the Reading/Gospel seems boring or hard to understand, it is too convenient to bypass the whole thing as not worth my time and effort to understand it better. But it doesn't have to be that way.
When I have had to look over the Readings and Gospel to prepare as a Lector for Mass or to lead Liturgy of The Word for Children or in classes, God's messages are suddenly there in various and unique ways. The ways that help me include praying about the passages, reading them a few times, and reflecting on what God is saying.
The Word of God is not always the same, even if I read that passage a few weeks or months earlier. It could be a word or a phrase in the verses that apply differently to my life now than it did, even a short time ago. The Word of God hasn't changed. I'm the one who has changed.
And then I am at a cross-road. I can accept the changes and I can affect those God brings to me, or I can ignore or reject the changes and try to go on living a lie. I say, "living a lie," because whether or not we accept them, we are still changed. And the difference is still part of our lives.
The term "cross-road" is also an interesting one, because the cross is such a key part of our faith in who Jesus was, what He did and what He challenges us to do. His words including "Come Follow Me," and "Love one another," are all about "Make a choice, now."
If your past has put some separation between you and God, that doesn't matter. The things that matter to God include "What will you choose now?" Next comes, "Will you turn around and move toward God?"
God wants each of us connected, and grounded in our faith, but we must be open to that possibility. The word "Bible," has been used as an acronym; "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth," but its only a resource, a tool for us to use. The living Bible is within us, and God so wants to inscribe our hearts with the message of love, unconditional love.
The sooner we make the choice to get close to God, the more time we have to build that relationship which will make our transition into eternal life so much easier. God ached so much for us to be reunited as family, that Jesus came to get us back, and lived, suffered, died and rose again for the Divine and human family reunion.
The Bible messages give new meaning to the in-Verse proportions of God's love for us. John 10: 10 tells us "I came that you might have life and have it abundantly."
When I've felt like the stories are so familiar, it's so easy to pass over them quickly and miss the messages that God wants to share with me. If the Reading/Gospel seems boring or hard to understand, it is too convenient to bypass the whole thing as not worth my time and effort to understand it better. But it doesn't have to be that way.
When I have had to look over the Readings and Gospel to prepare as a Lector for Mass or to lead Liturgy of The Word for Children or in classes, God's messages are suddenly there in various and unique ways. The ways that help me include praying about the passages, reading them a few times, and reflecting on what God is saying.
The Word of God is not always the same, even if I read that passage a few weeks or months earlier. It could be a word or a phrase in the verses that apply differently to my life now than it did, even a short time ago. The Word of God hasn't changed. I'm the one who has changed.
And then I am at a cross-road. I can accept the changes and I can affect those God brings to me, or I can ignore or reject the changes and try to go on living a lie. I say, "living a lie," because whether or not we accept them, we are still changed. And the difference is still part of our lives.
The term "cross-road" is also an interesting one, because the cross is such a key part of our faith in who Jesus was, what He did and what He challenges us to do. His words including "Come Follow Me," and "Love one another," are all about "Make a choice, now."
If your past has put some separation between you and God, that doesn't matter. The things that matter to God include "What will you choose now?" Next comes, "Will you turn around and move toward God?"
God wants each of us connected, and grounded in our faith, but we must be open to that possibility. The word "Bible," has been used as an acronym; "Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth," but its only a resource, a tool for us to use. The living Bible is within us, and God so wants to inscribe our hearts with the message of love, unconditional love.
The sooner we make the choice to get close to God, the more time we have to build that relationship which will make our transition into eternal life so much easier. God ached so much for us to be reunited as family, that Jesus came to get us back, and lived, suffered, died and rose again for the Divine and human family reunion.
The Bible messages give new meaning to the in-Verse proportions of God's love for us. John 10: 10 tells us "I came that you might have life and have it abundantly."
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Take A Nap!
Take A Nap!
A friend went on a retreat. He met with a Spiritual Advisor several times and at each meeting he would try to bring up issues and concerns he had. The nun would simply respond, "Take a nap."When he told our group the story it seemed quite humorous and we've joked about it many times. But when recently reflecting on it, I realized there could be a profound message in that advice. When I've taken naps, the primary reason has been to refresh my body. The reason I hadn't thought about is the nap is usually something just for me.
