9/17/14

Gospel LK 7:31-35

Jesus said to the crowds:
“To what shall I compare the people of this generation?
What are they like?
They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another,

‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance.
We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’

For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine,
and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’
The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said,
‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard,
a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’
But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

Reflection

Beauty is everywhere if we have the eyes to see it. Conversely, so is ugliness. We can see the cup as half full or half empty. We can be both righteously good and wickedly bad, almost concurrently. 

But with God we can see beauty even in things that the world would call ugly - He doesn't make junk. We can look at that same cup and recognize that what is left in our cup is only half empty instead of all the way gone - even the smallest amount is a blessing. We can see ourselves as neither good nor bad - we are beloved not because of anything we do but because of His infinite and compassionate love.

As we search for God in our world we can easily fall into the trap of missing Him no matter where we look. There is so much pain, hurt and evil in our world that God must be on nonexistent or at least absent. Similarly, we can fall into the trap of seeing Him everywhere but only in limited and safe ways. We can put on the pretenses of faith going to Church once a week, saying our prayers at meals and before going to bed, even performing some sort of token service, without allowing Him to change our lifestyles, habits and very being - if we truly believed would we waste as much, hate as much, objectify as much, dehumanize as much, ignore as much? 

When we look for God in extreme forms of asceticism or exuberance, our hearts will remain restless. God doesn't demand a spartan existence nor does He guarantee abundant earthly blessings. 

Instead, He promises His love, His peace, His strength, His joy. Real love. Lasting peace. Enduring strength. Complete joy. 

His demand? Our courageous faithfulness to follow Him into the deep and into His glory. Doing this won't look like anything that this world has to offer and the world won't call us anything close to wise. 

Do the most foolish thing the world could ever imagine - give Him all of you - and you will receive more than you can imagine. 

Immeasurably more. 

9/16/15

Luke 7:11-17

Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, 
and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. 
As he drew near to the gate of the city,
a man who had died was being carried out,
the only son of his mother, and she was a widow.
A large crowd from the city was with her.
When the Lord saw her,
he was moved with pity for her and said to her,
“Do not weep.”
He stepped forward and touched the coffin;
at this the bearers halted,
and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!”
The dead man sat up and began to speak,
and Jesus gave him to his mother.
Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming,
“A great prophet has arisen in our midst,”
and “God has visited his people.”
This report about him spread through the whole of Judea
and in all the surrounding region.

Reflection

At one point and time, we can all relate to a moment when we had heard a message, but we could only focus on a singular aspect of the entire message. The funny thing is that in that time, the part we decide to focus on is only a fraction of the entire message that is being delivered.

I feel this exact way when I read this Gospel passage. Although, I know that there is a greater message within this passage, I struggle to see it because I am so singularly focused on the statement “A great prophet has arisen in our midst.” In fact, I am unable to get over the idea that in this moment, Jesus is only referred to as a “prophet.” The man who healed the sick, made food multiply, and now brought the dead back to life was referred to as only a prophet or in others words a teacher of the word of God.

It is almost rude, disrespectful and blasphemous to refer to Jesus as just a “prophet.” Calling him a prophet is like calling him a glorified “teacher.” Jesus himself was much greater than any other teacher that had come before him and that would come after him.  He didn’t just proclaim the word of God, he was the word of God! He was our Messiah, the deliver of salvation, our savior! He was the way the truth, and the life! He was the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world!

He was our God in the flesh made present not to just visit us, but to live among us.

He came to deliver us from evil and bring us to everlasting life. Along with him he brought us his word, the cross, and a seat beside him the Kingdom of Heaven!

Let us be prophets our self and spread this message throughout our region; making Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!

9/15/14

Gospel                                                                                        LK 2:33-35

Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;
and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
“Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
and you yourself a sword will pierce
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Reflection

As a parent, it is easy to feel every bump, bruise, scrape, injury and illness of our children. In some ways, the pain that we witness our children enduring elicits more pain than if we were to undergo it ourselves. As a way to make myself feel better (because it most likely doesn't offer any type of salve for either of my two daughters), I have often told them that I would gladly take every ounce of pain that they would ever experience if it meant they wouldn't have to suffer.

