Time To Open The Gifts

1 Peter 4:8-11a - As generous distributors of God’s manifold grace, put your gifts at the service of one another, each in the measure he has received. The one who speaks is to deliver God’s message. The one who serves is to do it with the strength provided by God. Thus, in all of you God is to be glorified through Jesus Christ.

Time to open the gifts!

I have 6 children so you can imagine how many times I have heard this. In the above reading from 1 Peter, this is what I believe God is calling us to do, to open our gifts. As Christians, we have been reborn. We have been given great gifts from God through Jesus Christ. Sadly, most people just take those gifts, say thank you, and put them up on a shelf.

We met with a group of ministry leaders from our church last night. It was a great spirit filled time where we prayed, read scripture and discussed our various ministries. At the heart of it all is the call to put our gifts to use to bring God's message to all the people.

I was touched as I reflected on my service in the church(and outside). I have been given many gifts and I am called to use them for the glory of God. I am a distributor of God's grace. I must speak with words and actions in delivering God's message.

We were having a tense time at work a couple of days ago. I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to stop what we were doing to pray. I knew that the only way I was going to be able to calm the situation was through prayer. It worked! 

Time to open the gifts!

Remember to Share - Not Just for Kindergarten

Galatians 6:6 - One who is being instructed in the word should share all good things with his instructor. 

This is something that has really spoken to me recently. However, I only read this verse today. It solidifies my thoughts and desires on the subject. It is important that we share the good things that are happening in our walk with Christ, especially with our instructors that they might be built up also and persevere in their teaching ministry. 

We, as the community of believers, have a duty to share the good news with each other. Personally, I am built up when people tell me what God is doing in their lives. I receive the confidence and boldness to proclaim the gospel to those who are hurting and lost. One person sharing the good news may seem like a drop in the bucket or like a small candle lighting up a dark night. But when we join our ‘light’ with the ‘light’ of others we are a great shining light for all to see. 

When I meet someone and they ask how I am doing, I tell them I am ‘fantastic’. It is amazing how many people ask me, why. Then I tell them. I proclaim the healing power of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in the hearts of believers. I start each day now with eager anticipation of who God might put in my path. Does it happen every day? No, but you would be surprised on just how often it does. 

So, go out there and let your light shine.

Whirled Peas

World peace would be nice but I would settle for a little peace in my house, myself!

I woke up this morning and quickly moved into panic mode. You see the last few days I have been running late getting to work. Not real late, but being even a few seconds late really gnaws at me. My list of, to-do's, was long. Longer than I could keep track of. Of course writing them down would probably help, but that is for another article.

Praise God that I have a lovely wife who prayed for me to have some peace and relief from my stress. Then I sat down to read the Gospel from today's readings.

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

Jesus promised us His peace. A peace that is so complete that it surpasses all that we have ever known. He gives it without strings or conditions. We don't have to earn it and He will never take it back. So, what happens then?

We give it back!

We give all of our troubles and anxieties to God and he gives us peace. Then we look over at them laying at the foot of his cross and we take them back. Kind of like taking that favorite t-shirt out of the recycle while your wife is not watching. Or when my son sneaks his favorite shirt out of the dirt clothes to wear again for the 4th day in a row. 

We know it is time to give these things away for good. It is time to have our souls washed clean in the blood of the lamb.

Now is the time. Accept the peace offered to you by Jesus.

They Will Pick Up Serpents

On Thursday, I realized that I had been in a bit of a funk. I had not written anything in my blog for about a week and so I proudly said to my wife that I would blog about whatever the readings were that day. 

Then I read the readings. Maybe I should have looked at the readings first, but they were just what I needed to hear and more I have been contemplating on them for a couple days now.

1 Peter 5:6-7 So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.

I think sometimes I am able to cast all my worries on him. But then, I guess I must like my worries because I take them back. The problem I have with worry and anxiety is that they can become self-fulfilling. I am anxious or worried because I may not be good enough. Intellectually, I know this is not the case but still the worry exists. So, then if I sin, I prove that I am not good enough and my worries are justified.

Now that is pretty dumb. And yet we do it. (I am sure I am not the only one).

Why do others seem to have a much higher opinion of what I can do than I do. I mean like my boss seems to think I can work miracles. This makes me feel good and scared at the same time because there is an expectation out there. How can I ever measure up?

