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.

Homily Reflection 26th OT - GiGi and the Pope

GiGi and the Pope

Numbers 11:25-29; Psalm 19:8, 10, 12-13, 14;  James 5:1-6; Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

Hubris is a word that I learned in high school or college. It was probably a word I had to learn for a vocabulary test. I probably memorized then forgot it. I learned it again in studying for the Diaconate. I learned it was a sin.

Hubris is having excessive pride. It’s the opposite of humility. Joshua and John may have had a little issue with hubris.

Eldad and Medad were in camp (among those they loved) when the spirit of God came upon them and they preached God.

Joshua comes to Moses “stop them.” They can’t be prophesizing, they weren’t at the meeting. Moses’ answer “Are you jealous for my sake?”

John came to Jesus "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he does not follow us." John’s concerned was he does not follow us, not that he is following Jesus.

Joshua and John protective of who they were and their relationships were guilty of hubris. Pride is sin. Most of us are guilty. I am.

GiGi Thrasher is a minister in Moss Point, Ms. You've probably never heard of her or her ministry; but, I asked if I could tell her story and she said yes. Her blog Tents, Tarps, and Tears is about her ministry, family, and life.

Her ministry began because she saw people living under bridges. She acts as a go between for the homeless and help organizations. Along with her husband, she goes into camps, brings food, helps with appointments, helps find housing, and shares what God has done for her.

GiGi’s words to me “YOU know what a mess I was.”

Her ministry works with transitional shelters, councils, and coalitions for the homeless. This has enabled her to tap into funds for housing and rehabilitation of the homeless.

Seeing her wonderful ministry, I was guilty of hubris. It was after my ordination that I saw the announcement of GiGi’s ordination.  

I was like Joshua and John, STOP-IT. She doesn’t follow us; a woman being ordained. She’s been married twice and non-denominational. But, my biggest issue was I knew what a mess she was!”

But praise God, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart. Don’t be jealous and full of self-pride. Get rid of it; cut it off.

The words of Moses “Would that all the people of the LORD were prophets!"

The words of Jesus "There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.”

The Holy Spirit showed me “What a mess I was!”

This week Pope Francis addressed Congress (speaking of a mess.) The Catholic News Service paraphrased his address "Stop bickering, the world needs your help.”

I didn’t remember those words. I printed up the address to read and didn’t find the words; but, I found the message. A message passed by Pope Francis from the testimoney of the lives of Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day, and Thomas Merton. Americans whose lives and actions speak of God, humility, service, and love.

Francis compared these peoples humility to the problems in the world that have arisen from hubris in the human condition. It’s the things James wrote about. “You have fattened your hearts ….” Hearts fattened by greed, bigotry, injustice, hatred, and the disregard of human dignity.  

Christians, the world needs our help. The Pope speaks to the world. Father Joe serves you and I. GiGi’s ministry is to the homeless and addicted.

To whom do you offer a cup of water for the sake of Christ?

Don’t be full of yourself; don’t say I can’t; don’t say I’m too messed up.

Instead, be like Eldad and Medad, go to those you care about: as spouse, parent, child, sibling, friend, neighbor, and co-worker. By our baptism, God calls each of us to lead others to Christ. Christ sends us the Holy Spirit to share his love with others.

What’s stopping you: hubris, jealousy, or self-bickering? These things keep us from allowing God to work through us.

Believing in and loving God with all our being is the potent message of our life. It is a potent message for the life of others. We bring others to Christ by the way we live, prayer, and faithfulness to God.

Police officer, firefighter, and first responder pray for those who need your help. Doctors, Nurses, and caregivers ask God to guide your care. Teachers see the needs of your students through the eyes of God.  

Look around you; who needs your ministry?

Homily Reflection 25th Sunday - Things We Argue About

Things We Argue About

Wisdom 2:12, 17-20; Psalm 54:3-4, 5, 6, 8;  James 3:16-4:3; Mark 9:30-37

Last week, we heard Jesus words “Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.”