How many times have we done something just for ourselves to refresh our soul, or to renew our catechesis faith sharing or spark our prayer life. There are many offerings from our Diocese including classes at the Pastoral Center, Basic Catechist Formation Courses and the Spring Forward Mid-Year Catechist Conference. Another option is the L.A. Religious Education Congress (in Anaheim).
Whenever we do some things for our own edification, the blessings are poured into our ministry too. The children/youth benefit a great deal from the boosters we get, and the ideas we share with each other support and encourage our fellow Catechists, and continually uplift us.
I hope you will take advantage of the many local as well as other opportunities to build up your faith, make connections with others in catechesis, and relax and catch some of the Son-shine blessings.
I look forward to the many ways Jesus comes into my life, expecially through each of you. Let God bless you through whatever "nap" you take.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Not the Do-Attitudes
In Matthew 5: 1-12 and Luke 6: 20-23 the Scriptures gives us "The Beatitudes." Jesus began this Sermon on the Mount/Plain with "Blessed are you ... for ..." or "Happy are you ... for ..." He offered them (and now us) encouragement for being the people they already were, for characteristics they already had.
The things we are "doing" can have very important roles in our lives, but "being" in the Presence of God has an incredible value for us too. Jesus wanted to show people that God loved them, and how close God was, as well as how they were close to the path toward God too.
In the Scriptures, He was talking to people who were feeling unworthy and unimportant. They weren't hearing messages of hope from their religious leaders. Jesus offered them encouragement for who they were, and called them "blessed," lifting them up for being people who wanted a connection with God; and they were hopeful.
In Jesus' words, "Blessed are you who are poor in spirit, for yours is the kingdom of God," I see that poor in spirit means "those who need God." When we know that we are poor in spirit, we reach for God because there is a void in our life. In our need for God, we have and emptiness which only God can fill.
In "Blessed are you who mourn, for you shall be comforted," I see that recognizing we are hurting, especially spiritually, is the first step toward healing. If we deny that a problem exists, that closes a door between us and God or others who could help.
In "Blessed are you who hunger and thirst for holiness, for you shall have your fill," I've learned from comparing the spiritual hunger and thirst to our physical needs. When we are hungry for food or thirsty for drink, we look for ways to satisfy our need. Similarly, in our spiritual hunger and thirst, we look for ways to satisfy those needs too. Through the Eucharist we are filled in many ways; including being in the Presence of our Lord.
Remember that we are not human doings. We were created as human beings, and are very much connected to our Creator. The "doing" comes out of our connectedness with God and our fellow human beings. That connection is love -- the actions of caring, compassion and kindness that was, is and ever will be in the nature of God. All that Jesus was and is doing is part of Who He is Being -- living out You Are Loved!
The things we are "doing" can have very important roles in our lives, but "being" in the Presence of God has an incredible value for us too. Jesus wanted to show people that God loved them, and how close God was, as well as how they were close to the path toward God too.
In the Scriptures, He was talking to people who were feeling unworthy and unimportant. They weren't hearing messages of hope from their religious leaders. Jesus offered them encouragement for who they were, and called them "blessed," lifting them up for being people who wanted a connection with God; and they were hopeful.
In Jesus' words, "Blessed are you who are poor in spirit, for yours is the kingdom of God," I see that poor in spirit means "those who need God." When we know that we are poor in spirit, we reach for God because there is a void in our life. In our need for God, we have and emptiness which only God can fill.
In "Blessed are you who mourn, for you shall be comforted," I see that recognizing we are hurting, especially spiritually, is the first step toward healing. If we deny that a problem exists, that closes a door between us and God or others who could help.
In "Blessed are you who hunger and thirst for holiness, for you shall have your fill," I've learned from comparing the spiritual hunger and thirst to our physical needs. When we are hungry for food or thirsty for drink, we look for ways to satisfy our need. Similarly, in our spiritual hunger and thirst, we look for ways to satisfy those needs too. Through the Eucharist we are filled in many ways; including being in the Presence of our Lord.
Remember that we are not human doings. We were created as human beings, and are very much connected to our Creator. The "doing" comes out of our connectedness with God and our fellow human beings. That connection is love -- the actions of caring, compassion and kindness that was, is and ever will be in the nature of God. All that Jesus was and is doing is part of Who He is Being -- living out You Are Loved!
