Naysayers

Readings for Monday November 16, 2009

First Reading: 1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119
Gospel: Luke 18:35-43


As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!” Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God. (Lk 18:35-43)

One thing that I cannot stand is a naysayer. A naysayer is usually a pessimist, someone who is always trying to rain on someone else's parade and tell them that something can't be done. Many of us have probably went to school with or even worked with a naysayer. Some of us probably even have naysayers in our own families. In today's gospel, the blind man by the road was surrounded by naysayers. He called out to Jesus, but all they did was rebuke him and tell him to be quiet. This could have been a discouraging moment in the blind man's life, but instead of listening to the naysayers, he chose to have courage and call out to Jesus even more.

The blind man teaches us today that we should not listen to the naysayers around us, but we should rather instead focus on Christ. We should not listen to other people when they tell us that it is silly or a waste of time to follow God, instead we should follow Him all the more. We should not listen to people who tell us something is impossible, but we should know that with God all things are possible. In this world we will always encounter naysayers, and it can be very discouraging to hear negativity coming from all directions, but as long as we keep focused on Christ and never stop calling out to Him then He will guide our path and make things clear for us.

I pray that like the blind man, we may all be given the great gift of sight, in order to see God working in our lives and to see His great blessings that have been given to us all. I pray that He will help us to see clearly, and to ignore the naysayers of this world.

Father above, we thank you and give you praise for this day. Lord, you are so good to us, and we are very thankful for your great love and mercy. Lord, help us to see, help us to have courage in this world so that we may do your will without giving up. We pray for all of those in the military, may your hand guide and protect them in all that they do. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Diagnosis Critical

Catholic Book Review: Diagnosis Critical: The Urgent Threats Confronting Catholic Healthcare, By Leonard J. Nelson, III

This is a long over due book review ... having a new baby, moving, and starting a new job will tend to do that to you. The book Diagnosis Critical, by Leonard J. Nelson, III; takes a look at issues and challenges facing Catholic Healthcare Institutions. The book came out earlier this year, and it seems to be very timely, especially in light of the many future challenges that we are facing with the new administration and the democratically controlled congress. This book is also very timely in regards to the the current health care debate, which is a focus in a few chapters of this book.

This book covers and is broken into the following sections:

1. The Moral Foundations of Catholic Health Care
2. Catholic Identity
3. The Struggle to Maintain Catholic Identity
4. Catholic Health Care and Conscientious Objection
5. End-of-Life Issues
6. Social Justice and Health Care Reform

While this book provides a very detailed and informative background on Catholic Health Care in the US, as well as it's information in regards to moral foundations and ethics; I believe that the strength of this book lies in it's coverage of current issues. Nelson does a good job of discussing current issues such as end of life issues, especially in terms of provided the case study of Terri Schiavo. His discussion of social justice issue and health care reform couldn't be any more timely. He provides good information in regards to what health care reform should look like and how a government run health care option could pose a potential threat to Catholic Health Care Institutions that wish to keep a strong Catholic Identity. Nelson also shows how a bigger role for government may lead to Catholic Institutions being forced to provide services that go against the Catholic Church's strong teaching of life issues.

In light of the new administration and other forces seeking to expand certain "reproductive rights" and "end of life care", it is clear that Catholic Health Care Institutions will be faced with continued pressure and other difficult decisions. If legislation and policies lead to laws that require institutions to provide such services, the Catholic Health Care institutions will be faced with the possibility of closing, losing funding, changing focus and services, and many other challenges and difficult decisions. These important institutions provide great services to their communities and to all those involved, it is so important that we as the "Church Militant" stay informed and active in events that have the potential to affect our health care institutions.

While this book provides great information and great thoughts in regards to the future of Catholic Health Care Institutions, I believe that this book best serves as a resource for those wishing to stay informed. Leonard J. Nelson, III does a thorough job of covering the threats confronting our Catholic Health Care Institutions, and this book comes at a great time as our religious institutions are under great attack.

