Keep them Wonder-ing

Keep them Wonder-ing

   Wonder and awe are words that have been used synonymously with reverence.  I realize, continually, in my relationship with God that there are incredible things to discover and experiences to live.  The results of where God has led me is I share my faith; the awful and awe-full parts.

   Each moment closely connected with God has sparked wonder in my life.  Encounters with God may have a similar effect in the lives of others too.  God uses our experiences to reach out to others, touching many and blessing many.  A friend once told me that God is not concerned with our abilities or inabilities (or even disabilities); God is most interested in our availability, dependability and reliability.

   The 'ability is by our choice.  With our, “Yes Lord,” we open a doorway for wonder-ing.  I have been a Catechist with different age children for several years.  God continues to show me that I am not a teacher, but rather a Catechist – one who shares their faith.

   What the students learn is up to them, based on their openness to learn.  I too learn about God through the students’ sharings.  In that way the wonder-ing keeps going in my life also.

   Wonder-ing is for anyone who wants to keep growing in their faith.  We can’t imagine all that God has and wants to share with us.  We can only take a little bit at a time.  But even that small amount of God’s love has left me awe-struck many times.  It is this kind of sharing from God that keeps me hungry and thirsty for more of a relationship.

   Some time ago I heard a quote, “A faith worth having is a faith worth sharing.”  I can’t expect to have a worthwhile relationship with Jesus unless I am also willing to act so others can meet Jesus too.  Those “others” could be ones close to us or even people we haven’t met yet.

   So keep the wonder-ing in your life.  It will naturally overflow and others will see the awesome reflection of God through you.  When we are wonder-full it is a wonderful occurrence for God’s kingdom.

My faith, a crutch

   Somebody once told me that I used my faith as a crutch for things that had no other explanation.  I don’t remember how I answered at the time, but in later reflection I came to understand much more about my faith – and yes, it is a crutch.

   But what is a crutch?  It is a tool to support a person in standing more upright.  It also helps a person who needs it to walk better.  In our faith journey we all need support and assistance as we grow in our relationship with God.

   For a while I was wandering in my faith walk.  When I chose the Catholic faith for myself (beyond the faith of my parents) and wanted a deeper relationship with Jesus, there were incredible experiences and lessons waiting for me.  It has been many years since that conversion and now God is much more a part of my life.

   Even though I don’t make room for God in my life all the time, when I do reach out for Jesus, I surely feel the presence of God.  Faith as a crutch was given a negative meaning because of one person’s viewpoint.  But that same phrase or concept was put into a positive light with a prayerful reflection.  It’s a continuous circle – we believe because we have faith, and we have faith because we believe.

   Faith and belief have always been there.  What develops is our learning.  We learn by example – from parents, siblings other relatives, priests, children, teachers, friends, and other role models.  Other ways include studying and life experiences.

   Another idea about a crutch is that it can be used in the process of healing.  In that sense, faith is a “crutch” because it helps to heal our broken lives.  Many times I have relied on my faith in God to get me through a difficult point and restore me to wholeness as a child of God.

   I often faced that kind of situation in writing the stories for newsletter columns.  I sometimes am the stumbling block, but with a prayer break, God guides me to a stepping stone.  So the crutch that is my faith gets put into practice extensively.

   As much as I realize the benefits of my faith, pride and my ego still get in the way.  I start many projects on my own and sometimes get to where success is nowhere in sight and progress is at a standstill – then the idea of relying on my faith kicks in.

   Why didn’t’ I just reach out to God from the start?  Things have been much easier when I started that way.  My faith has supported me often and continues to help me walk better.  Use your crutch too.  And be open to whatever way God reveals messages to you.

My Questionable Faith!

   I was born into a Catholic family.  I learned the Catholic Christian ways of worshipping, Catechism lessons, prepared for and received Sacraments, etc. that were part of growing up Catholic.  This was the faith of my parents that was handed on to me.

   Then it came, the point of questioning.  Why was I Catholic?  Did I want this faith for myself?  The answer was (and is) “Yes!”  I was looking for faith in my life and what I also found was life in my faith.

   My questions are signs of my hunger and thirst for God.  The answers are nourishment for the seeds of my faith.  If I don’t have the questions, whether in my mind, on my lips or in my heart, then I am probably not ready for the answers.

   When I ask the questions, that opens the way to let God in.  God’s answers could be through what someone else says, a book I read, or even in my thoughts (to name a few ways).  Most times I am astounded at the messages God pours into my life.

   Does the Word of God have a message that is alive for me?  In reading other people’s writings, listening to talks, and participating in discussions, I see new messages.  I can even relate more closely with the Gospel writers.

