Get in the wheelbarrow

Readings for Tuesday March 31, 2009

First Reading:  Number 21:4-9

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 102

Gospel:  John 8:21-30

"I belong to what is above.  You belong to this world, but I do not belong to this world.
That is why I told you that you will die in your sins.  For if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins." (John 23-24)

After completing a highly dangerous tightrope walk over Niagara Falls in appalling wind and rain, 'The Great Zumbrati' was met by an enthusiastic supporter, who urged him to make a return trip, this time pushing a wheelbarrow, which the spectator had thoughtfully brought along.  The Great Zumbrati was reluctant, given the terrible conditions, but the supporter pressed him, "You can do it - I know you can," he urged. You really believe I can do it?" asked Zumbrati. "Yes, definitely - you can do it," the supporter gushed.  "Okay," said Zumbrati, "Get in the wheelbarrow." 

"Get in the wheelbarrow."  How many of us believe in someone or something so much that we would be willing to risk our lives?  Isn't this what Christ is asking of us each and every day?  Is He not saying to us each moment to trust Him and to "get in the wheelbarrow?"  We all have many difficult choices to make every day, and many of them are not always the most clear and simple choices to make; but one choice should never be an issue for us and that is believing in Christ and what He wants to do in each of our lives.  I pray that each of us is given the trust and belief to "get in the wheelbarrow" with Christ leading the way.   

Ask yourself this day, what is preventing you from "getting in the wheelbarrow?"

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day.  Lord, we thank you for the many blessings in our lives and for all that you continue to do.  Lord, never let us become blind to all that you do in our lives, and let us always give you the glory and honor.  Lord, let us trust and believe in you with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.  Help us to follow you no matter what the world puts in our way.  We ask this all through Christ our Lord.  Amen.  

In someone else's shoes

Readings for Monday March 30, 2009

First Reading:  Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 23

Gospel:  John 8:1-11

"Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."
Again he bent down and wrote on the ground.
And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders.  So he was left alone with the woman before him.
Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, "Woman, where are they?  Has no one condemned you?"
She replied, "No one, sir."  Then Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you.  Go, and from now on do not sin any more."  (John 8:7-11)

There is an old saying that goes, "Do not judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes."  It would appear that the scribes and pharisees in today's gospel had never heard that one.  They were quick to judge the woman caught in adultery and to deal with her swiftly.  The scribes and pharisees were not able to see much beyond their cause and effect rule book that dictated their actions.  Jesus however took a different approach, He began writing in the dirt, He didn't quickly decide or throw Himself into their anger and rage.  Instead after Jesus decided to address them, He stood up and said, "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."  While the scripture doesn't say, I imagine the silence in that area was deafening.  

Instead of judgement, even though Jesus is our king and our final judge, He decided to show the people another way.  He showed them the path that we should all be taking, and that is the path of mercy and forgiveness.  Now, I know this may seem like a "wishy washy," "warm fuzzy" type of thing, but it is true and it is what we are all called to.  The truth is, is that it is always easier for us to find fault in someone and to want to enact a penalty which we have a right to on a person, but that is actually the easier path.  The much harder path to follow is the one of letting go of our own judgement and showing someone who has done us wrong the same mercy and forgiveness that Christ has shown us in our own lives.  

Perhaps if we spent more time thinking about what it was like to be in someone else's shoes instead of judging them, we may be more likely to show the same type of mercy and forgiveness that Christ calls us to.   

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day.  Lord we thank you and give you praise for all that you give and all that you do for us.  Lord, help us to be humble servants for you, servants who do not look at others with judgement, but with mercy and forgiveness.  We ask this all through Christ our Lord.  Amen.     

Loosen our stiff necks

Readings for Thursday March 26, 2009

First Reading:  Exodus 32:7-14

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 106

Gospel:  John 5:31-47

You search the Scriptures, because you think you have eternal life through them; even they testify on my behalf.
But you do not want to come to me to have life. (John 5:39-40)

In the book of Exodus, once Moses was on the mountain with God, the early Jews had a golden calf made to worship.  They were called (and rightly so) a "stiff necked people."  These people were searching for life and fulfillment from things of this world.  They were searching for meaning and understanding from things and objects that they could make and conjure up in their minds.  The Jews from the gospel were not willing to believe Jesus because He was not what they expected, nor was He something that they could understand.  They too were a stiff necked people.  The Jews were so blinded from God that they were unable to hear or see Him, they were not willing to rely on Him for life, they were too stubborn and wanted to rely on themselves.  