**For more information about the Catholic Company or Diagnosis Critical: The Urgent Threats Confronting Catholic Healthcare please feel free to click on one of the links below.
http://www.catholiccompany.com/
http://www.catholiccompany.com/catholic-books/1004821/Diagnosis-Critical-Urgent-Threats-Confronting-Catholic-Healthcare?sli=1004821

Let Go

Readings for Friday November 13, 2009

Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, virgin

First Reading: Wisdom 13:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19
Gospel: Luke 17:26-37


Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it. (Lk 17:33)

"Let Go." These are the words that came to mind as I read the gospel today. It is so hard for us just to let go of the things in our life, many time we are trying to make things last forever or try to preserve them best we can. Think about how much money is spent on diet pills or machines that promise the perfect "six pack" abs? How much money is spent on anti-wrinkle cream, lotions, and other renewal products? We are told today that whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it. I would ask what is it that we are trying to preserve? We all know that this life is just a temporary residence; and the question isn't if we will die, but it is rather when we will die. Our time here on earth is meant to be spent serving and sacrificing for the Lord. If we are willing to lose our life to Him, then in the end we will save it.

Today we remember Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini. She was an Italian born saint who as a child had always dreamed of going to China to serve. But this dream hit a major speed bump when two convents would not accept her because of her health. Frances then went to serve in an orphanage, where her and a few other women decided to take vows. Frances was then asked by the bishop to begin her own congregation of missionary nuns, so they formed the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. While the dream of China was still on her mind, it was clear that God has another direction for her ... America. Pope Leo the XIII asked that she go to America instead. So Frances (or Mother Cabrini) decided to head west instead of east. In America she became a great help and friend to the Italian immigrants there; and her and her sisters opened up schools, hospitals, and orphanages. Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini is a great example to us for the persistence and trust that she displayed in her life, it is a great example of letting go and losing oneself to the Lord.

When we let go and lose our self to the Lord; we are not losing in life, but rather winning in the end.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we thank you and praise you for all the many blessings in our life. Lord, help us to just let go, to follow you where ever you lead us to. We praise you for your glory and may we never lose our trust and hope in you. We pray for all those who are in need of conversion and your unending love and mercy. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Nothing like the real thing

Readings for Thursday November 12, 2009

Memorial of Saint Josaphat, bishop and martyr

First Reading: Wisdom 7:22-8:1
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119
Gospel: Luke 17:20-25


Then he said to his disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. There will be those who will say to you, ‘Look, there he is,’ or ‘Look, here he is.’ Do not go off, do not run in pursuit. For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. (Lk 17:22-24)

In 1968 Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell released the song "Ain't nothing like the real thing." Now, in the song the duet is singing about having the person you love right there with you rather than just looking at a picture or talking on the phone. I think this song gives us a great line to think about in our lives, because when it comes to the one thing in life that will bring us peace, joy, happiness, and eternal life; then there ain't nothing like the real thing ... and that is Jesus Christ.

Jesus tells His disciples that they should be on guard about false claims about Him, and that they should accept nothing but the real thing. The same is true for us, there are many things in this world that will try to distract us and will try to be "god" in our lives, but we must not fall for these things. We must not be willing to go and chase the latest fad, or follow the newest trend; for the things of the world are just empty substitutes. The only thing in life that will truly being us the fulfillment and purpose that we long for is a life following Christ ... the real thing.

Christ is the only thing guaranteed in this world, and we should not be content to accept any other substitutes in our lives. May we always remember that there ain't nothing like the real thing.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you so much for our lives, and for bringing us to this point. Help us to grow in our faith more, to become better servants of you in this life. Help us to strive and continuing persevering through the lives you have called us to. May we never stop sacrificing and surrendering to your will. Lord, you are so good to us and we thank you for your great love and mercy. We pray for all families and marriages in the world. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Gratitude

Readings for Wednesday November 11, 2009

Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, bishop

First Reading: Wisdom 6:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 82
Gospel: Luke 17:11-19


As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not?
Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” (Lk 17:11-19)

When first readings today's gospel, we immediately get upset with the other nine lepers who did not return to Jesus to thank Him. We instantly start thinking, "what ungrateful people they are!" But then a thought comes across our minds, and then that is when reality sets in. The thought is how often do we just go about our days after we have received a blessing from God? How often after something great happens do we stop what we are doing and give thanks to Him? As much as I would like to identify with the leper who went back to Jesus to thank Him; I realize that I identify more with the other nine who kept going about their business.

Everyday God works amazing miracles in our lives, some are big and some are so small they can be easily missed if you aren't paying attention. I pray that our eyes may be opened to His great works in our life and that when He is working we do not just simply go about our day, but rather stop what we are doing and give Him all the praise and glory.