   I don’t think that they set out to be Gospel writers, but they were keeping journals of how they saw Jesus working in their lives and in the lives of others around them.  The stories of my faith walk are part of the gospel according to Ian.  Through prayer God’s Word comes alive in us.

   Storytelling is another way I gain understanding of God’s message.  I’ve learned that knowledge of the background, the circumstances and the customs fill in some gaps in the Gospel stories as well as other Bible writings.

   Jesus used stories to share God’s message.  The parables are a great teaching tool, but I’ve come up with many questions because of their vagueness.

   Those questions have been the hunger and thirst for God’s answers.  Those responses from God feed and quench what my faith needs to grow.  Our faith needs the nourishment just like our body, so don’t settle for junk food.  Pray about it and God will lead you to good resources.

   The positive effect of “my questionable faith,” is I’m growing closer to God.  Take advantage of your questionable faith; the benefits are fantastic.

In Faith Sharing, Do You Recycle?

In Faith Sharing, Do You Recycle?

   Over the years I’ve had a chance to be a Catechist in many settings – Liturgy of The Word for Children, catechesis classes, Retreats, community building gatherings, youth nights and parent meetings to name a few.  There are many great messages that God has shared with me in Bible passages, reflections, other people’s stories, some stories I’ve written, poems, prayers, things I’ve witnessed, and on and on.  These kinds of things help make great sharings with children, youth and adults.  I’m sure you have great faith sharing moments in your catechesis experiences.  But do you recycle?

   I know I do.  I use my stories over and over, as well as using other people’s stories also.  I’ve found that stories help me see the presence and message of God in some very simple ways.  And Jesus used that too, in the parables He told.  He related the messages of God using some everyday items that people used continuously and continually – water, wheat, coins, grapes, sheep, seeds, and light.  I’m sure you could keep the list going.

   What are some of the everyday visual aids that I’ve used to help make a connection in our faith – A handshake, an egg, walnuts/rice, pictures on a computer/phone, and this list goes on and on too.  Even as I use stories over and over, sometimes those who hear them recognize them quickly, but it continues to solidify the message of our faith.  As I hear the Word of God, even the familiar stories bring out new messages, and I think, “Why haven’t I heard that before?”  That’s because the answer comes through in God’s time and in God’s way.  I am at a different place and time in my life when I hear it; my present circumstances help me hear the varied messages.

   I sometimes get discouraged as a Catechist, but then think I have to remember, “We aren’t called to be successful in our catechesis, only to be faithful in the presentation of what we share.”  God plants it into them, sometimes through us.  God will nourish seeds planted and help them bloom in the time that is not necessarily for us to witness.  We feed the already planted seeds with faith-food that is rich in recycled nutrients.  And remember, that in feeding their faith, ours gets fed too!

The Practice of My Faith

   We all reach a point in our lives when we make choices about our faith journey.  We decide for ourselves if and how we will continue to be a follower of Jesus.  At that point in our lives it is no longer our parents who make the decision about going to Church and our on-going faith formation.  Your experience of Church from that point on will be part of what you choose.  Will you be a disciple who accepts the invitation and challenge to walk with our Lord?

   That point may be a conversion for some, or for others a continuation of what had been there all along.  In either case there may not be any miracles happening, with life suddenly becoming simple and easier.  Jesus never promised a painless journey.  But there can be many blessings when we keep God in our lives.

   Our faith journey can be like a team preparing for a competition.  We practice the plays (learning about our faith, loving one another, service, etc.), learn some strategies to continue living faithful lives, develop the skills to share our faith and build each other up with strength and encouragement to be ready to face the challenges ahead.

   We gather together at Mass to learn God’s message, praise and glorify God and celebrate as Jesus showed us.  We should not come together at these times to merely be present at the celebration.  Rather we must join one another in communion.  We are the Church, the Body of Christ everyday, by living the example that Jesus gave us.

   One of the most important things that Jesus taught us is to have a support system.  We help each other stay strong in our faith.  There will always be attacks on our faith and the rough spots will be nearly impossible to get through if we try to do it alone.  Our faith is not lived in isolation.  We are an inter-dependent people who rely on each other in so many ways.

   The practice of our faith is all about building up our team, the family of God.  Our connection with God cannot be strong if our connection with each other is suffering.  In our kind, caring, merciful and loving actions, the kingdom of God is also strengthened.  So practice, practice, practice!

My father to my Father -- stepping stone not stumbling block

(June 1999)

   When I get home from work my 4 year old son, usually runs out to meet me, then wants to play, play, play.  I love that he wants me to spend time with him.