How often are we like the Jews from the readings today?  We too are a stiff necked people, seeking life and fulfillment in other things instead of the Lord.  Jesus makes it very clear that in order to have everlasting life, then we must be good and faithful disciples carrying our crosses through this life with Him, and serving Him with all that we are.  We cannot be a stiff necked people, otherwise we too will be blind and deaf to the Lord.  We must detach ourselves from the things of this world, in order to rely totally on the Lord.  This season of Lent that we are in is an excellent time to begin this detachment and for letting go of the worldly things to which we think we need.  Is your lent the time of prayer and fasting that it should be?  If not, what can you do to change it now?  

Brothers and sisters, I pray that we can all loosen our stiff necks so that we may bow our heads before the one true God who gives us life.  

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day.  Lord, we thank you for all you have given us and all the blessings we have received.  Lord, help soften our hearts so that we may be humble and trusting servants of you.  Lord, as you are always faithful to us, so may we be faithful to you in all that we do.  We pray for all those who are blind and deaf to you, may their ears and eyes be opened ready to listen and see you in their lives.  We ask this all through Christ our Lord.  Amen.  

Things will never be the same

Readings for Wednesday March 25, 2009

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

First Reading:  Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 40

Second Reading:  Hebrews 10:4-10

Gospel:  Luke 1:26-38

Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.  May it be done to me according to your word."  Then the Angel departed from her.  (Luke 1:38)

With Mary's 'yes' to God, everything from that moment on would never be the same.  Things would never be the same for her, the former life that she knew so well would be so different now.  She was now to be the mother of our Lord, she was ready and willing to take on this great, and what seemed like an impossible task.  But she did not complain or question, she said yes and took each moment at a time.  Things would not be the same for her soon to be husband Joseph either, here he now had the task of caring and providing for the messiah and for the mother of our Lord.  But he said yes to God as well.  

After the birth of Jesus, He called twelve men specifically to be His disciples, and oh how their worlds would change too.  They would witness great miracles, be taught straight from the mouth of God, and they would see Jesus risen from the dead and ascend into heaven.  They would then be given the power of the Holy spirit to spread the good news in Jerusalem, Samaria, and all the way to the ends of the earth.  Saint Paul, a once strong persecutor of the early Christians, had his life turned upside down by Christ as well.  On his way to Damascus, Paul came into contact with the risen Christ and was asked why he was persecuting the Lord.  From that moment on, things would never be the same for Paul.  Paul and many of his fellow  disciples would be challenged, beaten, locked in jail, and face great adversity, all for the glory of our Lord.  

Today, we remember and celebrate the Annunciation of our Lord.  This is the moment where things would never be the same.  Once Christ came into our world, He changed things for all those who came in contact with Him.  He changed the state of the world by dying on the cross for our sins.  He changed things by tearing down the veil and by giving us a way to the Father through Him.  

From the moment Mary said yes, things would never be the same, for her, Joseph, the disciples, Paul, you, me and the  whole world.  Thanks be to God!

Hail Mary, full of grace the Lord is with thee.  Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus.  Holy Mary mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death, Amen. 

Glory be to the Father, to the Son, to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be a world without end.  Amen.   

For God all things are possible

Readings for Tuesday March 24, 2009

First Reading:  Ezekiel 47:1-9

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 46

Gospel:  John 5:1-16

"Do you want to be well?"
The sick man answered him,  "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me."
Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your mat, and walk."
Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked. (John 5:6-9)

In this gospel reading, we have an interesting exchange between Jesus and the man who is ill.  It is clear that this man does not understand what he is being asked or who Jesus is.  When asked if he wants to be well, the man does not say yes or no, but only begins to give an excuse as to why he is not well.  This is a typical human response; cut straight to the point with the reason (or reasons) why we don't or cannot have something.  It seems that we are too reliant on our worldly circumstances rather than what is possible through God.  When will we stop making excuses and just go to God with what we need?  The truth is, God already knows what we need, He knows everything, but are we willing to humble ourselves and go to Him for help?  Going to God in prayer isn't so much as a daily session where we keep God up to date on our needs; prayer is for us to recognize our need for Him, and How weak and small that we truly are.  

God is asking us simple questions, are we truly listening, or are we just waiting to give an excuse?   

