Healing Prayer Service - Growing the Seed that Heals

Healing Prayer Service – Growing a Seed that Heals.

1 Pt 1:22-23; By obedience to the truth you have purified yourselves for a genuine love of your brothers; therefore; love one another constantly from the heart. Your rebirth has come, not from a destructible but from an indestructible seed, through the living and enduring word of God.

We bought a new bed. It has a ten inch thick mattress. Assembling the bed, my wife placed tape over the screw heads. I watched her and asked “Are you a princess and afraid you will feel the screw heads through the mattress?”

I thought about the fairy tale with this reading. In the story of the Princess and the Pea, the king stacked every mattress in the kingdom and placed a pead under the bottom. A true princess would feel that pea and not be able to sleep.   

None of us have this problem. We are all equal in God’s eyes: princess or pauper. God does not choose favorites. He gave us all that indestructible seed that Peter writes about.

This seed is divine and imperishable. It is a seed that lives in us waiting to spring forth. It is the indestructible seed that longs to grow to something more. It is our faith.

We are all called to grow into something more. As believers, it is holiness. So we seek to know God and our faith grows.  Some will put their seed of faith in man, money, power, possessions, and even in hate. In this is suffering. In these are the problems of the world.  

This is where people live; where people stumble, where they suffer and are sick. This is where people cannot find God. Yet, they still have that indestructible seed; its just starving.

These are people that need spiritual healing. Their seed is longing to grow.

We come tonight to pray for healing, we come tonight to grow that indestructible seed that God has placed in us. But, nothing will flourish and grow unless it’s fed, watered, and nurtured.

What do you feed God’s seed of Faith? You feed it love. You feed it God’s love. A love that is not passive. This love is truth – a love from the heart – a love that is pure, genuine- not phony

We come here tonight to be fed from the love that is God by his Church. We have come to taste the love of Jesus Christ.

We come tonight to feed those who suffer through our prayers: those with weak bodies and afflictions of the spirit; those weakened by illness, emotional, or financial issues. They all have that indestructible seed in them. It’s sprouted and fed by love. Love feeds them, makes them strong, and heals them in ways seen and not seen.

My wife placed the tape over the screws so mattress wouldn’t tear. So many people are torn by the situations in their life. So go love others, mend their tears. Bring Christ’s love to those who need the comfort of truth - love from the heart – love that is pure. Don’t judge them princess or pauper.

We are all equal in God’s eyes with the same seed in us. We feed and nourish it with the genuine love given to us by God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We are reborn from this seed. Maybe through us those who suffer because their seed has not begun grow will find the nourishment to grow strong. Love will heal them. 

Sunday Reflection: 30th Sunday - Locked In

Locked In

(Jeremiah 31:7-9; Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6; Hebrews 5:1-6; Mark 10:46-52)

What if we were locked inside ourselves and only God could hear us?

Chris Klein and Jennifer Lowe were born with cerebral palsy. Both have issues with movement and neither is able to speak. A documentary film tells their story. It’s the story of miracles.

It is the story of how they found their voices. Neither has vocal speech but both have found their voice through a device that allows them to communicate. 

This is also a story of remarkable faith. Their story is "Only God Could Hear Me"

The title comes from Jennifer.  When she was seven, Jennifer realized that God could hear her and she began asking God to help her find a way to communicate with others. She asked God to put her thoughts into the minds of the people around her so they would know her words and they could speak for her.

Chris sums his life up by Philippians 4:13 “I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.” He says, “I do things because I rely upon the strength of Christ in my life. He showed me all that I need to rely on is his strength.”

Like Bartimaeus these two young people were discriminated against, unheard by most, and outside society. I look at them and I see Bartimaeus. Separated from the rest of the world, they knew God.

In silence, Chris and Jennifer called out to God.

Bartimeaus called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.” Although everyone else rebuked him and told him to be silent, God heard him.

Jesus said “Call him.”

Bartimaeus asked for mercy. He didn’t ask for sight; he wanted to see.

He was healed by his faith. Then, immediately he received his sight and he followed Jesus on the way. Bartimaeus could see the truth.

Why is truth important? Why is truth important to me, to all of us?

It is because truth is the foundation of all relationships. You can build relationships in others ways but when there is a lack of truth the relationship is going to die.

A relationship with Jesus Christ is based on the truth of whom He is and who I am. I am a sinner.

The truth is I am a person blinded by sin and wearing a cloak that society has put on me. But, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the light. He is our justification, redemption, and salvation.