May the Lord be on our hearts and on our minds each moment of every day.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, forgive us for the times that we do not recognize you in our life. Lord, we know that all things come from you, and we thank you and praise you for all that we are blessed with. Lord, we pray for the strength and courage to go out and be your lights in this world, may your will be done. We pray for all of those who are preparing to take vows, whether in marriage or in religious life. We also pray for all those in need of conversion and all those seeking truth, may they come to find it in you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Attitude of a Servant

Readings for Tuesday November 10, 2009

Memorial of Saint Leo the Great, pope and doctor of the Church

First Reading: Wisdom 2:23-3:9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34
Gospel: Luke 17:7-10


Jesus said to the Apostles: “Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’” (Lk 17:7-10)

Today Jesus tells us about the attitude of a servant. There is a saying that says: "your attitude is the aroma of your heart. If your attitude stinks, it means your hearts not right" So the question we must ask ourselves is, do we have the attitude of a servant, or of selfishness? God calls us all to service, not selfishness; and our attitude (or mindset) makes all the difference in this. It is our attitude that is a direct reflection of what is truly in our hearts. I think that most people today would read this passage and feel outraged, saying things like "that's not fair!" I would ask, why isn't it fair though? Isn't it the place of the servant to wait on the master? Shouldn't the servant first take care of their responsibilities before they are to pursue their own interests? I see this passage not as a master/servant power struggle; but rather a reminder of who's will should go first ... our will or God's will?

We must remember our role in this life. We are not the master, we are not the kings; these are God's place; and we are His. God blesses each of us more than we deserve, for this we should feel thankful ... not entitled.

May are hearts be filled with praise and thanksgiving; and may we each have an attitude of gratitude!

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have given to us and for all that you have blessed us with. Lord, without you, we would not be the men and women that we are; may we always remember your sacrifice for us and may we sacrifice for you while here on earth. We pray that your will be done in our lives and that we seek nothing more than to be faithful servants of you. We pray for all those in need of conversion and all those seeking truth in their life. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Temple of the Holy Spirit

Readings for Monday November 9, 2009

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

First Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 46
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17
Gospel: John 2:13-22


Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy. (1 Cor 3:16-17)

As much as I don't enjoy doing it, I have to admit that I always feel better after cleaning up our house. While scrubbing, sweeping, mopping, dusting are not exactly highlights of my weekend, there is something to say for the feeling of looking around and knowing that it is clean. I believe there is a certain amount of pride that comes along with knowing that your home, your dwelling place is nice and tidy. As great as it is to have a nice and tidy home, our main focus should not be how clean our outside is, but rather how clean are things on the inside?

In today's readings we read a great deal about cleansing of sacred places, particularly temples. One of the most sacred temples on earth of course is our body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Now most of us do not think about our body as the temple of the Holy Spirit, if we did think more about this, then I can guarantee you that we would not treat our bodies as we do. If we did treat our body as a temple, we would not let some of the worldly things into it that we do. We are told today that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, the dwelling place of God; and shouldn't we be doing all that we can to make sure that this dwelling place is suitable for God?

In today's gospel, Jesus shows all the sellers and money-changers the door when He finds them turning God's house into a marketplace. In the gospel, the temple had become a place of greed, a place not of God but of the world. Jesus, seeing this goes in and cleanses the temple. Many times, we find ourselves like the temple in the gospel, a person of the world rather than of God. Like cleansing the temple, Jesus also wants to cleanse us. One of the biggest ways in which we can get back on track is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Going to the priest, letting God work through him. There is no more cleansing feeling than admitting our sins and where we fell short, and hearing those beautiful words; "Your sins are forgiven, go and sin no more." Reconciliation is like Jesus coming into us and just ridding us of all the things of the world, and all those other things that we do not want. It is a Sacrament that has so much grace that comes with it, it is something of which we should be going to regularly.

Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We must ask ourselves if the things of which we are putting into our bodies worthy of the Holy Spirit who dwells there, or are they doing nothing more than cluttering and dirtying it up?

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you for all that you have blessed us with, and for all that we have and can do. Lord, help us to not waste our lives by following our own wills, but rather your will. Lord, you alone know what is good for us, and we pray that we can surrender to you. We pray for all of our priests and religious, for their vows and their ministries. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.