Mark 16:17-18 These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will drive out demons, they will speak new languages. They will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them. They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.

 No pressure here, right? Jesus is telling them they will work miracles, literally. Jesus is calling all of us to work miracles. He has a high opinion of us. He is like a father encouraging his son or daughter to take the training wheels off. 

What are our training wheels? What is keeping us from working the miracles that God has given us the ability to work in His name? How do we get over not feeling worthy?



Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.

What are your circumstances?

1 Phil 4:10-19 - Brothers and sisters: I rejoice greatly in the Lord that now at last you revived your concern for me. You were, of course, concerned about me but lacked an opportunity. Not that I say this because of need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I find myself, to be self-sufficient. I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me. Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress.

You Philippians indeed know that at the beginning of the Gospel, when I left Macedonia,
not a single church shared with me in an account of giving and receiving, except you alone. For even when I was at Thessalonica you sent me something for my needs, not only once but more than once. It is not that I am eager for the gift; rather, I am eager for the profit that accrues to your account. I have received full payment and I abound.

I am very well supplied because of what I received from you through Epaphroditus,
"a fragrant aroma," an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 

Thoughts: This is something I have thought about for years. Namely, that I need to approach life with humility, allowing people to care for me. For in allowing others to care and do for me, I give them the opportunity to be strengthened through serving others. 

For example, some friends serve food for others on Wednesday nights at the church. Can I make food myself? Yes, I am fully able to take care of myself, but allowing myself to be taken care of by others gives them the opportunity to build up their spiritual strength. St. Paul also writes about humbly and joyfully living within your circumstances. 

There will be times that you live in abundance. These are the times when everything seems to be going right. We are to rejoice in those times and be glad. Too often, I want to be ashamed and I feel guilty when things are going good. Like I don't deserve it because everyone around me is not in the same state.

At other times, you may be experiencing hardship; again we are to rejoice that God is with us at these times also. It is how we react at these times that give true witness to the life of Christ in us. However, this does not mean that I need to assume others hardships. I can be helpful and supportive but others crosses have been given to them to carry. We each must carry our own cross. The one that was given to us to carry.

Question: How do you deal with abundance? hardship?

It Was A Dark And Stormy Night

1 Peter 5:6-7 - So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you. 

Thoughts: On September 8th, my worries were truly laid at the feet of God and I was washed clean in the waters of baptism. It was truly a baptism of the Holy Spirit. 

I was a master at worrying. I still have occasional worries as I still live in this world. My worries will not ever be gone until I sit in heaven at the feet of Jesus. 

Through the practice of frequent prayer, constantly laying my worries at the feet of Jesus in humble submission to the will of God I  feel the love that comes from a close, personal relationship with Christ. I now fill the empty spot, where I used to keep my worries, with the word of God.

Once I was able to truly lay all my worries at the foot of the cross and submit myself humbly in prayer to Him, He started using me in awe inspiring ways to share the message to anyone I might have the opportunity to. This call to humble service feeds my soul in so many ways. It may be a bit bold but I feel a real connection to Pope Francis and desire to follow the loving example he is giving us.

Have Fun, But Don't Get Caught

Philippians 2:12-18 - My beloved, obedient as you have always been, not only when I am present but all the more now when I am absent, work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work. Do everything without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine like lights in the world, as you hold on to the work of life, so that my boast for the day of Christ may be that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. But, even if I am poured out as a libation upon the sacrificial service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with all of you. In the same way you also should rejoice and share your joy with me. 

Thoughts: Paul speaks to the Philippians with apparent joy as he is finding them prospering in the faith. A True sign of faith and obedience is when one is obedient when no one is around to catch them. How often I used to fall into sin when no one was around, when no one could catch me. I deceived myself into believing that it was OK because no one knew about my sinfulness. But God who knows all always knew and always called me back. 

I was really good at hiding my sinfulness. I lived in a world of shame and guilt. But God is good and persistent. Christ now works in me, giving both the desire and call to serve Him. If the grace of God can work in someone like me then he can also work mighty deeds in you. 

I now find myself, not only with the ability but also the desire to do the work of God for His glory. The world we live in is one full of grumblers and complainers. It is so pervasive in our world that we now consider it normal. But God calls to us to be of the eternal not the earthly. In the heavenly kingdom there is no need to complain or grumble and we are called to bring a view of heaven to earth through our lives, living in the joy that can only come from our relationship with our Creator. 

