It's What's Inside That Counts

Readings for Tuesday October 12, 2010

First Reading: Galatians 5:1-6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119
Gospel: Luke 11:37-41


After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.” (Lk 11:37-41)

As a kid growing up, I was always told that I should not judge people on how they look because it is what's on the inside that counts. This phrase is completely opposite to what our culture teaches. Our culture teaches that if you are not pretty, thin and/or muscular, with stylish hair, or have the latest fashionable clothes; then something is not right with you. Our culture tells us that we should hide what is on the inside and be like everyone else.

Our culture places little importance on the inside, but our Lord Jesus tells us that it is what's on the inside that counts. In today's gospel Jesus sits down to eat with a pharisee, the pharisee notices that Jesus did not do the prescribed ritual washing before the meal. Knowing their minds, Jesus sets them straight on what is important and what is not. Jesus knows that although they may take care of the outsides of their bodies, or may pay tithes of herb' their hearts and minds are filled with judgement, pride, and selfishness. Jesus knows that they are like this because they only take care of the outside, while what is inside their hearts and minds goes bad and rots away. They don't realize it is what's on the inside that counts.

St Paul reminds us that it is because of our faith we should not be bound to the law or to the the culture, we have freedom through Christ's selfless act of love for us. Paul tells us that it is not the observance of the law that counts, "but only faith working through love." (Gal 5:6)

Let us today, ask God to take away all the things in our hearts and minds that prevent us from loving God, others and ourself as we should. Let us ask Him to take away all the anger, judgement, bitterness, hate, pride, and selfishness that hold us back from Him, and to put in our hearts the Love of Christ. Let our faith work through love, and let us always remember that it is what's on the inside that counts.

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. We thank you for helping us see today what is important, and what you call us to do everyday. Lord, we pray for increased faith so that we may do good works through love. We pray for all those who are having trouble letting go of whatever is keeping them from you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Freedom!

Readings for Monday October 11, 2010

First Reading: Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 113
Gospel: Luke 11:29-32


But the Jerusalem above is freeborn, and she is our mother. For it is written: Rejoice, you barren one who bore no children; break forth and shout, you who were not in labor; for more numerous are the children of the deserted one than of her who has a husband. Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are children not of the slave woman but of the freeborn woman. For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. (Gal. 4:26-5:1)

My favorite movie of all time is "Braveheart." Ever since the first time I saw this movie (and still today), I am so inspired after I watch it. For those of you who have not seen it and are planning on it, a word of caution - the action and violence is not suitable for younger viewers. This movie is based on an actual historical figure, William Wallace, who was a Scottish Patriot who led a revolt against the tyranny of the English king. In the movie, Wallace fought for a higher purpose, for the freedom of his countrymen, and not only did he have to fight against the English, but he had to fight against the greed and the corruption of the Scottish Nobles. Wallace believed so strongly in Freedom, that he gave his life for it.

Throughout human history it seems as though we have been fighting for freedom. America was started under the idea of freedom, slavery was abolished in the name of freedom, tyranny is typically overthrown in the name of freedom. Freedom is something that we all want and desire. Nobody wishes to be bound and under the control of someone or something. Something that we do not think much about is that it is this fight for freedom that we will need to keep up the rest of our lives. Since the fall in the garden we have become slaves to sin and to ourselves. We fight our very nature every moment of every day. It is only through Christ's great sacrifice and through grace that we can overcome our nature. As difficult as it may sound, if we surrender ourselves to Him, then we can find our freedom. If we give up our lives totally to Christ, then we will truly find our lives and ourselves.

Paul talks in great detail to the Galatians about freedom, and how "we are children not of the slave woman but of the freeborn woman." (Gal 4:31) Paul reminds us that through the promise of God we have life through Jesus Christ. Let us remember that because of our faith, we no longer have to live in slavery.

Let us pray to the Lord to increase our faith and for His will to be done in our life, so that we too may experience FREEDOM!

Our Father, the Lord of our lives, we give you thanks and praise for all the blessings that you bestow upon us. Lord, please increase our faith so that we can follow you without hesitation and with confidence. Lord, let your will be done in our lives and let us give glory to you in all that we do. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.