I see it all the time across the country and in our area. People standing along the road with a cross on their shoulder, smiling and waving; usually, it’s a man. He is following Jesus’ words.

But, how many ask the question. Is that what Jesus meant – stand by the highway and wave at people? Is he denying self or looking for attention? Is it following Jesus?

I’m guilty of judging them. But I still argue, usually to myself. (My wife warns me, you’re talking to yourself again. No, I practicing my Homily.)

Believers argue. Too many time the witness of our faith is an argument between believers about things we’re certain and others are wrong. That’s a conflict, an oxymoron, being certain about the mystery of God. 

These arguments/discussions are we spend our passion - human things. Things we can go on and on about that are core aspects of our religion.

Jesus asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest.

Interesting, it wasn’t about Jesus. They had just finished a trip where Jesus fed the multitude, revealed He was the messiah, and Peter, James, and John witnessed the transfiguration. But they were not discussing Jesus. It was about them - “Why I am better than you.”

We are guilty of that too. If Jesus Christ is brought up, “Oh yea, Jesus, I know Him and love Him; He’s my Savior and my Lord.” But let's argue about how great the (fill in the denomination) are. Everybody look, these are OUR things.

Things . . . ? Things that set us ablaze; things we’re stuck on it; things we’re obsessed with; things we’re fascinated by; things we love. If we’re not careful these things become about us and not about Jesus. It’s the things believers argue about, like these things:

• Evangelism: We do it better - missions; discipleship; testimony.
• Perfection: We know how - Perfect marriages; perfect children; perfect health; perfect life.
• Right and Wrong: We teach it - Inerrancy of the Bible; fallibility of the Bible; Conservatism or Liberalism (in Religion, in Politics); what’s right or wrong with our culture.
• Worship: We do it right – We’re entertaining; We have a band and videos; faith v. works; spiritual gifts; secret to salvation; end times; prosperity.

And we argue these are a mature faith. Really, mature faith is about things and not Jesus! Hmmm, Jesus put a child among those arguing apostles and said, come to me like this child. 

There is nothing wrong with these things if they are innocent, pure, and about Jesus. Yet, too many times, “Jesus,  I’ve know Him and love Him; He’s my Savior and my Lord.” But let’s discuss who’s better. We’re beyond preaching Jesus.  

We begin to worship these things and difference instead of Jesus. And, the enemy divides and conquers us with “jealousy and selfish ambition.” The enemy uses these things because we fail to bring Jesus to them. Things that are about our passion not about His passion. 

In our passion there is argument. We have a world view that is hard but simple to us. We bring the same arguments found in the book of Wisdom.

• What Jesus asks is too much;
• What He ask is not what we like;
• Forget what Jesus asks, what does the world ask.

In Jesus’ passion there is no argument. He gives us simple things to do that are hard to us.

• Love God with all that you are and love your neighbor.
• Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.
• Do this in remembrance of me.
• Preach the Gospel; baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

In Jesus there is no argument only Wisdom that is “pure, peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity.” 

These things can be good. If in these things we proclaim Jesus Christ, the Lord that upholds our life. Preach in these things the Good News that leads others to Him.

God doesn’t call us to argue among ourselves. God calls us to profess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the cross we take up when we follow Him.

So let’s ask the question. Are we carrying that cross, so everybody can see us or so they can see Jesus in us?

Sunday Reflection 24th "Answer the Question"

Answer the Question

Isaiah 50:5-9a; Psalm116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9; James 2:14-18; Mark 8:27-35

Jesus asked them “But who do you say that I am?” God is “I am.” Maybe it is better to ask, “But, who do you say God is?”

The answer that Peter gives in Mark is “You are the Christ, You are the Messiah.” In Matthew, the answer is “You are the Christ the Son of the Living God.” Luke says “the Christ of God.” In John the words are, “We have come to believe and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

If Jesus asked us, we might say something similar.” We might say “Savior of the World, Lord and Savior, Redeemer, Word of God, Shepherd, King of kings, Bread of Life,” or one of many descriptions of Jesus in the bible.