   I remember looking forward to spending together with my dad and playing games together.  Time is such an important commodity for dads (and moms) and our kids.  What is also incredibly vital is the examples we set, the morals we teach and the yearning for God we show.

   My dad showed my brothers and me that a relationship with God is very important and we needed to help it grow by going to Mass, praying, treating each other with kindness, and caring for each other's needs.

   I (and my wife) teach our son (now both sons) about the importance of a relationship with God.  What we've seen is that he wants to participate at Mass, he enthusiastically prays, and he's excited about helping with CCD classes.  His is the child-like faith which Jesus challenges us to emmulate.

   To see that joyful shine is an inspiration to my faith.  Over the years of helping with St. Michael's Youth Ministry and Our Mother of Confidence ministries, I have seen many of the youth have incredible wonder and awe for our faith.  Many also have a wonderful spirituality that my wonder and awe gets increased.

   You parents are a great blessing in your child's life to be the link to God.  I have talked with many others about how much easier it is to be a Catechist for a student whose parents support the message.

   I am realizing how we are part of each other's faith journey, so we also support each other in our quest for the kingdom of God.  One of the most important things that Jesus did on Earth was to show the importance of a support system.  That first building block was a family, and later extablished the community of Church which is a faith family of families.

   Each parent has a special role in the family.  So we dads have a great responsibility to be the stepping stones; feed their faith, develop their spirituality, and be the examples of faith, hope and love.  God wants the chain to continue, but to do that we are relied on to be the links.

 

Dads, Grandfathers, Godfathers and your Kids --  Have a blessed and happy Fathers Day (June 19th) !

 

Broken, But Still Has Value

Broken, But Still Has Value

   Many times we look at failed accomplishments or some form of brokenness (pain inflicted, physical damage caused, etc.) and take it personally, thinking that we are devalued.

   On the Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend this year (2011) my older son’s scout troop went to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery to place American flags at the gravestones.  We were among the hundreds (from many troops and packs) that came for this service opportunity to honor so many who had given their lives in military service.

   My younger son and I set about placing flags as others from our troop scattered to accomplish the same task.  As we moved along I noticed some trash on the ground.  I picked it up and went to a trash can to throw it away.

   Inside the trash can I noticed one of the American flags.  I took it out and saw the wooden dowel was broken.  Since the dowel was broken, had the flag lost its value in someone’s mind?  Was it not able to serve its function?  It had not, and it was fully capable of honoring the sacrifice of our valiant brother or sister.  Even though seemingly diminished, the core part of it was intact; it also left me with a valuable message.

   When I start to think of myself as broken or devalued, I need to re-focus and realize that I am still a child of God and I am part of God’s family.  That kind of thinking helps restore my self-esteem that I am valued and have gifts and blessings to share.

   Another thing God has revealed to me is that we connect better with each other through our brokenness than through our wholeness.  When we share our struggles and our failures others realize they’re not alone in what they face.  A bond is established or strengthened because of what we perceived as a negative.

   God uses all of our experiences (positive or negative) that we share to help connect others.  We help each other build up our relationship with God and our family of faith.  We are support and encouragement for each other in our faith journey.

   Rely on your support group, and be an encourager for others.  We are important, significant and have great value to God. 

 

Now with my brain injury (2 strokes in 2020 -- November & December) I may be broken and damaged, but I’m not devalued.  I'm still a "Child of God"

You’re Disqualified

   When Jeromey was 4 ½  years old, I was watching him and his brother (Michael) as they played on their Grandpa’s driveway in Arizona.  Jeromey was doing something that I considered too dangerous, so I tried to stop him.  He turned to me and yelled “You’re disqualified.”

   I sat him down on the driveway next to me and asked what he meant by that.  He said, “You’re disqualified from telling me I can’t do that.”

   As I thought about and reflected on that discussion, I realized there was a direct relationship to our faith, sinfulness and reconciliation.  Our sinfulness declares “You’re disqualified,” to God for trying to tell us what we can and can’t do.

   As a Director of Religious Education at the time, this experience helped me in talking with parents and preparing children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  This interaction and discussion also reinforced for me that children can teach us important lessons, and ones with great faith growth opportunities.

   I also have an increased awareness about lessons children teach us.  I feel blessed and get inspired by what God shares with me through adults, youth and children.  My faith is more alive because of such revelations and that lifts my spirit.

Faith Lessons from Fence-Building

   A friend’s backyard fence was damaged and we made a plan to rebuild it.  A group of us got together on a Saturday morning, picked up supplies and then started planning how to build the fence.