Every tear. Every drop of blood. Every arm slammed in a door (tonight), tooth smashed onto the floor (two weeks ago), scraped knee (two months ago, although Elizabeth is still milking that one). I would take it all. 

It's hard for me to relate to Mary in many ways except this. In some ways, she just seems too untouchable. Too calm. Too right. Too motherly. Too quiet. God chose her for a specific purpose and she, according to scripture, responded relatively quickly with a yes. He preserved her from sin, Immaculately Conceived, so that she could bear the Son of Man. Fully human, but fully perfect. 

But, as we celebrate today, she was also full of, and not free from, sorrow. I cannot imagine having to suffer through the loss of a child, even one that is grown, and so I can only faintly empathize with the torture Mary must have encountered watching her only Son suffer death on a Cross. 

It is safe for me to assume, though, that Mary would have taken it all for Jesus if she could have done so. She would have taken every from of ridicule. Every torture. Every nail. Even death on a Cross. All of it. For Him. 

Which, when I think about Mary's sorrow, is probably one of the reasons He was so willing to take all of it - all of it - for us.

"It is here that the father of the family, the mother, children, and all members of the family exercise the priesthood of the baptized in a privileged way "by the reception of the sacraments, prayer and thanksgiving, the witness of a holy life, and self-denial and active charity." Thus the home is the first school of Christian life and "a school for human enrichment." Here one learns endurance and the joy of work, fraternal love, generous - even repeated - forgiveness, and above all divine worship in prayer and the offering of one's life" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1657). 

May Mary intercede on behalf of all who are sorrowful, especially those who are hurting, sick, or grieving and for all families in need of prayers. May Jesus transform this pain into joy and may that joy be complete. 

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us. 

9/12/14

Luke 6:39-42

Jesus told his disciples a parable:
“Can a blind person guide a blind person?
Will not both fall into a pit?
No disciple is superior to the teacher;
but when fully trained,
every disciple will be like his teacher.
Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye,
but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?
How can you say to your brother,
‘Brother, let me remove that splinter in your eye,’
when you do not even notice the wooden beam in your own eye?
You hypocrite! Remove the wooden beam from your eye first;
then you will see clearly
to remove the splinter in your brother’s eye.”

Reflection

When I hear this scripture passage, I can’t help but think of how great of a motivational speaker Jesus was. I don’t imagine Jesus talking calmly to the twelve disciples about this parable, rather I envision him standing up on a rock, a chair, or a wall, looking down upon the disciples proclaiming this message with such passion, energy, and enthusiasm that it inspires the disciples to want to put everything they have into trying to emulate their leader.

In this parable Jesus tells us that we can be like him; that we have he ability to grow to be a “Christ-like” person formed within his image. However, our personal growth can be challenging and sometimes unclear. Instead of focusing on how we can grow to lead and serve others as he himself did, we get caught up in the faults others make while overlooking our own.

In order to grow into the “Christ-like” image we aspire to become, we need to make God the number one leader in our lives. While on earth, Jesus paved a path for us to follow and set forth guidelines to allow us to achieve everlasting life with him. However, following Jesus along that path can be challenging. Although, we have the ability to overcome any challenge when we become vigilant of Jesus's presence within the individuals we interact with. God has given each of us the chance to be a leader like himself. We must not look at the faults of those around us, but instead we need to identity the worth and guidance he has provided each of us with. Identifying this will allow us to be led through the leadership of Christ and grow in his likeness.

Prayer

Lord Almighty, Let us continue to grow within your favor and allow us to witness and learn from the leadership you imparted upon us. Guide us toward you through your presence with those we interact with.