How do we answer when Jesus asks - “But, who do you say that I am?”

It’s a questions we answer by who we are in the world. I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.

Someone sent me a video titled “I am Christian, But I am not…”  You can watch it here.  

It’s a collection of young adults making statements about being Christian. They say:

I’m Christian but I’m not homophobic; I’m Christian and I’m definitely not perfect; I’m Christian but I’m not close-minded; but I’m not unaccepting; but I’m not uneducated; but I am not judgmental; but I’m not conservative; I’m not ignorant; but I don’t place myself on a pedestal; I’m Christian but I don’t have all the answers.

The truest statement is “I’m a Christian and I’m definitely not perfect.”  And with that and the rest of the statements is the fault of the video. It’s all about the individual’s “I am” and not about Jesus’ “I am.”

But that fault is shared by many Christians in their answer to Jesus’ question, “But, who do you say that I am?”

Stand in front of a mirror and look for the “I am.” Look at yourself as other people see you. Look at yourself, your life, your prayers, your faith, the way you worship, your family life, and the way you treat other people, the poor, those you don’t agree with. Do you see love in your eyes, a smile on your lips, an absence of worry, anxiety or tenseness in your face?  Do you present yourself to the world with respect and honor as God’s creation? Do you see Christ in you?

We shouldn’t find in the mirror a cookie cutter version of a Christian. Every Christian is different and that is a gift from God.

Remember, “I’m a Christian and I’m definitely not perfect.” Christians live in the world. We are a mirror that shows others what we truly are. We live by what’s expected of us, what’s cool, or the “in” thing. We worry about life, bills, and things we can’t control. We try to keep up with the neighbors. 

Jesus asked “But, who do you say that I am?” And we answer like Peter, thinking as human beings do. We put the “I am” of our uniqueness, bigotry, and prejudices before God. The answer is what we show to the world.

Jesus tells us the true image of a Christian. “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.”

People can call themselves Christian, but without a transformation like Jesus taught; we cannot change the “I am” of who the world makes us.

Jesus is asking. We need to look at ourselves for the answer. Our answer is the worlds “I am” or Jesus’ “I am.”

Reflection 23rd Sunday OT - Arms Flailing

Arms  Flailing

Isaiah 35:4-7a; Psalm 146:7,8-9, 9-10; James 2:1-5; Mark 7:31-37

I was seven and a movie scared me. It was “The Miracle Worker” the story of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan. What scared me was the wild child Helen Keller. She was blind, deaf, and mute. At the beginning of the movie Helen tries to communicate in a foreign world; running around arms flailing with sobs, screams, and groans.

Annie Sullivan comes as a teacher. She enters Helen’s world. Annie communicates with Helen by letting her touch lips, tongue, and throat. Touch taught Helen.  

Jesus came to teach change. He entered our world to touch humanity and heal us. Here he comes into the life of a man who cannot hear or speak. Jesus enters his world. Jesus sticks his fingers in deaf ears and spits on the tongue. Jesus looks to heaven and with the groan the deaf man was able to feel prayed to God. Jesus touched him. Today the risen Christ touches each of us.

Why did Jesus tell them not to tell anyone?

Jesus wasn’t there to be a miracle worker. He wasn’t “Jesus Christ, Superstar.”  He hushed people to minimize the crowds. Jesus was there to be a teacher of change; but, the miracle seekers didn’t understand. Their ears were closed to Jesus true message.   

I was like that. Sometimes, I felt like young Helen, scared and frantically running arms flailing in the world reaching out with sobs, screams, and groans to God. Then Christ touched me. Where I was broken, He healed me. He has done that for many of us, yet so many keep quiet. Jesus is not telling us to be quiet.