Jesus shows this man, and us, that He is stronger and more powerful than any circumstance or hardship that we have or will face on this earth.  Let us reflect on the words of our Lord; "For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible." (Matt 19:26)

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day.  Lord, we are our great Lord, help us to remember that we are here because of your love and grace.   Lord, we pray for hearts and minds that are set upon you, and that we may seek to do your will each day.  Lord, help us to walk in faith and trust in you, not fearing the things of this world, but instead fearing an eternity without you.  We ask this all through Christ our Lord.  Amen.  

Trust in Him

Readings for Monday March 23, 2009

First Reading:  Isaiah 65:17-21

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 30

Gospel:  John 4:43-54

Jesus said to him, "You may go; your son will live."  The man believed what Jesus said to him and left.
While the man was on his way back, his slaves met him and told him that his boy would live.  He asked them when he began to recover.

He asked them when he began to recover.  They told him, "The fever left him yesterday, about one in the afternoon."
The father realized that just at that time Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live," and he and his whole household came to believe. (John 4:50-53)

In today's gospel, we have a great story of a man who seeks out Christ in order to ask for mercy on his son, Jesus answers the mans prayer and tells him that his son will live.  When Jesus tells the man this, the man believes the words of Jesus.  After his household sees for their own eyes, they also begin to believe.  This gospel story tells us that we too must not only believe in the works of Christ but also trust in His words.  

Every day Christ gives us signs in our life, showing us that He is there and that He is with us.  Most of the time we are too occupied with our own things, that we fail to see Jesus working.  If we can continue to focus on Christ through prayer and to call upon the Holy Spirit, then I believe that we will be able to better see the works that He is doing in our lives.  We must always remember to give God the glory for these great works and for the miracles that He performs in our world.  This gospel story also teaches us about trusting in God's word for us.  Just as the royal official believed Jesus when He said that his son would live, we too must believe the things that Christ gives to us through prayer and to the things that He lays on our hearts.  This is perhaps one of the most difficult things for us, especially when it goes against what we want or what the world tells us.  But we must remember the words from the "Our Father"; "thy kingdom come, thy will be done."  Trusting in God's word for us actually shows that we believe Him, and not just saying it.  

Today, think and ask yourself this question:  Is there something that God is calling me to trust in Him more today?

With God, we have every reason to live for Him, and no reason not to trust in Him.  

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day.  Lord, help us to trust in you with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.  Lord, open our eyes and our hearts to your works in our lives, and help us to always give thanks and glory to you.  Lord, we pray for all those whose hearts are hardened, may they come to let go of the things that are holding them back from your love.  We ask this all through Christ our Lord.  Amen.  

Man of obedience

Readings for Thursday March 19, 2009

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary

First Reading:  2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 89

Second Reading:  Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22

Gospel:  Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24

"Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.  For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.  (Matt 1:20-21, 24)

I have often felt a special connection and admiration to Saint Joseph.  We often hear stories now days of men who are quick to abandon their families or to seek out their own pursuits.  It always brings joy to hear of this man who accepts the responsibility of a child who is not even his, but is willing to love and care for this special mother and child.  I have especially come to connect even more with Saint Joseph this past year as I find myself as a husband and an expectant father.  While not of the same magnitude, I find myself having thoughts that Saint Joseph must of had; very humbled and finding it hard to believe that God would bless me with a wife and child to love and care for.  

While Saint Joseph was described as a righteous man in the bible, there was one thing that I was always in admiration of.  It wasn't his long winded speeches, in fact there is not a single word by Saint Joseph in the bible.  It was not his ability as a carpenter or provider of his family.  It wasn't his status or his famous ancestor David (although that would be really cool to say that King David was an ancestor).  What really made me admire Joseph was his obedience.  Saint Joseph always did as God had commanded.  He never once put up an argument, or tried to debate with God, He always just obeyed the Lord.  These things that God had asked him to do were certainly not easy things, these things that Joseph was asked to do took a lot of trust and faith.   

 I believe that we all need to take after the example of Saint Joseph.  This man is a true man, and a man that we can all learn a great deal from in regards to obedience to the Lord.  Because of his obedience and dedication to God and the faith, it is no wonder God chose him to care for Jesus and Mary.  Even though he will not be remembered as a man of many words, he will always be remembered as a man of obedience.    

Saint Joseph, pray for us to all be obedient and grounded in humility as you were.       

Father above we thank you for the gift of this day.  Lord, help to be obedient to you in all that we do.  Lord, we thank you for all that you have entrusted to us, help us to remember that everything we have comes from you and that we are to be good stewards of all that you have given.  Lord, we pray for all parents, that they may seek to pass on the love of you and the faith in you.  We ask this all through Christ our Lord.  Amen.