If God is so concerned with our joy that He would go to great lengths to offer it to us then we have an obligation to share that joy with all that we come in contact with. Paul in the end of the reading above reiterates that fact in his statement that we are to share our joy and triumphs in Christ with all both the downfallen and our fellow followers that we can all be strengthened by each other.

The Spirit is Moving

God is moving in the lives of me an my family. We feel called to a simpler life. My wife will not be going back to her job as a teacher the next school year. I am waiting to hear about my acceptance into the diaconate. Work is crazy busy. We are feeling a call to homeschooling for our 2 youngest. We have another daughter graduating from high school and getting ready to head off to college. And the list goes on...

In the interest of keeping this post short, I will stop with just the short list. I expect most of us have a similar list. 

I am very task oriented. I want to check things off of my list. But God calls me to do but one thing. Sit at the feet of Jesus like Mary. I used to think my wife was the Martha and I was the Mary but I think we are both Marthas. 

Luke 10:38-42
Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

A Bruised Reed

Isaiah 42:1-4 - Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased. Upon whom I have put my Spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations, Not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching.

Thoughts: OK, so I admit it, I am a huge Pope Francis fan. When I read this passage this morning, my first thought was of Francis, our new Pope. His humble actions speak volumes. I saw a photo yesterday of Francis giving a homily. As I looked the photo, he was just radiating joy, it was a smile that drew me in and made we want to be around and to listen. I can imagine  Jesus just the same way. Drawing us all in.

The reading from Isaiah this morning predict the coming of Jesus and describe what his coming would be like. 

When we think of someone coming to bring justice, we often think of punishment for those doing wrong but not so with new savior. The people of Jesus' time thought the messiah would be a might king, a conqueror, a ruler. What we got was a gentle redeemer, a forgiver, a healer. 

We are the bruised reeds of this world, weak and sinful at least cracked if not completely broken. Jesus comes to mend the brokenness in our lives not to destroy or punish. For many Christians even, the light of Christ does not burn brightly but only flickers or smolders. People of this world would say just put it out, it does not give much light anyway. But, Jesus will fan and nurture that flame until it burns brightly once again. No flame is too small for God to revive. 

As we move through Holy Week, let us help mend the bruised reeds all around us and be the instrument to Jesus can use to fan the flame in each other.

Are We Trying To Kill God?

John 8:37 - I know that you are descendants of Abraham. But you are trying to kill me, because my work has no room among you.

Thoughts: As my wife and I read the gospel this morning, this verse stuck out for me. So, I asked my wife, how often do we try to kill God in our everyday life? We both just sat there in meditation. 

The Jews were trying to physically kill Jesus because they found his words hard to accept. They thought he was being unreasonable. He was raising the standard and they didn't like it. Who, of us, likes to be told we are not measuring up? 

While we don't have Jesus physically with us today, we do have the promised Holy Spirit here with us. How often do we try to kill the Spirit of God?

• Do we fail to help someone in need?
• Do we attack others with our words?
• Are we jealous of others?
• Do we fill our minds(and souls) with stuff and push God out?
• Do we have other God's in our life(money, power, work).

I am guilty of most of these so making the list was pretty easy. 

Let's make this final part of Lent a move closer to the sacred heart of Jesus. As part of our Lenten examination of conscience, if you can think of other ways we try to kill God, please comment here so all can benefit.

God Has A Plan For Me

From Morning Prayer(Liturgy of the Hours) - Eternal Father, you give us life despite our guilt and even add days and years to our lives in order to bring us wisdom. Make us love and obey you, so that the works of our hands may always display what your hands have done, until the day we gaze upon the beauty of your face.

Thoughts: Reading this prayer this morning caused me to think back on my life and all of it's tumultuous events. I recall a young man, 17 years old, who had a lot of knowledge and some pretty good common sense but greatly lacked in wisdom. I would imagine that many of us can relate to that. Kind of like the prodigal son from this Sunday's readings. I imagine he thought himself pretty smart also. 

A life changing moment! It was April 25, 1982, My Dad, brother and myself had gone out for a Sunday drive. We did not know it but our lives would be changed that day. During this scenic drive through the central Texas countryside, I was attempting to make a left hand turn off the highway to go down to the lake. I did not see the 2 semis coming up behind me, one of them attempting to pass the other. The driver of the truck that was in the wrong lane could not stop in time when I started making my turn and he totally t-boned my truck. 