We should follow the example of Christ’s servant, Pope Francis; a man living in the world as a humble Christian. He preaches a message of love. Like Jesus, the world can see and hear his message but does not always understand. Even some Catholics do not hear and can end up running around flailing, sobbing, screaming, and crying.

Pope Francis preaches the same message as James. Christ has chosen the poor. Don’t make decisions based on looks or by our fear. Don’t reject those different or unattractive or in a bad place. We are to see, hear, and speak Christ in these things. If we fail, we fail to love God. We fail “the promises made to those who love him.”

Jesus’ miracles were told by those He healed. Even the apostle’s had their eyes and ears opened to the Word. Their tongues were freed to bring the gospel to the world. Pope Francis preaches the Gospel as a voice for the voiceless. He shares it with the world. We are to do the same: share the Good News with opened eyes, opened ears, and proclaim it with our mouth.

Tell the world: Love and forgive sinners; Minister and care for the sick; Give to the poor; Take care of those who cannot care for themselves; Respect life; and, Respect those with who you don’t agree. Show the world how Christ has touched you.  

If Christ is in us, we won’t be scared running around arms flailing searching for God. Instead, we see and hear. We praise the Lord by sharing his love with the world. 

Sunday Reflection 22nd Sunday - Distractions, Potty Chairs, and The Litany of Life

Distractions, Potty Chairs, and a Litany of Life

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8l  Psalm 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5;  James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Today’s psalm, “One who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.” 

It reminded me of a television commercial. A group of people is sitting in the room in front of a movie screen, the moderator explains that all they have to do is pay attention to what’s on the screen; easy enough, right. If you know the commercial, distractions keep happening. No one can pay attention.  Luckily, this company has the solution to the problem of distractions.  

Life is not that easy. Jesus and his disciples were accused of being distracted from the purity laws by not washing their hands. Jesus said it is not what comes from the outside the defiles but what comes from within. We can call these the distractions of the world. James tells us to keep ourselves unstained by the world. It’s a hard thing keeping those stains out. And, this is what Jesus is pointing out: the true distraction is in us.

As a grandfather, I am experiencing the joy of two year old child discovering the world. There was a four way conference call the first time the potty chair was used. Someone is always there to praise him. He gets scraps, knots, and bruises as he tests himself.  He has no fear. There is always someone there to catch him when he falls and to correct him if necessary.   

A child is pure innocence and love; yet, a child grows in the distractions of the world. The child becomes an adult with right and good distracted by the world. We become distracted. This can cause us to forget God.

But that is what is so great about our God. He is the solution to these distractions. The solution is a relationship with our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. A relationship where the Holy Spirit guides us through the Church praising what's right, correcting what's wrong, and picking us up when we fall. The Lord is always with us, always calling us, and always speaking to our hearts.

I put together a prayer for our healing service and I think it's good prayer to reflect on distractions in life. I called it The Litany of Life. The response is “Be with us Lord.”

Be with us Lord through the darkest night and brightest day; be at our side and in our life, be with us Lord.

When we suffer, be with us Lord.

When we are sick and in pain, be with us Lord.

When we have been hurt by life and are struggling, be with us Lord.

When we are grieving, be with us Lord. 

When we are anxious, be with us Lord. 

When we are depressed, be with us Lord. 

When we feel hopeless, rejected, unloved, abandoned and alone, be with us Lord. 

When we feel nobody understands, be with us Lord.  

When we feel we have nowhere to turn, be with us Lord. 

When we are blind to goodness, be with us Lord.

When others let us down, be with us Lord. 

When tempers are raised, outrage and violence occur, be with us Lord. 

When peace is fragile, be with us Lord.  

When lives do not seem important, be with us Lord.  

When forgiveness is rejected, be with us Lord. 

When burdens are heavy, be with us Lord. 

When we face difficult decisions, be with us Lord. 

When darkness weighs us down, be with us Lord.

When we are weak, be with us Lord. 

When hope seems faint, be with us Lord. 

When faith seems difficult, be with us Lord.

When joy escapes us, be with us Lord. 