   With a “level line” in place we began putting in the vertical posts and cementing them in place.  When the last of the 11 vertical posts were set we went back to the first ones, thinking they were sturdy and dry, to put in the fence panels.  We installed the first panel, but when we tried to align the second one it was apparent that the vertical posts were not yet secure enough.  We agreed to stop and return at a later date to continue the fence building.

   The next time we got back to the fence building we found the cement dried but the vertical posts though solid in their foundation, were still a little shaky; they seemed to stand firm and upright individually but they could be moved.  We still continued putting up the fence panels.  As each one was added the stability of the whole structure increased.

   This project taught me there is a connection with our faith.  We are like the vertical posts and the concrete is like our faith, which is a foundation that helps us stand upright and keeps us grounded.  But we are still shaky and unstable when we try to stand by ourselves.  When we connect with others (including God) we are strengthened.  We are encouragement and support for one another to better handle the challenges that come our way.

   The fence panels were like love – the kind, caring, compassionate actions that connect us together.  As strong as faith seems, it is not so alone.  Love solidifies faith.  It is the connector between faith and hope.  I believe that is why Paul wrote in his first letter to the community in Corinth (1 Cor 13) “… and the greatest of these is love.”

The Altar Should Have Been Thicker

The Altar Should Have Been Thicker

   In 2005 we went through a year of construction at Our Mother of Confidence, as our Parish’s Sanctuary space was renovated.  It was completed by Christmas that year, and the result was a beautiful blessed worship space.

   A couple of weeks later I was sitting in a front pew with a man as we observed and enjoyed this renovated space.  He commented, “I think the Altar should have been thicker.”

   My reaction was “What!  What are you talking about?”

   He said, “Do you see under the Altar, there are slats of wood that run sideways and front to back.  If the Altar was thicker you couldn’t see them.”

   I strained to look under the Altar and saw what he was looking at.  I also realized that there are very few places in Church where these slats are noticeable.  Then I began to reflect on his comment, and started to understand that when I focus on those slats under the Altar then I lose focus with what is happening on top of the Altar.

   But as I catch myself getting distracted, it is an opportunity to get re-focused.  And God does allow and encourages U-Turns.  Sometimes we do stray and get disconnected from God and God’s family.  But that is certainly not what God wants, and most definitely not what God wants to continue happening.

   Prayer, Reconciliation, our Eucharistic celebration (Mass), faith support groups and the Word of God all help us get and stay reconnected in our relationship with God.  We all need strength, support and encouragement that unites and builds community.  We are more alive in the ways we connect together.

   Stay focused, get re-focused; and encourage others to do the same!

Weathering the Waves

   A few years ago youth and adults from Our Mother of Confidence’s had an opportunity to help I Love A Clean San Diego with a beach clean-up day; about a 3 hour service opportunity.  We also packaged in an offer for our participants to stay for lunch and to play at the beach for a couple of hours.

   We had some that stayed for lunch but no one stuck around to play at the beach.  So my two boys and I were the only ones who remained to enjoy the play-time at the beach.

   Michael, at 14, was comfortable with being in the water at the beach.  So off he went with his boogie board to enjoy some board riding.

   Jeromey at 7 was not as comfortable being in the water.  We had not been to the beach to play in the water for over a year.  The previous times, at 6 or younger, Jeromey wanted to go in the water, would walk in, a wave would knock him over and he’d be done.  Then he’d go play on the sand near the water’s edge.

   On that Saturday Jeromey walked into the water, holding my hand and as the waves came he jumped over them.  This thrilled him, and he was having a great time.

   He let go of my hand and moved a few steps away.  Then, seeing a wave coming, Jeromey ran back to me, grabbed my hand and hopped over the wave.  This continued, and he loved it.

   We came back a couple of days later to play at the beach.  Again, Michael was off with his board to enjoy his time in the water.  Jeromey took my hand and we walked into the water.  He started the same routine, jumping over the waves.  And like a couple of days earlier he walked away until he noticed the next wave coming.  Then he ran back and grabbed hold of my hand, to jump over the waves.

   A revelation from God clicked in my mind.  Jeromey saw me as a source of strength and holding my hand helped him handle the waves.  We all have waves come at us, and we need a source of strength, a sturdy foundation that helps us weather through them.

   Our connection with God and those in our support groups help us with the struggles, decisions, problems and issues that sometimes feel like crashing waves.  Be open to a Support Group – God and people.  Reach out, let others help you weather the waves.

Altar’d living to altered lives

   What do we get by coming to Mass?  Mass is a place and an event for us to gather to praise, worship and glorify God.  It is also for us to commemorate Jesus’ life, suffering, death and resurrection, as well as a celebration of God’s redemption in our lives.  Most of all the Mass is a prayer, to help us connect and re-connect with God.