I would have been dead if I had been wearing my seat belt as the impact had completely crushed the drivers compartment of the truck. I did, however, suffer a brain stem contusion leaving me unconscious for 11 days. After about a month in the hospital, I was released to continue my recovery at home. Based on the life I was living at that time, I certainly did not deserve to live and should by all rights have been dead but God had a plan for me. He had chosen to add years to my life. I am sure he added years to my life because he knew it would take years to actually add wisdom to my stubborn nature. 

If we think back upon our lives, most of us will realize some point in our lives when God was watching out for us. We will see the hand of the Holy and Mighty One in a lucky break or a miraculous event. God, through the healing power of Jesus Christ, has set us all aside to know and love and serve him. I know now that my being saved was not an accident. 

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

Have a great day and know that the Lord truly has great plans for you. Pray that you may see clearly what those plans are and follow him unreservedly and without fear.

No Payment Necessary

Luke 14:12-14 - On a Sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees. He said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or sisters or you relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Thoughts: People have not really changed much in the last 2,000 years. We often tend to be social climbers. I have often caught myself looking to invite someone over and it is most often that my mind turns to those I see as successful or admirable. How often do we play the part of the Pharisee? Probably, far too often. 

Jesus has been nudging me for years on this one, though. I am convicted of the fact that we need to reach out to those who may seem ‘below’ us socially or economically. They are no less important because we are all created in the image of God, but we living in this world inadvertently put people into groups or classes. We need to reach out to those who are hurting. Someone who is not ill does not need a doctor. Jesus consistently reached out to those who were shunned and looked down upon by the world. He had a special affection those in this world who are oppressed.

Suddenly, I see pain, suffering, and despair in many people I come in contact with. These are the people that I am to reach out to. These are people that we are to reach out to. I try to be in tune with the Holy Spirit now when I meet people. We are meant to be social creatures. We need to be active and interactive with those around us. 

On Monday night we were talking about agape love. Love that does not seek repayment. The kind of love we can only have as a gift from God. It is only through Him that we can put aside our selfish selves and truly love as Christ loved. How can we do this though? It is so foreign to us. Try practicing the presence of God. Let Jesus be a part of every minute of your life. 

This is my challenge this lent. To be generous as our Lord is generous.

Sprit Led

I have just started reading a book my Pope Benedict XVI. It was published early in his papacy. The title is, "New Outpourings of the Spirit". While I have just started the book it has gotten me pretty excited and I wanted to write about it here before my thoughts get blurry. 

As far back as 1997, then Cardinal Ratzinger, started researching the many new spiritual movements in the church. He concluded that these movements are good and would help revitalize the church. He cautions pastors to not extinguish but rather to help nurture these movements. The Holy Spirit, present in these movements will help bring many to the a greater faith in the church. He also cautions the laity involved with these movements to not stray from the church but rather to work in partnership with them to build up the church. Personally, I am involved with the charismatic movement. Through the charismatic renewal I have found a very deep spirituality that always brings us back to Jesus and the sacraments.

In the book, Pope Benedict also talks about the importance of the church guarding against become too institutionalized. It is important that the ordained leadership (priests, bishops and deacons) are just that ordained. They are in a sacramental relationship with the church not an assigned role but rather something confirmed through the church and the Holy Spirit. From 2 Cor. 3:5, "Not that of ourselves we are qualified to take credit for anything as coming from us; rather, our qualification comes from God."

As the church continues to grow it must embrace these outpourings of the Holy Spirit, we must follow the leading of the Spirit being cautious to not throw aside the core beauty and beliefs of the church. Again, in 2 Cor. 3:16-18, "but whenever a person turns to the Lord the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as from the Lord who is the Spirit." The Spirit gives us freedom. But not freedom in the secular sense, rather freedom in the true sense. The freedom that can only come from God.

For me, this outpouring of the Spirit in my life has given me freedom to live in the love of Christ. I also understand, as I await entry into the diaconate, that the call comes firstly from the church through the Holy Spirit. I also see in this the importance of Pope Benedict's call to new evangalization. It is awe inspiring to see so many people blogging and twittering about their faith in God and the Catholic church. 