Today the readings are packed with truth. Open your heart to them. But, here is the truth I share today. “Take courage… Jesus is calling you.” God is a merciful and loving God. God is not a God to be feared.

Take courage in the truth of God’s gentleness and mercy. Jeremiah wrote that the blind, the lame, the mothers, and those with child, He consoles. He guides them so none will stumble.

The Psalms sings praise and rejoicing for the good things God has done.

Hebrews confesses that Christ, our high priest. is patient with our ignorance, erring, and weaknesses.

Here is another truth. You may not see my blindness; but, I am Bartimeaus.  My cloak may look like yours but it is truly mine. My cloak is my sins, addictions, and troubles. Its cloth it is made of is my life. It locks me in.

Jesus calls me.

By faith, I see the truth. I have the courage to throw off the cloak the world has placed on me. I follow him.

Unlike Chris, Jennifer, or Bartimaeus, others may not see what keeps us quiet. But those three knew one thing, if the world ignores you and no one else hears you cry, God does.

Throw off all the things that keep us from Christ. All things are possible by faith through the power of Him who strengthens us: the God of mercy; the God of love; the God of forgiveness; the God of miracles.

Brothers and sisters take courage. He hears us and He calls us. 

Christian Fiction "Wanderland"

“Wanderland”

I can’t help it

I am

a wanderer - I tend to roam

tic-tic-tic-tic

exploring

roads I’ve never walked

I run free

following dirt roads

chasing dusty crowds

to the one who calls me

I answer breathless

tic-tic-tic-tic

He invites me

to follow him - walking

through turmoil

silenced by his peace

we leave the crowd amazed

by the fullness of the meal he provides

stepping

in his footsteps,

to find

his words of truth

I freely share the word

tic-tic-tic-tic

following in faith

I do not know

where I roam

coming to a stream

I feel the cool water as

it washes

around my legs

not even slippery rocks can trip me.

He delights

at mothers and children

gathered there

His love smiles at me

a blind man asks me

to come see the light as

I dance with crippled legs

My guide speaks

Roam the world –

have courage –

know the truth -

voice it -

tic-tic-tic-tic

my chair’s belt

keeps me from sliding

into His arms completely

wheels locked

voice paralyzed

an old clock mounted

on yellowed walls - beacons

white-round

above a traffic jam of wheelchairs

neighbors lined up

some are rebels

kicked

juxtaposed to normality.

some never move

everyone is traveling - minds wandering.

the clock

sets

the-sted-e-beat

for life

against white noise

of routine

television radio bickering

a life that exist in wandering

tic-tic-tic-tic.

the orderly looks

irritable

maybe it’s his bowels

I sing my song

of wandering

into my lover’s ear

I tend to roam

in life’s time

tic-tic-tic-tic

Homily Reflection 29th Sunday - I'm a Wanderer

I’m a Wanderer (Isaiah 53:10-11; Psalm 33:4-5,18-19,20,22 ; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45)

I have to admit it; sometimes my mind wanders in Church. To paraphrase Dion and the Belmonts, I’m a wanderer and my mind roams around, around, around.

I’ve got things on my mind that causes it to wander. There’s no altar server. Who’s reading? Slow down and read the Gospel clearly.

Each priest likes the altar a little different. I read over their shoulders. Fr. Job, I can’t keep up. Fr. Joe, I’m ahead of you. Attending Bishop Duca, it’s about everything I did wrong.

Don’t forget the special announcements.

Before I was Deacon, it was about getting breakfast, getting clothes ready, getting the girls dressed, and being late. I’d come with intentions of reverence and prayer but my thoughts takeover: bills, groceries, work, or what’s for lunch.

Then I’d be pulled back to reality, “Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.” What have I done? I missed the readings, the Psalms, and the Gospel. 

The homily comes and despite a sincere effort my mind would often wander off again.

Maybe someone else wants to admit to trouble concentrating on Jesus, prayer, worship, or the words spoken. We miss the lesson - shame on us.

But, we’re in good company. James and John, along with the other ten, had this problem.   

And they had the best teacher, Jesus, the word incarnate and their minds still wandered. They often missed the lesson in Jesus' teaching.

The two asked, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you…., Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left."

The other ten got mad. I don’t think it was because James and John asked this question; it was because none of them asked it first.

They hadn’t been listening to the gospel. Their minds wandered back to their needs and thoughts. When Jesus comes to glory, I will be great. Jesus gave the ability to heal the sick and cast out demons, what more will we receive. Who will be the greatest?