   The Mass is also a meal, at which we are fed.  We are fed in two ways, through the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.  In each Liturgy part we receive God (in Word and in Holy Communion) and we also consume what we receive.

   In the Liturgy of the Word we hear God’s messages in the Readings, Psalm, Gospel and homily, receiving it through our senses.  We also consume the Word of God, making it a part of our lives; It changes us (whether we admit it or not).

   In the Liturgy of the Eucharist, we receive the consecrated bread and wine as the Body and Blood of Jesus.  We receive Holy Communion, and with the assembly gathered, we become a holy communion.

   Our altar experience has altered our lives.  We have become more united into One Body; Jesus Christ’s.

   Then we are sent out to affect our world, our various environments (family, school, work, social groups, etc.) and bring them to know Jesus.  We do this through our words, but mostly through our actions, living the faith we profess.

   A transformation takes place, moving us from faith in our lives to life in our faith.  Faith in our lives is the foundation because of our parents, our Church, ultimately God.  That next level is what do we do with our faith, how do we grow closer in our connection with God and how do we have a more alive experience in our faith.  Be the change!

‘That you may have life, to the fullest (John 10: 10)

   Jesus’ birth began the process of reconciliation, repairing our broken relationship caused by the bad choices Adam and Eve made.  Jesus’ life, suffering, death and resurrection was so we (all) could get reconnected with God, to have life to the fullest.

   In January we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, and we remember our own Baptism that began our relationship in God’s family.  Through our Baptism we enter into the family opportunity for fullness of life, which is a close connection with God.

   And Jesus wants us to stay there, but we also make our own choices that sometimes separate us from God.  But God does allow “U – Turns” and welcomes us back through Reconciliation.  It is a way that we get reunited with God as well as God’s family (the Church).

   The Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are great blessings in helping us live faithful lives.  They help us restore connection and feed our bodies and spirits in our faith-filled journey.

   Jesus came to offer us this fullness of life, but it is our choice to receive the gift, and then apply it as an effective part of our lives.  We are to share in Jesus’ mission to help others have life to the fullest too.

The Never-Ending “I Love You” Story

   From the beginning of time, now in the present and forever more, God has and continues to proclaim, “I Love You.”  When everyone was disconnected from God’s kingdom, from the family, because of Adam and Eve a plan to reconnect us all was set in place.

   Jesus was born, lived, suffered, died and rose again for the reconciliation of everyone, to make the family whole again.  Every part of God’s plan, including Jesus’ presence and accomplishments on earth, bridged the gap that separated us from The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.

   God wants everyone to hear that “I Love You” message.  So each of us is a messenger with a special (same) task – Tell the world and bring them closer to God.

   This doesn’t mean that we must carry around our Bibles and show people the Word of God.  Some people are called to do just that, but all of us are supposed to live the Word of God daily.

   Living the Word of God means making Faith, Love and Hope big parts of our lives.  Living the Faith is believing and trusting in God.  Living the Love means treating others with kindness and compassion.  Living the Hope is expecting a bright future, because a life with God includes eternity.

   The “I Love You” is because our God wants to get and stay close to us.  Jesus’ invitation to Mass (at least weekly) is a great way to get close to God.  Our attendance, full participation and truly celebrating helps us build up our community of faith, our family in God.  Family is incomplete without the I.L.Y (I Love You)!

It’s not about the bunny; It’s about the Lamb!

It’s not about the bunny; It’s about the Lamb!

   March 9^th (Feb. 22nd, 2023) was Ash Wednesday which began the preparation time we call Lent.  We are preparing for a time, the Triduum, in which we’ll remember the suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

   While Easter is the greatest celebration in our Church’s liturgical year, it has gotten entangled with commercial ties.  Easter eggs, chocolates & other candy, and the Easter bunny have become closely associated with this season.  Yet we must not let that overshadow the real reason for the Easter celebration – that Jesus came to live among people, suffer as He did, even give His life and be raised from death.  This was done to reconcile us back into the kingdom of God.

   Just as in the time of Moses, the blood of an unblemished lamb was used to spare those who had it on their doorposts, we are saved by Jesus, the (unblemished/sinless) Lamb of God.  Our redemption was an act of love, God’s choice to save us.

   Much of our Eucharistic Celebration, the Mass, is based on what we experience through the Easter season.  There is consecration of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus & receiving Holy Communion that comes from The Last Supper.  There is the Lamb of God, through which we recognize Jesus as the sinless One who took on our sins and offers us mercy and reconciliation.