On God's Side

Readings for Friday October 8, 2010

First Reading: Galatians 3:7-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 111
Gospel: Luke 11:15-26


"Who ever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." (Lk 11:23)

This is the message that Jesus makes clear in the gospel today. After being accused of driving out demons in the devil's name and being hounded for a sign from heaven, Jesus sets the people straight and then concludes with this message: "Who ever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." It is very easy to find ourselves on the wrong side of an issue, a battle, or any sort of conflict. It is in these moments that we must ask ourselves not whether we are for a person or group or not, but if we are on the side of Christ or not. If we always strive to be on the side of Jesus, then we will always be on the right side.

So how do we make sure that we are always on the side of Christ? Two very simple ways. The first is to ask Him through prayer. Think about this; how often do you put your decisions in front of God and ask Him what to do? Wouldn't this make since, since He knows us better than anyone (even ourselves) and He actually has a plan for our lives? Many of us are guilty of not praying for guidance enough, we are more likely to tell God what we want than ask Him what we should do. We need to get out of this mindset and start serving God, instead of trying to make God serve us. If we put on a servants mindset and chose to do the Father's will instead of our own, then we will certainly see our lives change for the better.

The other thing that we should be doing is asking ourselves that very popular question that is on so many bracelets: WWJD? WWJD = What would Jesus Do? I think that this is a fantastic question that if we asked before each of our decisions we would see a significant drop in those behaviors that lead us away from God. Cheating on taxes ... WWJD? Littering ... WWJD? Downloading music illegally ... WWJD? Lying to a friend ... WWJD? I think that we could spend all day naming examples, but the point has been made. If we are behaving in a way that our Lord would not, then what makes it okay for us to act this way?

If we constantly ask for the Lord's help and keep Him in our minds throughout each day, then we will not veer off the path. May the Lord use us all to help gather, and not be people who work against Him.

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. We praise you for all the gifts in our lives, and we ask for your forgiveness of our sins. Lord let us praise you this day with all that we do and give all the glory to you. Lord, help us to be mindful of you at all times and to act as you would. Send us your Spirit so that we may walk in this world with courage and confidence that comes from you. We pray for all those seeking you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Knock and the Door Will be Opened

Readings for Thursday October 7, 2010

Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary

First Reading: Galatians 3:1-5
Responsorial Psalm: Luke 1:69-70
Gospel: Luke 11:5-13


Jesus said to his disciples: “Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,’ and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.
“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

Today in the gospel we are told that if we "ask, then we shall receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you." How many times do we lack in faith that God will provide for us? How often are we unwilling to go to Him when we are in need? Many times there seems to be something that keeps us from seeking His help. Sometimes we think that we can handle things on our own. Other times we think that our problems are too small and that God doesn't care. I believe that there is great danger when we think that God doesn't care or that He is too busy to deal with our problems. Because when we do this, we begin to put limits on God, and this is a dangerous mindset to be in. Our God is so awesome, we should never think that He doesn't care or is too busy. He loves us more than we can imagine, and I am willing to bet that He is a pretty good at multitasking.

When we put limits on God, then we put limits on His work in our life, and limits on our faith. When we put limits on our faith, then we begin to hold back, and this is not what God intends. He wants us to give of our self totally to Him, as He gives so abundantly to us. God wants to give us the things that we ask for through prayer and wants to give us His Spirit to guide us, but we cannot receive if we do not ask or have faith. Paul makes it clear to the Galatians today that it is through faith in Christ that we receive the Spirit.

How is the Holy Spirit working in your life right now? What things in your life are you struggling with now, that you need God's guidance?

Always remember, "knock and the door will be opened."

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. We thank you for giving us your love and mercy. Lord, increase our faith so that we may be more willing to be led by you in our lives. Show us you will for this day, and may all that we do glorify you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Right Path

Readings for Wednesday October 6, 2010

First Reading: Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 117
Gospel: 11:1-4


And when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he clearly was wrong. For, until some people came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to draw back and separated himself, because he was afraid of the circumcised. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not on the right road in line with the truth of the Gospel, I said to Cephas in front of all, “If you, though a Jew, are living like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?” (Gal. 2:11-14)

Have you ever gone hiking and walking along a path only to find yourself in unfamiliar territory? Or have you ever gone to the grocery store with the intent of only getting a loaf of bread, but find yourself getting sidetracked down the ice cream isle? It is funny how when we are on a journey or a mission, how easy it is to get distracted and veer off the path we were on.

