Readings for Tuesday March 9, 2010
First Reading: Daniel 3:25, 34-43
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25
Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35
Peter approached Jesus and asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times. That is why the Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt. At that, the servant fell down, did him homage, and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back in full.’ Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan. When that servant had left, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a much smaller amount. He seized him and started to choke him, demanding, ‘Pay back what you owe.’ Falling to his knees, his fellow servant begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back. But he refused. Instead, he had him put in prison until he paid back the debt. Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. His master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you your entire debt because you begged me to. Should you not have had pity on your fellow servant, as I had pity on you?’ Then in anger his master handed him over to the torturers until he should pay back the whole debt. So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives your brother from your heart.” (Mt 18:21-35)
Do you remember when you were a kid (or perhaps you see this with your own kids), and you would do something wrong to a sibling, and once you were caught you were forced to apologize. Typically you would give a snotty, quick "sorry" while you were looking down at the ground. Then you parent would say, "okay that was good, now say it like you mean it." Then you would look up, role your eyes, and say sarcastically, but slowly, "I'm sorry." Then your parent would say, "okay that was good, now say it with less attitude." This whole time of course the person who is being apologized to is simply loving the moment. So this whole saga goes on until a sincere, apology is said and meant.
As Christians, we are greatly challenged in the area of forgiveness. This is at the heart of our faith, for we are meant to forgive others as our heavenly Father forgives us. Jesus gives us some very hard instructions today. First, He tells Peter that we are not only meant to forgive those who do us wrong 7 times, but rather 77 times. Now, I don't know about you, but if someone does the same thing to me 77 times, that is going to be very challenging to forgive them. This is where we are called to let go, and just let God lead. We have the power to forgive, if we so choose, and if we are lacking courage to forgive, then look no further than the Holy Spirit who is there to provide us with courage. Forgiveness, much like love, is a choice, available to anyone who so chooses.
The other area that we are challenged on today, is that we are not just to forgive as many times as it takes, but we are also meant to "forgive from our hearts." This means that we need to "say it like we mean it." Just like we were broken down when we were kids, we need to let God break us down to so that we can not just say that we forgive, but that we truly forgive from the heart. Forgiveness is so powerful in our lives, if we hold on to bitterness and the pain caused by others; this has away of putting us into bondage. It is by the power of forgiveness that we can become free and allow other to be free as well. So no matter how many times it takes, let us make sure that our forgiveness comes from our heart, just as the Lord's does.
I would like to challenge each of you reading this to try and make time to go to confession this week or next. Do a good examination of conscience, and just lay everything out. It is a strong belief of mine that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is one of the most underused, and under appreciated Sacraments in the Church, but I can tell you from experience that it is one of the most grace filled and liberating.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with in this life. Lord, help us to forgive those that we are struggling to forgive and to do it from our hearts. Lord, help us to be as kind and as compassionate as you call us to be, and help us to see others through the eyes of love. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
3.09.2010
3.08.2010
Don't miss the point
Readings for Monday March 8, 2010
First Readings: 2 Kings 5:1-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 42
Gospel: Luke 4:24-30
Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away. (Lk 4:24-30)
Have you ever met someone who seems to always just "miss the point?" Perhaps you know someone in your life who you always find your self retelling a story, explaining something for the fifteenth time, or just find yourself thinking about this person, "they just don't get it." Most of us know someone who seems to "miss the point" of things often. Sometimes it may even be us who miss the point of something, and while this okay at times, it is important that we not "miss the point" in our own faith lives.
In today's gospel reading, we see Jesus addressing the people in his hometown of Nazareth. He reminded them of the fact that in the days of Elijah and Elisha, the prophets, that they were sent to, and cured, foreigners; instead of the Israelites. Jesus seemed to allude to the fact that this is one of the reasons that He was there as well, and this idea of helping foreigners instead of the only the Israelites enraged the people. This mad the crowd so angry because to them the foreigners were nothing, they were not worthy of God's plan. There was probably also a little arrogance there in thinking that they were the only people of God. Unfortunately, these people just "missed the point" They did not understand what Jesus was saying, they did not understand that what Jesus was talking about was that God's plan included everyone, not just the Israelites.
