Our Identity Crisis?

Our Identity Crisis?

by Ian Mascarenhas

   We have personal identities as members of our family, as students, as teammates, as co-workers, as brothers/sisters in our family of faith.  But we also have communal identities for the various groups we are in.  And our role in each is very important, incredibly significant and extremely valuable (and valued).

   “Identity” can be defined as — who someone is: the name of a person.  And also the qualities, beliefs, etc., that make a particular person or group different from others.

   “Crisis” is a difficult or dangerous situation that needs serious attention.

   Our personal and communal identities have a balance in our lives.  At times one becomes more dominant than the other.  Confirmation and Graduation are steps into new phases of our lives with great focus on individual accomplishments.  But it is also critical to remember how we are connected to our various groups.  And those groups can continue to be sources for support in many ways.

   The links we have in Church are also tremendous sources of support to face challenges and struggles that come our way.  And each of us is also a needed contributor in our faith community.  You will have greater freedom, but stay connected for a more alive experience

Happy Easter, Alleluia! No more sacrificing …?

Happy Easter, Alleluia! No more sacrificing …?

by Ian Mascarenhas

   Easter Sunday was April 20th. Lent which began with Ash Wednesday was March 5th.  I chose something significant to give up, and it helped me get closer with God.  But as Holy Week approached I started thinking about using again the thing that I sacrificed.

   But we should not be quick to rush back to the thing that we sacrificed, because the whole reason we give up (or add) something is to help us strengthen our relationship with God.  Then a revelation came to me; of course it was God putting this idea in my mind.

   Instead of just going back to my “pre-sacrifice” life, I still get to use what was sacrificed, but now each time I use it and think about “this is what I gave up,” it becomes an opportunity to continue getting closer with God.  Sometimes that means extra prayers or building faith relationships or finding opportunities to serve or getting quiet for God’s voice to be heard better.

   The whole point of my sacrificing was to improve my connections with God.  Now this is a renewed way to keep growing in my faith, fanning the fire of my spirituality to be more alive.

   Find the ways that will keep your faith alive.  Look for the positive parts in your sacrificing!

Passion for Life!

Passion for LIFE!

by Ian Mascarenhas

   In John 10: 10 Jesus said “I came that you may have life, and have it abundantly.”  Jesus has a passion for life, eternal life.  And He wants us to have a share in it.

   One definition for “passion” is “a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something.” That is exactly what Jesus accomplished with His life, teachings, suffering, death and resurrection.  All of that was so we could get reconnected with God and our faith family.

   We are more alive through our connections and we all encourage and support each other through our faith journey.

   “Jesus thinks that our place in heaven is more  important than His, so He gave up His that you could have yours.” — quote from Max Lucado.

  So if we are not going to do what Jesus tells us: “Love one another,” “Come and See,” “Take and eat,” “Take and drink,” “Do this in remembrance of me,” and share His mission (Matt 28), then our actions proclaim “Sorry Jesus, but your suffering and death just wasn't enough.”

   Jesus, as God, not only is LOVE, but He has a great love (PASSION) for us to become a holy communion.  Coming to Mass is not just about what we get out of it, but also how we contribute toward encouragement & support for LIFE!

I'm Giving Up! -- but what, why and how?

I’m Giving Up!

but what, why & how?

by Ian Mascarenhas

   March 5th is Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of Lent, which is the preparation time for Easter.  One thing we usually focus on in Lent is “giving up something”, making a sacrifice.  But what’s the point sacrificing, anyway?

   As I talked with a group about what they would give up, a child said, “I’m giving up broccoli,” and then laughed (along with others).  That didn’t seem like much of a sacrifice.

   The whole point about “Lenten sacrifice” should be to help us get closer to God and God’s family.  Things that I’ve sacrificed are ones that I really miss and think about; when I think about what I gave up, that becomes an opportunity to focus on God, in prayer or study or serving others.  One thing I’ve given up is the radio during my “drive time”, and minimizing the noise level allowing the voice/messages of God to be more clearly heard.

   But another perspective about “sacrifice” is adding something that helps me focus on God, like an extra Mass each week.  Then what “I’m giving up,” is time and effort, and actually devoting them toward developing/strengthening my relationship with God.

Love to Live to Love

Love to Live to Love

by Ian Mascarenhas

   The “world” tells us at this time of year to focus on love in a special way because of Valentines Day.  But really we are reminded about love each time we attend Mass and hear about Jesus — His life, message, suffering, death and resurrection — to reconnect us with the kingdom (and family) of God.

   God is love and always has been.  We are created out of love, to live.  But as we live we also connect with love.  Love and life are connected for and with each other.

   Love blossoms in us a fullness of life and a fulfillment of life.  In words like caring, kindness, service, charity, compassion — all have connections that enhance loving actions and improve life.

   We all have a space within us that is meant for God, but sometimes we try to fill it with other things.  Pursuing those “other things” always leaves an empty feeling.  But loving God does not mean excluding others.  Rather loving God is inclusive, to love others also.

   It becomes a circular journey of love and life.  And the ultimate pursuit is e-life (eternal life) with God; so live to (& towards) Love!

The 2nd Group of (not so) wisemen

The 2nd Group of (not so) wisemen

   Matthew 2: 1-12 is the story of the Magi (aka “The wise men”) who visited Jesus and brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  But who were the 2nd group of wise men, or really they were not.  They’re in that same story.

   When the Magi came into Jerusalem, they went to Herod, inquiring about “the newborn king of the Jews.”  Herod was “disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.”  So he called his advisors to inquire about the “new king.”

   They told him of the sign (the star) and the predictions (birth in Bethlehem).  So Herod asks the Magi to come back and tell him where the child is, that he “may go and pay him homage”; reality plan — get rid of this newborn king.

  So Herod’s advisors were that 2nd Group of wise men, as they knew the signs and predictions.  But they were comfortable with Herod in power, and being by his side, they shared some of that good life.  Thus they did not want some new king to upset their status and lifestyle.

   Even though they were close, they weren’t willing to make that journey to meet Jesus.  The Magi traveled a great distance to find Jesus.  So in our faith journey, are we comfortable keeping Jesus at a distance, to not upset our conveniences?  Or do we leave our comfort zone to grow in our faith, and care for others’ needs as Jesus challenges us to do (Matthew 25: 31-46).