9/11/14

Gospel LK 6:27-38

Jesus said to his disciples:
“To you who hear I say, love your enemies,
do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you,
pray for those who mistreat you.
To the person who strikes you on one cheek,
offer the other one as well,
and from the person who takes your cloak,
do not withhold even your tunic.
Give to everyone who asks of you,
and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back.
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
For if you love those who love you,
what credit is that to you?
Even sinners love those who love them.
And if you do good to those who do good to you,
what credit is that to you?
Even sinners do the same.
If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment,
what credit is that to you?
Even sinners lend to sinners,
and get back the same amount. 
But rather, love your enemies and do good to them,
and lend expecting nothing back;
then your reward will be great
and you will be children of the Most High,
for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.
Be merciful, just as also your Father is merciful.

“Stop judging and you will not be judged.
Stop condemning and you will not be condemned.
Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Give and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you.”

Gospel

Taking on the task of teaching 6th grade math this year has definitely, even after just under four weeks, has stretched me in new and beautiful and challenging ways. Having been out of the classroom as a teacher for the past 6 years, I have greatly appreciated the chance to put into practice what I have preached to teachers as an administrator. I've been able to reignite my flame for education. I've been able to connect with students in ways that aren't possible as an administrator. I've been able to dialogue with teachers with the back drop of "hands-on" experience as a teacher at ICS.

For all of these blessings, though, my reentry into teaching hasn't come without a price. In many ways, I feel that I am giving to those who have asked as well as those who haven't even requested! The pace of teaching and being an administrator is exhausting. I have yet to settle into any semblance of a routine. My planning and grading time is typically even later at night (or earlier in the morning) than my administrative time. I've finished each of the last three weeks physically spent. This week looks like it will follow suit. 

God, though, doesn't just want me to serve Him as a Catholic school principal. He doesn't just want me from 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Similarly, He doesn't want me just for my marriage or fatherhood. He doesn't want me for a short prayer time at the beginning or ending of my day. 

He wants all of me. All of my desires. All of my hopes. All of my worries. All of my brokenness. All of my failures. All of my successes. He wants it all. 

A few days ago I was introduced to the theological concept of the Law of the Gift. Spiraled throughout scripture, the Law of the Gift dictates that we become more authentically "us" the more we give ourselves away. Jesus gives one of many lessons on the topic in today's Gospel:

Give and gifts will be given to you;
a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing,
will be poured into your lap.
For the measure with which you measure
will in return be measured out to you.

Our natural human instinct of self-preservation makes accepting this Law difficult. Personally, I want to get more sleep. I want to spend more time with my family. I want to wake up and not feel as if I'd been hit by a truck. But, God wants me to give my all. He wants all of me. He wants me to give of myself until I have nothing left to give. 

For it is in giving that we receive, pardoning that we are pardoned and in dying that we are born to eternal life (prayer of St. Francis of Assisi). 

Take it all, Jesus. I give my heart to you. 

9/10/14

Gospel LK 6:20-26

Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said:
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for the Kingdom of God is yours.
Blessed are you who are now hungry,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who are now weeping,
for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you,
and when they exclude and insult you,
and denounce your name as evil
on account of the Son of Man.

Rejoice and leap for joy on that day!
Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.
For their ancestors treated the prophets
in the same way.

But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.
But woe to you who are filled now,
for you will be hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will grieve and weep.
Woe to you when all speak well of you,
for their ancestors treated the false
prophets in this way.”

Reflection

Instant gratification. Faster download speeds. No wait times. Quick fixes. Short cuts. Entitlement. Freebies. Life is difficult and any sort of relief that we can catch is readily welcomed.  

We would rather be rich than poor. We would rather laugh than cry. We would rather be stuffed than hungry. We would rather be praised than made fun of. Jesus, even though He is telling us to be on guard against being rich, full, laughing and praised, isn’t saying that He would prefer we endure hardship.  

Instead, Jesus is encouraging us through those times in our lives that will undoubtedly bring us pain, sorrow, ridicule and heartache. He tells us that it is during those times that He will be with us. Furthermore, He is telling us that we are blessed if that is our life’s state!  

The world is filled with traps that can lead us astray – including wealth, fame, and pleasure. It is not that these things are bad, but they can easily steal our focus and become our life’s purpose. 

Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and let us turn away from the glories of this world in favor of being blessed now and for eternity! 

Let us not be rich, or full, or famous. Let us be blessed.