Because of His great love and mercy, the Lord wants all of His children with Him in heaven. Unfortunately there are those who miss this point, they do not understand, or in some cases want to understand, that God has a plan of them. God loves us so much, and all that He wants is for us to love and serve Him in this life, so that way we can be happy with Him in the next. Those who miss the point, are left with the alternative.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord thank you for all that you have given and all that you bless us with. Lord, you are everything, help us to always keep you in the center of our lives, so that we can only do what is pleasing to you and to live this life out as you have planned for us. We pray for all of our brothers and sisters who have fallen away from the church, may they be brought back to your love and peace. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Readings: 2 Kings 5:1-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 42
Gospel: Luke 4:24-30
Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away. (Lk 4:24-30)
Have you ever met someone who seems to always just "miss the point?" Perhaps you know someone in your life who you always find your self retelling a story, explaining something for the fifteenth time, or just find yourself thinking about this person, "they just don't get it." Most of us know someone who seems to "miss the point" of things often. Sometimes it may even be us who miss the point of something, and while this okay at times, it is important that we not "miss the point" in our own faith lives.
In today's gospel reading, we see Jesus addressing the people in his hometown of Nazareth. He reminded them of the fact that in the days of Elijah and Elisha, the prophets, that they were sent to, and cured, foreigners; instead of the Israelites. Jesus seemed to allude to the fact that this is one of the reasons that He was there as well, and this idea of helping foreigners instead of the only the Israelites enraged the people. This mad the crowd so angry because to them the foreigners were nothing, they were not worthy of God's plan. There was probably also a little arrogance there in thinking that they were the only people of God. Unfortunately, these people just "missed the point" They did not understand what Jesus was saying, they did not understand that what Jesus was talking about was that God's plan included everyone, not just the Israelites.
Because of His great love and mercy, the Lord wants all of His children with Him in heaven. Unfortunately there are those who miss this point, they do not understand, or in some cases want to understand, that God has a plan of them. God loves us so much, and all that He wants is for us to love and serve Him in this life, so that way we can be happy with Him in the next. Those who miss the point, are left with the alternative.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord thank you for all that you have given and all that you bless us with. Lord, you are everything, help us to always keep you in the center of our lives, so that we can only do what is pleasing to you and to live this life out as you have planned for us. We pray for all of our brothers and sisters who have fallen away from the church, may they be brought back to your love and peace. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
3.05.2010
Good Stewardship
Readings for Friday March 5, 2010
First Reading: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105
Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them. And although they were attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet. (Mt 21:43,45-46)
In today's gospel reading, Jesus tells the parable of the tenants. In this parable we read about tenants who chose to abuse the responsibilities and the gifts that were entrusted in their care. They also chose to abuse anyone who would come along and try to set things right, even the owners own son. Needless to say that these guys made their bed, and were then going to have to lie in it.
One of the things that this parable is about is stewardship. Stewardship is essentially using the gifts given to us by God responsibly. According to the US Bishops, Catholic Stewardship also involves us: "Receiving the gifts of God with gratitude, Cultivating them responsibly, Sharing them lovingly in justice with others, Standing before the Lord in a spirit of accountability." (http://www.usccb.org/bishops/stewardship.shtml) Each of us has this awesome call to be good stewards of the the many gifts that God has given us. It is important that we not abuse these things or let them go unused. Each of us has these great gifts for a reason, and God has a purpose for each of us and our gifts.
Let us take a lesson today from the wicked tenants, and instead of abusing our gifts; let us practice good stewardship and allow our lives to be fruitful ... as they are meant to be.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you for all that you have given to us, help us to be good stewards of all that is entrusted to us. We pray for all of our priests and all of our religious, may they be strengthened in their ministries and in their vows. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105
Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
Therefore, I say to you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they knew that he was speaking about them. And although they were attempting to arrest him, they feared the crowds, for they regarded him as a prophet. (Mt 21:43,45-46)
In today's gospel reading, Jesus tells the parable of the tenants. In this parable we read about tenants who chose to abuse the responsibilities and the gifts that were entrusted in their care. They also chose to abuse anyone who would come along and try to set things right, even the owners own son. Needless to say that these guys made their bed, and were then going to have to lie in it.
One of the things that this parable is about is stewardship. Stewardship is essentially using the gifts given to us by God responsibly. According to the US Bishops, Catholic Stewardship also involves us: "Receiving the gifts of God with gratitude, Cultivating them responsibly, Sharing them lovingly in justice with others, Standing before the Lord in a spirit of accountability." (http://www.usccb.org/bishops/stewardship.shtml) Each of us has this awesome call to be good stewards of the the many gifts that God has given us. It is important that we not abuse these things or let them go unused. Each of us has these great gifts for a reason, and God has a purpose for each of us and our gifts.