Casual-ty in My Faith
Casual -- Occurring by chance; Irregular, occasional, unpremeditated, offhand; Not thorough, superficial, nonchalant.
I don't want my faith in God to be a casual thing. Faith is about what we believe and how we respond. I want my faith in and interaction with God to be deliberate, an intimate friendship and a relationship that grows.
The relationship begins with someone introducing us to God, most likely our parents. There are others who help us develop our relationship with God, but ultimately it comes down to our openness to Him. As we draw closer to God, inviting him deeper into our lives, we see His hand in the things around us. Sometimes it is in the everyday things, but other times it is in wondrous things that give us the "WOW!" eye-openers about God.
In a "casual" approach to my faith, I don't allow the relationship to develop well. I can become lukewarm, wishy-washy, and indifferent. I might even start to say, "I don't need to spend as much or any time with God. There's always later or tomorrow." That can progress into a casualty.
Casualty -- A disastrous accident; One injured or killed in an accident; One injured, killed or captured, or missing in a military action.
So much of our world is geared toward the "casual," -- lifestyle, clothes, attitudes or other areas you may know of. It becomes so easy to let that casualness overflow into our spiritual life. I don't want to become a spiritual war casualty because of my casualness, and then lose out on my eternal life with God.
We must be determined in pursuing a stronger faith, more other-centered love and joy-filled hope. There are many ways to accomplish these things, including prayer, attending Mass (with full, active, conscious participation), study and service, etc. Anytime we take steps toward God, then God has a chance to show us how close we really are. We have to be willing to see, hear and feel His presence. In these times when we realize a stronger bond with God; we are in a holy communion. I know that when I am open to God's presence, I feel much more alive.
Even though I realize the value of God's presence, and have so many benefits, I still am too casual at times in that relationship. "Casual" has its place, but not where my relationship with God is at stake. Prayer, Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist are some ways we reconnect with God, bridging the gap, or opening the door to let Jesus in.
The guidance God provides helps me to present His message of faith, love, hope and service to others, because I don't want to settle for the "casual." Someone once told me "Christ is counting on you," to which I responded, "and I am counting on Christ." It is through each of us that God is networking to invite all nations to share in eternal life.
Avoid being a casual-ty in faith -- Reconnect!
I don't want my faith in God to be a casual thing. Faith is about what we believe and how we respond. I want my faith in and interaction with God to be deliberate, an intimate friendship and a relationship that grows.
The relationship begins with someone introducing us to God, most likely our parents. There are others who help us develop our relationship with God, but ultimately it comes down to our openness to Him. As we draw closer to God, inviting him deeper into our lives, we see His hand in the things around us. Sometimes it is in the everyday things, but other times it is in wondrous things that give us the "WOW!" eye-openers about God.
In a "casual" approach to my faith, I don't allow the relationship to develop well. I can become lukewarm, wishy-washy, and indifferent. I might even start to say, "I don't need to spend as much or any time with God. There's always later or tomorrow." That can progress into a casualty.
Casualty -- A disastrous accident; One injured or killed in an accident; One injured, killed or captured, or missing in a military action.
So much of our world is geared toward the "casual," -- lifestyle, clothes, attitudes or other areas you may know of. It becomes so easy to let that casualness overflow into our spiritual life. I don't want to become a spiritual war casualty because of my casualness, and then lose out on my eternal life with God.
We must be determined in pursuing a stronger faith, more other-centered love and joy-filled hope. There are many ways to accomplish these things, including prayer, attending Mass (with full, active, conscious participation), study and service, etc. Anytime we take steps toward God, then God has a chance to show us how close we really are. We have to be willing to see, hear and feel His presence. In these times when we realize a stronger bond with God; we are in a holy communion. I know that when I am open to God's presence, I feel much more alive.
Even though I realize the value of God's presence, and have so many benefits, I still am too casual at times in that relationship. "Casual" has its place, but not where my relationship with God is at stake. Prayer, Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist are some ways we reconnect with God, bridging the gap, or opening the door to let Jesus in.
The guidance God provides helps me to present His message of faith, love, hope and service to others, because I don't want to settle for the "casual." Someone once told me "Christ is counting on you," to which I responded, "and I am counting on Christ." It is through each of us that God is networking to invite all nations to share in eternal life.
Avoid being a casual-ty in faith -- Reconnect!
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