   There is so much more about the Mass that can be traced back to our rich spiritual heritage and tradition.  As I learn more about Mass and the message of Jesus, I get closer to God – and that feeling is so uplifting.  In our preparation through Lent there are many things we can do to get closer to God.  Some of them include attending extra Masses during the week, visits to the Blessed Sacrament, setting special time for prayer, reading the Bible, or you may have some other ideas too.

   Who is this God who finds us worth redeeming – I want to know You more.  I know (and of course God does too) that I can’t handle the answers in big chunks, so the revelations come in small bits.  Yet to me the messages are significant.

   That’s also what the overall message is – we are significant and important to God.  We are worth saving, even to the point of sacrificing the Lamb.  That’s what the passion of our Lord is all about – So we have a Way home.

After this Lent, continue with what you sacrificed (all or some of it/them) to keep helping you get closer to God.  Don't just go back to your pre-Lent lifestyle; our preparation through Lent is meant to make changes that improve us.

The Longest Good Friday

   On Good Friday (April 22^nd) we remember that Jesus died for us, sacrificing His life that we might be saved.  His resurrection came on the third day after His crucifixion; Easter is Sunday April 24^th.

   We must also move quickly into the resurrection mindset, so we can become the alleluia people once again.  If we dwell on grieving because of His suffering and death, then we limit celebrating that Jesus reconnected us into the family of God.  Don’t let Good Friday keep you down, Jesus wants Easter Sunday to lift you up!

   I love the quote from Max Lucado -- "Your place in heaven was more important to Christ, so He gave up His so you could have yours."

Salvation: It’s An Inside Job

            We could not fully understand that God wants a close relationship with us without Jesus being born to live as one of us.  He then continued to share the message of God’s love in terms of family and community.

            Some people understood parts of His teaching, but others felt threatened by it.  They wanted to keep their way of life, not making a place for God.

            We are at a similar place, where we have to choose, daily, to accept or reject God fitting into our lives.  How do we respond?

            Our Lenten and Easter seasons are all about preparing our lives to include God.  We are also challenged to build up our family and community relationships.  Then we must support and encourage each other in our faith journeys; then God is present wherever we are, to all.

            Jesus’ life, ministry, suffering, death and resurrection are signs that God considers us worth the sacrifice and the reward – eternal life together.  Receive what God offers, be changed and share the renewed you!

Sorry Jesus, but Your Suffering and Death Just Wasn’t Enough

   Does this title sound ridiculous?  Would we ever say or even thing something like that?  Maybe those words or thoughts wouldn’t cross our minds or lips, but do we proclaim just that in our actions?

   Jesus said “… follow the Commandments …” to a man who wanted eternal life.  That way of life makes a priority of loving God with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength, and loving others as we love ourselves.

   So we know what God asks of us, but do we make the choices to do what is right?  We are to treat each other with kindness and compassion, making loving choices.  Jesus did that for us.

   Jesus offered Himself up for us, which we hear about continuously, but especially in the Lenten and Easter seasons.  His goal was not to just die for our sins, but to also reunite us with the kingdom of God, to make our family in God whole again.

   Before the sacrifice Jesus made, He celebrated a supper with His friends, His disciples.  He offered bread as His Body, and wine as His Blood, but also said, “Do this in remembrance of Me.”  That supper along with His suffering, death and resurrection are what we commemorate each time we celebrate Mass.

   So if we don’t make attending, fully participating in, and truly celebrating Mass weekly (at least every weekend), then what do our actions really proclaim for our lives?

   Our experience at Mass should be centered on building up the community, offering our voices and actions in the prayers and songs to bring the celebration alive.  The Body of Christ is not just something we receive, it is also what we become.  We are part of the Body of Christ (as Church), and the Body of Christ is a part of us in Holy Communion we receive and consume.

   That Holy Communion strengthens our faith and that of the whole community, building us up as a stronger more unified holy communion.  We have been changed by the Word and Eucharist through Mass.

   As the renewed person we’ve become we are sent out to live changed lives and be the change Jesus wants for our world.  One of OMC’s youth taught me recently that amidst an experience such as our Mass can be, I can realize that “I feel so alive.”

   My actions can proclaim the Presence of Jesus as a friend, my Lord, my Savior, and especially someone I want you to meet.  Don’t let your words and actions proclaim the wrong messages about who Jesus is, what He did for us, and what He wants for us all.

   Yes, this Person, the Son of God sacrificed so much, suffered, died and rose again to give us hope and life, eternal life.  We are the Easter people, all year long, every year.