Let us take a lesson today from the wicked tenants, and instead of abusing our gifts; let us practice good stewardship and allow our lives to be fruitful ... as they are meant to be.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you for all that you have given to us, help us to be good stewards of all that is entrusted to us. We pray for all of our priests and all of our religious, may they be strengthened in their ministries and in their vows. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
3.04.2010
Trust and hope in the Lord
Readings for Thursday March 4, 2010
First Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 1
Gospel: Luke 16:19-31
Thus says the LORD: Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the LORD. He is like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season, But stands in a lava waste, a salt and empty earth. Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit. (Jer 17:5-8)
In today's first reading, the prophet Jeremiah gives us a great analogy comparing those who trust in God and those who trust in people. We see that trusting in people brings no good, and leaves our life in waste. While the person who trusts and hopes in the Lord, enjoys His blessings and will bear a life of good fruit, even in the most difficult of times. In the gospel reading today, we see the same comparison, but instead of using trees and bushes, we hear the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man only thought of himself during his life, he most likely put no trust in God, but rather all in himself. We can see that that mentality lead him to an eternal life of torment and suffering, kind of like the barren bush in the dessert. Lazarus however, had a hard and difficult life, but we never heard of him complaining or wallowing in self pity. The Lord saw it fit for Lazarus to be carried up into the "bosom of Abraham" where he finally had comfort and peace. It is no doubt that he became like the tree planted in by the cool stream.
These stories show us that without a life for the Lord, our life has no meaning, and will bear no fruit; not to mention what kind of an eternity it will lead us to. We each have a choice in this life, we can spend our years loving and serving the Lord, and not holding anything back; or we can spend this life loving and serving ourselves. If we choose to put our trust and hope in earthly things, we will be disappointed in the end, just as the rich man was. However, if we are willing to put our trust and hope in the Lord, then we will be able to make it through anything in this life and our lives will be blessed and always bearing good fruit.
Placing your hope in the world and trusting in yourself will lead to nothing, while trusting and hoping in the Lord will lead to everything.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for another day to go out and love and serve you, help us to hold nothing back from you, just as you hold nothing back from us. Lord, we love you , and we place our hope and trust in you; help us to do this even when it is the most challenging. We pray for all of those in need of conversion, we pray for all of our fallen away brothers and sisters, and we pray for all the souls in purgatory. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 1
Gospel: Luke 16:19-31
Thus says the LORD: Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the LORD. He is like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season, But stands in a lava waste, a salt and empty earth. Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit. (Jer 17:5-8)
In today's first reading, the prophet Jeremiah gives us a great analogy comparing those who trust in God and those who trust in people. We see that trusting in people brings no good, and leaves our life in waste. While the person who trusts and hopes in the Lord, enjoys His blessings and will bear a life of good fruit, even in the most difficult of times. In the gospel reading today, we see the same comparison, but instead of using trees and bushes, we hear the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man only thought of himself during his life, he most likely put no trust in God, but rather all in himself. We can see that that mentality lead him to an eternal life of torment and suffering, kind of like the barren bush in the dessert. Lazarus however, had a hard and difficult life, but we never heard of him complaining or wallowing in self pity. The Lord saw it fit for Lazarus to be carried up into the "bosom of Abraham" where he finally had comfort and peace. It is no doubt that he became like the tree planted in by the cool stream.
These stories show us that without a life for the Lord, our life has no meaning, and will bear no fruit; not to mention what kind of an eternity it will lead us to. We each have a choice in this life, we can spend our years loving and serving the Lord, and not holding anything back; or we can spend this life loving and serving ourselves. If we choose to put our trust and hope in earthly things, we will be disappointed in the end, just as the rich man was. However, if we are willing to put our trust and hope in the Lord, then we will be able to make it through anything in this life and our lives will be blessed and always bearing good fruit.
Placing your hope in the world and trusting in yourself will lead to nothing, while trusting and hoping in the Lord will lead to everything.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for another day to go out and love and serve you, help us to hold nothing back from you, just as you hold nothing back from us. Lord, we love you , and we place our hope and trust in you; help us to do this even when it is the most challenging. We pray for all of those in need of conversion, we pray for all of our fallen away brothers and sisters, and we pray for all the souls in purgatory. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
3.03.2010
Glory to God!