Today Paul tells us of an example of someone who got a little sidetracked on his journey, and it was none other than Peter. Even Peter still got a little sidetracked on his journey, and found himself going down the wrong path. That is why Paul "opposed him to his face." This is what being a part of the body of Christ entails, building each other up and helping each other back on the path when we veer. When people challenge us or if we get caught doing something that we are not supposed to, it can be very easy to become angry. But instead of being angry, we should be thankful because He loves us enough to put someone around to help us off that path we are heading down. I know that there were many events and people in my life who have helped straighten me out, and while at the time I was very bitter towards those people; I now realize that God put those people in my life to get me off of the path I was heading down.

It is often very difficult to navigate the waters of our life. A lot of times we lose sense of direction and can look to other guides. Many times these false guides lead us to places that are not the best for us, and ultimately down the wrong path. We must, as Paul says; be "in line with the truth of the Gospel." Let always look to Christ as our only guide in our lives, let us ask for His wisdom and guidance for us, so that we may go down the right path.

Our Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test. Amen.

Hold Nothing Back

Readings for Monday October 4, 2010

Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi, religious

First Readings: Galatians 1:6-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 111
Gospel: Luke 10:25-37


There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.”
But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Before every football game that I ever played all of my coaches had one resounding message: "hold nothing back." I was always taught to go out every game and give it everything that I had. We were always told to "leave it all on the field." This meant that when we played a game we should play our hearts out; with all of our strength, courage, passion, energy, desire ... everything. So by the end of the game when we walked off of the field, we hadn't held back a single thing. We were told that if we did this, then we would be winners.

The same is true with our faith life. Today in the gospel we are told that in order to gain eternal life we must love God with all our heart, our being, our strength, and our mind; and we must love our neighbor as our self. This requires us to love God with all that we are, and to not hold back anything from Him. It is not enough to just say that we love God, we must show it. In our faith life, we need to "leave it all on the field." God does not hold back His love for us; He never stops loving or caring about us because He is too busy or too tired. No, God always opens His love up to us, but it is we who hold back and do not fully accept it. If God never holds back on us, shouldn't we work to love Him the same?

Let us pray for the holy Spirit's guidance in our lives to help lead us to heaven; and to help us remove any barriers that prevent us from loving God with our whole being and keep us from being loving and merciful to our neighbors. For if we leave it all on the field with God and hold nothing back, then we too can inherit eternal life.

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day and for all that you give to us. Lord, help us to love you with all our heart, mind and strength from now until the end of our days on this earth. Lord we pray for the compassion to love our neighbors as ourselves and pray for the strength to love. Lord, be with all those who are struggling on their faith journey and all those seeking you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Christian Center for Youth and Family Health

Brothers and Sisters,

I would like to take this opportunity to share about a new organization that My wife and I have started. It is called the Christian Center for Youth and Family Health (CCYFH for short). The main goal of this organization is to help build up youth, marriages and families. The CCYFH is a non-profit organization that adheres to the teachings and guidance of the Catholic Church. We are currently located in Dayton, OH, in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

We would also like to announce that our website is officially up and running! Please stop by and check it out at www.ccyfh.org. (Don’t forget to bookmark this page!) Please feel free to submit any comments or feedback that you have about our site. We would love to hear your thoughts!

Over the last year, we have been busy planning different programs that will help support youth, marriages, and families. Here are some of the things we are working on:

* We have developed a chastity presentation to give to youth groups and have several presentations scheduled for this fall.
* Our five day Chastity curriculum for Catholic schools is nearly complete and we will be getting information out to local Catholic schools in the near future.
* We are planning on offering a marriage enrichment program at a local parish beginning January 2011.
* We are currently working with the Diocese of Cleveland to get trained to teach Natural Family Planning (NFP). We have recognized a need for online NFP training as there is little to none available for couples. We will be designing and implementing an online format based off of the Diocese of Cleveland’s Sympto-Thermal method.

As you can see, we have a lot of things in the works, with many more ideas to come. We hope that you will pray for us as we continue to strive to do God’s will with this organization. In addition to your prayers, we would also like to ask you to consider making a financial contribution. We are trying to raise money to get these programs mentioned off the ground and to obtain our tax exempt status. We have set an ambitious goal of raising $5,000 by the end of the 2010. We know this is a challenging time economically for everyone, but we would greatly appreciate anything that you can give. No amount is too small! Go to the Support Us page on our website and click the “Chip In” button to the right: http://www.ccyfh.org/support-us.html . Also be sure to check out the other ways to help out.

We thank you in advance for your support. Please share this email and our website with anyone that you think may be interested. We look forward to keeping you updated on what’s going on with the CCYFH.

God bless,
Jimmie