   We are thankful that our God considered us worth reclaiming, redeeming, reconciling, reuniting.  Eucharist means thanksgiving, so we are giving thanks every time we celebrate, truly celebrate the meal that Jesus initiated.

   You’re invited, but not just to attend, rather to share in the celebration with full participation.  Accept!  Receive!  Consume (Word and Eucharist)!  Be Affective!

Passion for Life

   For God loved the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not die, but have eternal life. (John 3: 16)

   God wanted us to be reconnected to live, united with all in heaven.  So Jesus came and lived as a man, suffered and died as a condemned criminal and was raised from death to bridge The Way to the Father.  April 17^th is Palm Sunday, which we also call “Passion Sunday.”  Jesus’ “passion” was the time from The Last Supper through His crucifixion and burial (which we also call the Paschal Mystery).

   Passion has many meanings according to the dictionary.  One of them is “intense love.”  I think this is very close to Jesus’ passion.

   God loves us so much that Jesus took human form to raise us up through His resurrection.  Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend.”  Because of this great love we come to know God, and feel some of that love.

   To lay down my life for a friend is an extreme situation.  It is not likely I will often have to make that choice.  Try looking at it in a different way; we might make a sacrifice so others come closer to God.

   That’s a totally different way to see it.  That is easier for me to understand, and more often a choice I’ll face.  I can give something of mine, sacrificing to share with others the message of Life, Eternal Life.

   The sacrifice could be money toward a worthy cause, or time, talent and effort to help someone meet my friend Jesus.  In a homily Fr. Richard Hopkins said, “The only Jesus some people may ever meet could be through you.”  I need to live so others can see Jesus through me.

   I can introduce many to Jesus with simple words and actions.  As these words and actions become more frequent, they become a way of life, a habit.  I love to share with others about Jesus in my life because I learn more about my faith, and my love of God grows too.

   The result is that I have a love of Life, true Life, Life in Christ.  Now by imitating Jesus’ example I am developing a passion for life and sharing the excitement for our living faith.  Serving others in this way continues to build up the kingdom of God.

   Let Jesus’ passion for Life help you on the Way to get closer to God’s kingdom.  Our continued connection (and re-connection) with God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – helps us develop our own passion for Life.

Amen-ding my life

Written in Jan. 2005, but themes can apply to Lent also

   The messages that Jesus taught show us how to live.  That is not always easy because there are so many temptations.  That is what “Amen-ding my life” is all about.

   Amending – Improving; Making changes, or correcting.

   Amen – So be it – Said or sung at the end of a prayer or hymn to show we agree:  “Amen to that.”

   In our lives things are always changing, and hopefully it is in positive ways.  As Christians, Jesus’ teachings can help us to make our choices.  We could agree to Jesus’ directions, saying “Amen,” but that is just part of it.

   When we are Amen-ding our lives, it also includes our actions.  We also have to be Amen-able.

   Amenable – 1) To obey; To do.  2)  Being responsible; Being accountable.

   Being Amen-able means that we are willing to obey, to do as shown, to be responsible for, and accountable to the ways Jesus directs.  We have to get past the, “My life is too busy for God,” “Other things are more important,” or “What have You done for me lately?” ways of thinking.

   We are at the beginning of a new year, when resolutions are made.  We try to change one, two, or several things in our lives.  If God is not part of that change, then we’re already on the wrong track.  The right track includes Jesus as He’s done so much for us.

   We have great cause to celebrate and rejoice because Jesus was born, lived, suffered, died and rose again for each of us to be reconnected with the kingdom of God.  We are alive in Jesus.  Jesus opened the door, but He won’t make us walk through; that’s our choice.  I think He invites us to come share in eternal life, and then waits for us to choose God’s Way.

   Amen-ding my life is also about strengthening the bond in my connection with God.  When I take the steps to get closer to God, what God shares with me are many times more than what I expected.  We receive so much in our relationship with God, compared with what we give back to God.  God can never be outdone in kindness and generosity.

   Our abilities are great in what we can give, but what God wants more is our availability.  Be amen-able, be amen-ding – Amen to that!

Pro-Choice on love, but not on life!

   January 22nd is the anniversary of the Roe-vs.-Wade court decision in which abortion was made legal.  The issue of the life of an unborn child has created a separation of "Pro-Choice," and "Pro-Life."

   I consider myself Pro-Life because it is never okay to take another's life for the sake of our own convenience.  Do I also consider myself Pro-Choice?  Yes I do, but it is on the issue of love.

   Love to me is a choice.  It is you and me choosing to care about others, attending to another's needs.  God's love for us is also a choice, it is an action of giving.  It is valuable, meaningful and cannot be reciprocated.  We can have a response to someone's love, but we cannot love the person back in the exact same way.