When we feel detached from you, be with us Lord. 

When we cannot feel your presence, be with us Lord. 

Let us pray:

Be with us Lord and show us the wonders of the world you created, the depth of your word, and the life you offer us. Open us to the mystery of your purpose, the closeness of your presence, and the depth of your wisdom. Be with us Lord and open our hearts to your presence in the Eucharist, your presence within us, your presence among us, and your presence in our neighbor. Be with us Lord in our daily lives. Lord have mercy; Christ have mercy; Lord have mercy.  Amen.

Distractions keep us from God but by His glory and mercy God sent His Word to us. The grace of the Holy Spirit brings us justification through Christ Jesus' sacrifice for our sins. This justice allows us to live in the presence of the Lord. And we must empty ourselves of all the distractions - be with us Lord.

Litany Inspired by EXPO Formats for Eucharistic Adoration; Patricia Carroll Episcopal Delegate for Pastoral Resources; Anne McEvoy Youth Ministry Coordinator

Homily Reflection 21st Sunday - Excuse Me; I'm not going out there!

Excuse Me; I’m Not Going Out There!

Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b;  Psalm 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21; Ephesians 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32; John 6:60-69

We have two dogs, spoiled like children. One is 3. The other is 11. The young one is excitable; the older is laid back. The young one is nervous and scared of most things. The older dog is calm. The young dog is a pest. Let’s run. Let’s wrestle and play. The old dog endures it. 

Some nights, a stranger visits our yard. The dogs get excited. The old dog wakes me up with a poke from her paw. I imagine her wine as “Wake up! Come and see! Something’s here!” The old dog runs out the door barking. “Something’s here! Come and see! Something’s here!”

The young dog is all excited and runs out. Shocked by the darkness, she stops, turns around, and runs back inside. She’s afraid of the dark. Sitting on her heels, me between her and fear, she looks up with an expression that says: “Excuse me; I’m not going out there.”  

This is supposed to be a funny story but look closely. We can see Christians in this example.   

As Catholic we live among Christians of younger traditions. I’ll refer to them from now on as the young ones.

Catholics don’t get excited by much. We’re patient. But, the young ones are always excited about saving us. They’re concerned for our souls. Those poor Catholics are lost. The Catholic Church is confused. It’s not the Church Jesus founded. Catholics don’t believe in the Bible. Catholics do things, standing, kneeling, crossing themselves, it’s not Biblical.  

On the Eucharist and the real presence, the young ones sit back on their heels, “Excuse me; I’m not going out there!”  But, Catholics can get excited about the Eucharist. “Wake up! Come and see! Christ is here! “

If you are like the young ones and doubt, I hoped you paid attention to the readings. Paul writes to be faithful to Christ and the Church. Our Catholic faith lives the words of Joshua, “As for me and my house we will worship the Lord.”

These readings are about the Eucharist. Something the young ones believe Catholics have wrong. The young ones don’t believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. To them, it’s the Lord’s Supper, a symbolic memorial to Jesus. They believe that’s what Jesus wanted.

It’s not what Jesus tells us. Last week we heard Jesus’ instructions to “eat His flesh and drink His blood.” The Greek word John actually used was “gnaw.” I like chew on it.  Chew on Jesus; Chew on who Jesus is; Chew on what he means to you; Chew on the Christ that becomes part of you.

We shouldn’t be surprised that the young ones criticize and can’t accept this. Jesus’ disciples couldn’t accept His words either. They grumbled and criticized. His words were extreme. The words were different and controversial. “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”

The disciples knew his words weren’t symbolic. They took His words literally. 

And, Jesus explained his words. He didn’t say this is a parable you don’t understand. He asked “Does this shock you?”

It was not the shocking description of a memorial meal but an invitation to an intimate and personal relation with the living Christ. “Does this shock you?” It shocked his disciples; many no longer accompanied him.  

Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” Peter said, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

This was Peter who Christ used to build his Church. This was was the same Peter to who every Pope, Catholic Bishop, Priest, and Deacon can trace the authority of his ordination. It was Peter and his successors in the Church that have kept the faith, defended it against heresy, false tradition and teachings; always remains faithful to Christ, celebrating the real presence in the Eucharist, and preaching the promise of eternal life.

Despite how the young ones interpret it, the Bible is Catholic. It contains the traditions, teachings, beliefs and sacraments of the Catholic faith. It is the teachings of those in the upper room, the ones Jesus breathed upon to receive his Spirit; the ones guided by the Advocate, the Paraclete that brings truth always. It’s the teaching traditions of the apostles, beginning with the 12 who stayed.

• They believed His words were Spirit and life.
• They believed the promise of eternal life.
• They believed in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, His flesh and His blood under the species of bread and wine. 
• They believed what Jesus said and believed Jesus meant what He said.

We believe it too. We believe the Lord is here in the Eucharist. We believe God loves us: old ones, young ones; those who left and those who stayed; the ones who would not believe, those who betrayed him, the sinners, the lost, and everyone else.  We believe God loves all of us. We believe God forgives all of us.

In all that we believe as His Church, Jesus is still asking, “Does this shock you?” It shocks many.  

Brothers and Sister, live your Catholic Faith. Stand up proudly for what you believe. Love one another as Christ loves us. Come to mass. Celebrate the sacraments. By your life, words, and actions accompany Christ as faithful members of his body.

Finally, what did I learn from my dog as she sat there with me between her and fear. It’s like our relationship with Jesus.  No matter what scares you, Christ is between you and your fears. Jesus is with you always.

Don’t be shocked. Don’t sit back on your heels afraid thinking “Excuse me; I’m not going out there.”  Get excited. Go out and shout to the world, “Wake up! Come and see! Christ is here!”

Christ is here in Eucharist, in the Church, and in each one of us.

Sunday Reflection - 20th Sunday - Everyday Wisdom

Everyday Wisdom

Proverbs 9:1-6; Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7;  Ephesians 5:15-20;  John 6:51-58

Over the years I’ve invited people to a Bible study who are afraid to come. They’ll tell me that they just can’t understand the Bible. No matter how much they study the bible, they didn’t get or understand a lot of it. Maybe, a lot of us are like this.

As a deacon I have certain things I do. Every day, I pray. Every day, I read a little bit of the Bible and study. I usually do these early in the morning, and late in the evening.  I put daily verses and prayers on facebook or email. I share short pieces of the Catechism on Twitter. These are part of my studies and I pray that I get them right.   

We live in a culture where wisdom and intellect is paired with how we think, book smarts, and a formal education. This comes from the ancients Greeks; a people of philosophy, who liked to sit around, ponder and argue ideas. This sounds like bible study. We tend to forget that wisdom is more. I said I pray that I get it right; but no matter how much I study to understand. I don’t always get it right. Someone or something can always open my eyes more fully to the Lord’s wisdom.

In Hebrew, the word for wisdom is more a tactile thing. The word is “chokmah” (hokhmah.) It’s the wisdom we find every day in God’s creation. Wisdom is the building of the house, the setting of the pillars, the preparing of the meal, and even the eating of the meal. True wisdom comes from God. Sharing in creation is sharing wisdom.

In this proverb, wisdom is found in action. Ultimately wisdom is abandoning foolishness (simpleness, ignorance or errant thoughts.) To do this, Wisdom calls for action “come and eat my food.”

Brothers and sisters, this proverb points us to Jesus Christ. The house is the Church that Christ built; the seven pillars are the sacraments. Each of us is called to the table of thanksgiving. All of these things are visible concrete actions of Christ, of wisdom.

Paul warned believers to watch how you live – don’t be foolish or ignorant but know the will of the Lord. This was his call to the action for believers. How many of our fellow Christians have forgotten this?

Jesus tells us: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.... Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.  Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him…. whoever eats this bread will live forever.”