Transfiguration vs Transubstantian

Yesterday we listened to the Gospel about the transfiguration.  Peter, James and John wanted to stay there.  Jesus said that we couldn't that they had to go back, that there was more and better things coming.  The Gospel states that Jesus' appearance changed, that he became dazzlingly white.  However, his essence did not change, he was still the same Jesus.

This made me think.  How often do we transfigure ourselves?  We put on a baseball cap and a jersey and suddenly we are a baseball fan.  We put on a suit and carry a bible and we are a christian. We do many, many things to change our appearance, to become different things. None of these things change our true essence just as in the transfiguration of Jesus.

During this Lenten season, I would suggest that we look for something a little more. Let's ask Jesus to be transformed.  Ask him to change our essence to be more like Christ.  How do we do this?  Here are a couple of suggestions. Attend mass and experience Jesus in the transubstantiation of the bread. His body given up for us.  Pray for the release of the Holy Spirit in our heart to transform and conform us more into the likeness of Christ. I will leave you with this prayer by Charles de Foucald.

Father,
I abandon myself into you hands; do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only you will be done in me, and in all your creatures.
I wish no more than this, O Lord.

Into you hand I commend my soul;
I offer it to you
with all the love of my heart,
for I love you Lord,
and so need to give  myself,
to surrender myself into your hands,
without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father.

Amen.

An Acceptable Time

2 Cor 6:1-2 - Working together, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain, for he says: "In an acceptable time I heard you and on the day of salvation I helped you".

Thoughts: September 8th, 2012 was a day acceptable to the Lord. I had been walking in the desert, knowing about God but only from a bit of a distance. For many years I had been preparing myself to be a dwelling place for God, for the Holy Spirit. But we all must wait for an acceptable time to the Lord. He knows what an acceptable time is, he knows when we are ready to more fully receive him. 

On that day, we were gathered for a charismatic prayer meeting. In Matthew 18:20 it says "Where two or more are gathered, there I am among them."  God was truly present that day. Sometimes it feels that we will never get closer to God, that he will always be out of our reach. Then when you least expect it, he comes to you in an exciting and real way. 

At this meeting, the Spirit of God came to me bringing healing and forgiveness unlike I have ever experienced. I knew right then that my life would never be the same.  I have started on journey unlike any other, a close and intimate walk with the Lord. Something I had waited years for had finally come. Not because of a mean God but because there was more for me to learn. I needed to make more room in my heart for him.

This Lent, make room in your hearts for the Holy Spirit, the gift promised to us after Christ's resurrection. 

Creation

from Colossians 1:16 - All were created through him. All were created for him.

Thoughts:  What strikes me here is the word "all".  We tend to band together as Christians and we sit in our little prayer groups and sing praise songs and think we are really getting it done.  But are we?  This has been tugging at my heart for a while. I have been on twitter for a little while now and as I look through my list of followers and following, they are mostly people like me. Jesus preached and reached out to the sick, the poor and the sinners. Maybe I am missing something here.

If I stop and look around me and take the time to observe all that God created and realize that they too were created for him, we will see that everyone one was created to glorify God.  We are all called to glorify God by our lives.  Some have more success than others but by the blood of Jesus he shows that he care for all that were created for him.

I challenge everyone, including myself, to look at everyone we meet today through the eyes of Jesus Christ that we may see, in them, God's creation.  Let us also be workers for Christ helping our brother realize the awesomeness of God's creation in each one of them.

An Oath to Abraham

Luke 1:73-75 - This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear; holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.

Thoughts:  In our society there are many oaths that are taken by people at different times. When a politician takes office they swear an oath to serve the people, Boy scouts take a similar oath. Someone testifying in court takes an oath to tell the truth. In each case we are making a promise to our peers and authorities to undertake a duty to the best of our ability.

In the Gospel reading above God is making an oath to Abraham and the Jewish people. He is promising to set them free from their enemies where they will be free to worship him without fear. In their time punishment and death were a very real possibility if they worshiped and followed God. We know from history that God did indeed free them.

This promise of freedom through God is just as relevant for us today as it has ever been. As we go through this Lenten season I have been reflecting on just who are our enemies?  Most of us do not have to fear physical death but we have very real enemies. I look at all of the addictions that are rampant in our society today. Drugs, alcohol, pornography, money, and consumerism just to name a few. I have had issues with most of these but just as God came to set Abraham's people free, he comes to set me free also. 