   The Bible tells us that God is love, and if we know love then we know God.  Love is something we learn by example.  If we love others, we know God in some way.

   Choice, by its definition, means one way or another.  Having options gives us the ability to easily turn away from God.  We may use our freedom in an abusive manner, sometimes treating others in hurtful ways.

   The abusive treatment of someone who can't defend themself is one of the cruelest acts.  Such a choice creates a separation between us and God, by our own doing.  Whatever separates us from God is no match for the reconciling power of our Lord, but only we can choose to turn back toward the path of righteousness.

   Our Father values our lives so much that Jesus came to Earth, died sinlessly, and was resurrected that we might have life.  Wasn't that a choice, to care for us and attend to our need for reconciliation to the Kingdom?

   Love and life are so integrally combined that you can't have one and neglect the other.  If one is missing, we are incomplete.  Each one of us is precious to God, so we must treat each other as an important part of the Body of Christ.  Choosing to love is choosing life!

 

Parental pain -- human and Divine

(September 1996)

   It is hard for us parents to see our kids hurt from any kind of injury.  We want to protect them from whatever might harm them.  There is so much potential for pain: the skinned knees, the scrapes, the bumps, bruises.  And there's more, oh so much more.

   God must feel the same kind of parental pain.  What about something more serious?  How would you as a parent feel if because of the actions of one of your children, another child of yours was seriously hurt or killed?  What kind of emotions would you go through?  How would you react?

   I think that considering these questions and answers gives us a little understanding of what God goes through each time one of us hurts another.  Yet people can say that God is idle, while allowing such atrocities to go on in our world.  I believe that such actions tear at the very being of God.

   So why does God let the anger and violence continue?  How could we protect our children from every single danger?  We couldn't without smothering them and giving them no choices, no freedom to make their own mistakes.

   My son is 19 months old and in his short life my wife and I have done much to protect him and prevent catastrophes, yet he has had his share of bumps, bruises and scrapes.  As much as we'd like to, we can't forsee every problem situation.

   In all relationships our humanity shows through and emotions, positive or negative are present.  Tensions can mount and erupt with severe results.  When we opt for security the result is a loss of liberty.  Is that a worthwhile trade-off or is it within our power to affect the situation.

   There are lots of things we can do about our actions and reactions.  Many times I don't stop to consider how what I do will affect others. A more loving approach would go much further in making the world a better place.

   St. Therese's prayer says we are His hands and feet on Earth.  God is present in many ways through people.  The comforting, consoling power is extended through us.  Cheer someone on, lift someone up; God is life-giving through us.

 

Are we losing the human race?

(written in Aug. 1995)

   This year has been filled with so much violence, with the Oklahoma City bombing, the nerve gas terrorism in Japan, two small children being drowned in their family's car, and two other children died in a locked car where the windows were rolled up on an extremely hot day.  These are only some of the news items that were press worthy.

   There are millions of other acts of violence that we never even hear about (though now with the internet, more news is available).  In the mindset of our world, human life has been devalued to the point where the taking of a life has been so trivialized.

   There is no specific target age range, it is all the way from the unborn to the elderly, and everyone in between.  I heard a story one time about a couple of guys who were cruising.  They stopped at a stop light.  The passenger got out with a gun and shot the driver in the car next to theirs six times in the head.  When asked why, his reasoning was, "He was checking me out."

   That is so ridiculous, but I'm sure you've heard of similar stories.  I once sat on a jury for a case in which somebody was killed over refusing to serve a beer to a party crasher.  Now a 20 year old will spend a significant part of his life behind bars.

   So are we losing or have we already lost the human race?  Although evil and sin continue around us, we have hope in Jesus Christ.  The solution is in the education and edification of people that they are loved and lovable.

   We must reach out to others and show them the Jesus that we know.  God has no hands or feet on Earth but ours.

   This doesn't necessarily mean preaching on a street corner or becoming a missionary in a far off land.  We must set the example of love right where we are planted.  Some years ago I considered traveling to do missionary work, but I felt God telling me my mission is right here, where I am.  Bloom where you are planted.

   Jesus will reach out to many through you, but that is only possible if you say, "Yes Lord, use me."  Also don't look for results, just plant the seeds and feed those already planted.  God doesn't ask us to be successful, only to be faithful.  The harvest (results) will be realized in God's time, in God's way.

   So the question on which to focus is not, "Are we losing the human race?", but "Are we extending the kingdom of God?"  Our labor for our Lord Jesus is a life-long task.  Say, "Yes Lord, use me!!!"