Sometimes it is hard to understand what Jesus asks of us. The words that Jesus speaks will cause many of his followers to leave him. Trying to understand by studying the bible is a good but hard if all we do is sit back and think. The true wisdom comes by living what Jesus taught. Taking Jesus and chewing on him making him part of us.

Wisdom is the action in our lives that bring Christ. We become one with Christ through the Eucharist, the sacrament that is the meal of the risen Christ. God is alive. God is in us. What a great call to action!!

That call to action opens our eyes to the Lord’s wisdom maybe more than the reading and study. It’s that tactile form of Wisdom. I understand what Christ asks of me when I bring communion to a patient in a dementia ward than in studying the bible. In this I find Jesus who calls me to his table and eat the bread of life. I chew on Him; He nourishes me; He remains in me. This is truly studying his word.

Wisdom found in every day. May we build his house, set his table, and call others to eat. May we have every day wisdom of the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives.

Sunday Reflection 19th OT - Don't Worry, God will make it Better!

Don't Worry, God will make it Better!

(Who’s on Your Cross?)

1 Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Ephesians 4:30-5:2; John 6:41-51

I went to a memorial service this week for a long-time friend. Sherry was a gracious, optimistic, and a most Christian person. She could find a bright spot in every situation and always had words of encouragement.  She could build a person up, no matter how dejected they were. In a bad situation, she would say, “God will make it better!” And when a situation improved, she would praise God saying “Isn’t it a blessing.” Sherry worked at the University for 30 years touching the lives of students, parents, other employees, and even visitors. People's spirits were raised up by her “Don’t worry, God will make it better!” as she taught them to recognize their blessings.

She lived the Psalm: “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth.” It takes a special person to be like this.

Elijah needed this. He had lain down to die. Elijah was in such a bad place that he prayed, “take my life Lord!”  Elijah was sitting under a broom tree in the desert, murmuring his discontent.  Elijah didn’t believe God would make things better.

The people murmured against Jesus. A murmur is that mumbled or quite expression of discontent hovering in the background. If we listen closely; it is still heard today. We do it ourselves saying, “Things are bad and and getting worse.” The evil in the world uses these murmurs to grow the things St. Paul warns us about - bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, reviling and malice. Murmurs of discontent denying people dignity and respect; murmurs that deny people freedom and safety. Murmurs building anger, bitterness, and malice. Murmurs spoken against God’s creation that needs our care. Even those who call themselves Christians murmur.

Open the newspaper or the internet and you see racism, hatred, bitterness, injustice, and disrespect. Most is disguised as patriotism, heritage, national safety, justice, or one of many other things we could call good. It calls us to circle our wagons, lock down the churches, and makes us forget Jesus.

I am going to say something many of you may not like. We do not have a flag on our altar. We come to worship God, through Jesus Christ. It should not be conservatives or liberals, democrats or republicans speaking to our hearts but the Holy Spirit. It’s not the President or a Supreme Court judge or a member of Congress that looks down from the Cross. It is the Lord, the one who whispers the words “Father forgive them.”

Words drowned out by the murmur. We live too short a time to be in a murmur of discontent.

The Angel of God quieted Elijah with bread from heaven; Jesus quiets the murmur in those who truly live by the bread of life; the bread of life that hung on the cross. He is “Our God and He makes things better.”  The bread of life is Jesus, God who teaches us. Jesus is the bread of life God sends to us. “Everyone who listens to my Father and learns comes to me.”

Through the bread of life, we can be kind to one another, compassionate, and forgiving, just as God has forgiven us. Be imitators of God and live in love. Look at life and if it’s bad remember “God will make it better!” If it’s good remember, “Isn’t it a blessing!”

Just days before Sherry slept in the Lord, a friend visited in tears, despondent as her friend neared the end to her worldly life. Sherry looked at her and with a smile said, “God’s going to make it better and it will be a blessing.” Sherry went to be with the Lord and God did make it better and God did bless her.