Jesus asked James and John, “What would you have me to do?” 

How many of you remember the phrase WWJD? What would Jesus do?

Jesus knew what he had to do. “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?"

The cup that Jesus is referring to is the cup of his destiny. In those days, it was a practice to fill the cups around the table with wine and those who shared the cups shared a destiny. It was either a destiny of suffering or prosperity.   

Jesus’ cup of destiny is the suffering servant. In Isaiah we read “... through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear.” Paul says He is our high priest who has experienced our suffering.

This is Christ’s glory!

Christ’s glory is not about the glory of moral life but I am to live a moral life. It’s not about the glory of religion but I am to be part of a believing community, the body of Christ. I shouldn’t ask, “What would Jesus do (WWJD)? Instead, what is Jesus is doing through me.

We share in Christ’s glory through baptism. Drink from his cup by serving those around us, our church, and our community; hearing the call to serve the needy and suffering; working for justice and peace. In these, one approaches the throne of grace to receive His mercy.

We share in Christ’s Glory! Christ’s glory is the suffering servant, his divinity, and his humanity. It is his bearing our guilt, his death, and his resurrection. His glory is mercy, grace, redemption, and our justification.

Look at Christ on the cross. His cup is the blood, scourges, wounds, agony, and torment of the sins and suffering of all people then, today, and tomorrow. We share in Christ’s glory because it’s our suffering and the suffering of the world that He bears.

I’m like James, John, and the ten trying to live the life Jesus asks. It’s not easy to live this life; I’m a wanderer. I fall back to personal needs, troubles, and desires. Maybe it helps that I know my failures and how much I need Christ’s mercy. Lord, I trust in you.

So, I come to mass to give God my undivided attention; my mind wanders to a realization. A wandering mind helps discover a call to serve others. A wandering mind helps us see Christ in our selves, in others, and in the world. I realize that I keep coming back. We keep coming back!

We seek to share in His glory. Called to His presence in the Eucharist, we share Christ's cup, His blood, and His body. Brothers and sisters, we share in Christ’s glory!

Christ have mercy on me:

                     a mind that wanders, 

                     a sinner,  

                     your servant. Amen.

Sunday Reflection 28th Sunday - Golden Armor, Millions of Dollar or a Sandwich

Golden Armor, Millions of Dollars, or a Sandwich

Wisdom 7:7-11; Pslam 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17;  Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10:17-30

Go, sell what you have, give to the poor; then come, follow me.

Giovanni (John) was born rich and raised worldly. He even changed his name from John so he wouldn’t be confused with a man of God. He wanted to be a soldier of fortune. His armor was adorned with gold and a wonderful silk cloak. Jesus asked and St. Francis of Assisi gave it all away and followed him.

Kathy was a rich young lady. In 1885, her father died leaving $15.5 million estate (It would be almost $400 million today) to his three daughters. St. Katharine Drexel gave her fortune to the poor and followed Jesus.

The Rich Young Man - Jesus loved him. And the love of God filled the young man. Maybe, the young man recognized Jesus as the incarnate word and wisdom of God. Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.

Jesus told him, Go, sell what you have, give to the poor; then come, follow me.

His face fell and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

The rich young man may have been able to give his wealth away. But, possessions are so much more than wealth. The young man’s possessions were all that he was: his family, father, mother, brothers, children, lands and home. These things the young man put before God. These were the possessions he could not let go.

Maybe most of us don’t consider ourselves rich.

Let me tell you this story I overheard at Home Depot.  I caught the end of it.

Three men were discussing sharing God’s word. One of the gentleman said I know we are to share God’s word but it is up to those we share it with to accept it. My preacher says the Gospel is like a sandwich. I can make the best sandwich and give it to you, but you don’t have to eat it.

I thought about how true that was. With God’s grace and through his gifts I have a pretty good sandwich.  I live in freedom with food, water, shelter, and resources. My sandwich is made with God’s word, the commandments, and the Church.  My sandwich is full stuffed with tithes, fundraisers, and 5k runs for charity. The condiments on the sandwich are my family and possessions. I have built this sandwich and Jesus asks me to give it away.  

I am to give it to the poor like the Christians around the world persecuted and killed because they follow Christ. Or, maybe it is to be shared with most of the people in the world who make less than a dollar a day. Maybe my sandwich should be used against the slavery of human trafficking. Even in our land of plenty, our community, people don’t have a safe place to sleep, something to eat, or someone who cares.