I have been set free! And now, I worship him without fear and by the mercy of God I hope to stay holy and righteous in his sight all the days of my life. May we have the courage to let go of those enemies already conquered for us this Lent.

Amen!

Grow Where You're Planted

Mark 6:4 - Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house."

Thoughts: First, let me start with a disclaimer, I do not think I am Jesus and I am not declaring myself a prophet. But I do believe that we are all called to be disciples and to evangelize. As I mention in my bio, I am currently applying to the diaconate. One of the stipulations of becoming a deacon is that I will serve where the Bishop assigns me. This is generally not your home parish.

You see, I am a convert to Catholicism. I joined the church at Easter in 1989. I have only known one parish my whole christian life. So, the thought of leaving my church family made me pause to think. Then I read the words in the Gospel of Mark and it made me truly contemplate what it means to be a disciple. I pray that I will develop into the disciple that God wants me to be. Hopefully, that will be as a deacon of the church. I also realize that He must plant me where I will bear much fruit even if that means leaving the only parish I have ever known.

Will there be some sadness if I have to leave my parish family? Of course. But on the flip side I will have the opportunity to meet people and minister to their needs where ever I am planted. God is amazing and can bring miracles wherever He wants to. 

Thank you Jesus for the opportunity to make disciples of all nations!

Gonna Be a Long One

Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10 - Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, which consisted of men, women, and those children old enough to understand. Standing at one end of the open place that was before the Water Gate, he read out of the book from daybreak till midday, in the presence of the men, the women, and those children old enough to understand; and all the people listened attentively to the book of the law. Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the occasion. He opened the scroll so that all the people might see it - for he was standing higher up than any of the people -; and as he opened it, all the people rose. Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people, their hands raised high, answered, "Amen, amen!" Then they bowed down and prostrated themselves before the Lord, their faces to the ground. Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God, interpreting it so that all could understand what was read. then Nehemiah, that is, His Excellency, and Ezra the priest-scribe and the Levites who were instructing the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. He said further: "Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our Lord. do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength!"

Thoughts: I read this passage multiple times as I am lectoring this weekend and this was the reading I was to proclaim. On my second time through the reading, it struck me that all of these people came to hear the word of God with as much excitement as people going to a football game. 

Sometimes, we go to mass and think boy is it going long today. I would venture to say we have all done it at one time or another. We sit there and try to listen but we keep checking out watch. It is lasting over an hour, yikes! But the people (children included) in this passage today came to hear the word proclaimed to them. They stood out there from daybreak to midday. I am guessing about six hours. Could you imagine what would happen if mass lasted an hour and a half, let alone six hours? I have heard of places in South and Central America where mass routinely last three plus hours. I can only pray for the faith to hunger for the word so bad as to listen for six hours. 

They didn't just sit there looking at their watches. They were engaged and excited. They raised their hands high and shouted Amen. Starting to feel like a football game or at least a pep rally. In these scriptures God urges us to be approach Sunday's with excitement and to celebrate. 

Let's have an extra piece of desert and some sweet tea. We have been given the scriptures, the Bible as a guide and cause for celebration. May we all find great consolation and reason to celebrate as we hear the word of God proclaimed to us today in Holy Mass.

Who do you say that I am?

Matthew 16:15-16 - He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the messiah, the Son of the living God."

Thoughts: Who do I say that Jesus is? This was a question that was posed to me a couple weeks ago and I have been thinking about it since. As I reflect on this question, many words come to mind. 

Father, brother, and guide identify the different roles I see Jesus playing in my life. He is the Father that gives sagely wisdom. He is the Brother and friend I can turn to for help. 

Healer, redeemer, and prophet come to mind when I think about what Jesus has done in my life. 

He is the Creator of all things. This is ever visible when looking in the eyes of my children. 

He is Light, shining for me in my greatest darkness.

Jesus is the standard. He is the perfect example of how things should be, of how we should be. I also think of God like a mother. Always there to take care of us and always there to comfort us and pick us up. No matter how often we fall and disappoint Him, he is always ready to forgive me and give me a chance to do better.

Jesus is eternal and everywhere. I find him in the stillness of the night and the business of my day. 

Jesus is life.