Maybe we’re not rich, but we’re sitting with the sandwich God has given us. Jesus asks us to give it away and we leave sad. We can’t, we want to keep it for ourselves.   

God knows what’s in our heart and still loves us.  

Jesus turned to his disciples, who had given up all they had to follow him and called them “children.” They were children who didn’t understand him. Children who argued about who was the greatest. But at the same time, they were children who followed him with abandon, trust, innocence, and enthusiasm.

It is hard for us to be like children; we are tied to what we have. We recognize what Christ asks of us. We come to Him with joy and love, a smile on our face and in our hearts; but, something is asked of us and our face falls.

What have we put before God? What is keeping us from following Jesus?

The young man went away sad, but he could have come back. That’s what so great about God. He always loves us. Jesus is there waiting for us to give away those things that keep us from him.

Wisdom says the silent word of God speaks to hearts a word greater than riches. The word fills us with your love, O Lord. In this love, we come to Jesus and fall to our knees.

Jesus asks us to abandoned everything and follow him. We’re not St. Katherine Drexel or St. Francis of Assisi abandoning great wealth. But, we all have something even if it's just a sandwich made from the gifts God gives us.

The grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ is always with us. Nothing is concealed from him; Jesus knows our heart and loves us still. 

What have we put before God? What is keeping us from following Jesus? 

Sunday Reflection 27th Sunday OT - BBQ & Blessings

BBQ and Blessings

Genesis 2:18-24; Psalm 128:1-2, 3,4-5,6; Hebrews 2:9-11; Mark 10:2-16

I hope to change your idea of a successful business trip.

After a day of meetings in Overland Park, Kansas, our team was eating Kansas City barbeque. Several of us experienced team members were sharing our careers with our younger dinner companions. Each of us identified our wives as a source of strength.    

One had been married for 43 years. Another married only a mere 20 plus years. Each spoke of their wife as a blessing of completeness, love, understanding, and a blessing of forgiveness in all the foolish things we have done.

A young woman in our group said we were making her emotional speaking well and loving of our wives. She said, “I hope I find that in a husband.”

God said, “It’s not good for us to be alone.”

“A man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife; the two of them become one flesh.” Turn it around, “A woman leaves her father and mother and clings to her husband; the two of them become one flesh.”

As Christians, every one of us should know that there are two important persons in our marriage. Neither one of them is you. 

One is your spouse and the other is God. God created us with the capacity and the need to love another. God’s grace allows us to truly totally love another person. God brings our spouse into our lives. It is Christ in us that allow our spouses to raise us up. Our spouse grabs our hearts and takes us into a life of selflessness that without them, we would never attain.

Steve arrived in Kansas City on Thursday. He was frantic. Leaving Dallas, he had forgotten to have flowers delivered to his wife on their anniversary that Friday. Early in his marriage his wife did not like flowers; but, now she does. He wanted her to get flowers, to be happy, to know she’s loved. Steve’s a big old softy.

Jesus said a marriage fails because of the hardness of hearts. Think about it. The hardness of heart keeps God out and keeps our spouse out. Hardness of heart does not recognize the importance of God in our marriage. Hardness of heart does not allow us to lift up our spouse. Hardness of heart does not recognize how our spouse raises us up. Because of this hardness of hearts, a marriage becomes selfish.

Marriage is everything opposite of selfishness. It is the celebration of unity and giving yourself to another. Selfishness found in the hardness of heart that destroys all unity; the unity of marriage; the unity of humanity. The same selfishness which destroys marriage destroys the world. Selfishness denies human dignity and promotes injustice, racism, poverty, hunger, homelessness, and war.

Selfishness violates God’s words “it is not good to be alone.”

Selfishness is against Christ. Paul writes “He who consecrates and those consecrated all have one origin.” We are all the seeds of the “bone of my bones, flesh of my flesh.”

God did not create us to be selfish. He breathed life into us to know unity. Unity realized as God’s children; children humbled by grace to rid ourselves of selfishness. We become the innocent children our Lord Jesus Christ accepts and embraces through eternal salvation. 

These men eating barbeque and telling their blessings in Kansas City had something in common outside of business. The something made them a success. All witnessed more than just a relationship with their wives. Each was a man of Christ. One was a Lutheran. Two were Baptist. Two were Catholic. All witnessed Christ simply in the love for their wives.

To Christ and to our wives, “You complete me.”

For Gary, Bob, George and Steve, and all of you, a blessing - May the Lord bless you, your spouse and family all the days of your lives. Amen.