Readings for Wednesday March 3, 2010
First Reading: Jeremiah 18:18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 31
Gospel: Matthew 20:17-28
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matt 20:20-28)
In today's gospel reading, James and John are given a humbling lesson on why they are really there. You really cannot blame them, they were probably figuring; "hey, here we are at the feet of the master, I bet He could use two good men at His right and at His left." They were probably also thinking since nobody else had asked that this was up for grabs, and instead of jut asking themselves they bring in the big guns ... their mother. Now like I said, who can really blame them for asking, I mean that is really not such a bad thing to sit at the side Jesus, and when you think about it, that is something that we should all strive for. The only problem with what James and John wanted was that they did not have the right reason. You see, they were driven by power, position, and prestige (the three Ps); not by a servant's heart. Jesus quickly puts and end to their conversation and clarifies what He and the disciples are really there for. Jesus tells them the importance of not "lording their position" over others, and the importance of following His ways be seeking to serve, rather than be served.
We are not here to get all the glory and honor for ourselves, we are here to serve and to give God all the glory and honor. This is the model that we were given by Christ, and it is this example that we should follow in our own life. "the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mt 20:28)
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you bless us with. We praise you for all your love and mercy, help us to love and be merciful this day and all days. We pray for all of our priests and religious; that they may be strengthened in their vows and in their ministries. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Jeremiah 18:18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 31
Gospel: Matthew 20:17-28
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee approached Jesus with her sons and did him homage, wishing to ask him for something. He said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at the two brothers. But Jesus summoned them and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and the great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave. Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matt 20:20-28)
In today's gospel reading, James and John are given a humbling lesson on why they are really there. You really cannot blame them, they were probably figuring; "hey, here we are at the feet of the master, I bet He could use two good men at His right and at His left." They were probably also thinking since nobody else had asked that this was up for grabs, and instead of jut asking themselves they bring in the big guns ... their mother. Now like I said, who can really blame them for asking, I mean that is really not such a bad thing to sit at the side Jesus, and when you think about it, that is something that we should all strive for. The only problem with what James and John wanted was that they did not have the right reason. You see, they were driven by power, position, and prestige (the three Ps); not by a servant's heart. Jesus quickly puts and end to their conversation and clarifies what He and the disciples are really there for. Jesus tells them the importance of not "lording their position" over others, and the importance of following His ways be seeking to serve, rather than be served.
We are not here to get all the glory and honor for ourselves, we are here to serve and to give God all the glory and honor. This is the model that we were given by Christ, and it is this example that we should follow in our own life. "the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mt 20:28)
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you bless us with. We praise you for all your love and mercy, help us to love and be merciful this day and all days. We pray for all of our priests and religious; that they may be strengthened in their vows and in their ministries. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
3.02.2010
No mess is too big
Readings for Tuesday March 2, 2010
First Reading: Isaiah 1:10,16-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 50
Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12
Come now, let us set things right, says the LORD: Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; Though they be crimson red, they may become white as wool. If you are willing, and obey, you shall eat the good things of the land; But if you refuse and resist, the sword shall consume you: for the mouth of the LORD has spoken! (Is 1:18-20)
The other day I was trying very carefully to reach across our kitchen counter to pick up a hot pan, little did I know it that my sleeve was about ready to get caught on our wine rack. When it did get caught, it knocked over our wine rack sending one of the bottles (naturally my wife's favorite) sliding across the counter and onto the kitchen floor ... instant mess! I felt awful, not only did I ruin this bottle of wine, but I made a huge mess in the kitchen with glass and wine everywhere, and on top of that we were just getting ready to sit down to eat dinner. So instead of starting dinner, we decided to start the clean up. Once we got most of the big pieces picked up, we then proceeded to dinner. After we ate, came the job of doing the heavy duty cleaning. We swept and mopped, we pulled out appliances and cleaned under them and tried our best to make sure that every piece of glass was picked up and every drop of wine was mopped up. In the end, even though what had seemed like a huge disaster and massive mess, ended up being something that was very manageable to clean up.
As we read the first reading from Isaiah today, we see that God is also pretty good at cleaning up messes, and we are talking about big messes that we create in our lives. When reading from the prophet we see such beautiful words to tell the people that there is no mess that is too big for God. It says, "Come now, let us set things right ... though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; though they may be crimson red, they may become white as wool." The Lord isn't interested in where we have been and what we have done, His love and mercy are so abundant, and He is a forgiving Father who just wants His children with Him. No matter what we have done, the Lord wants to help us clean up our mess. He wants to take this life that we have made a ruin of and help us pick up all the broken pieces, sweep it out, and make things new again ... "white as snow."
I can tell you from experience, that there truly is no mess that is too big for the Lord to clean up. I spent most of my life not knowing the Lord and following my own ways. I spent many years creating quite a mess, but by His wonderful grace I was made new and now the journey that I am on today is not about making messes but rather setting things right. Now matter what we have done, or where we have been, it is never too late to turn to Him and to let Him help you set things right.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with in our lives. Lord, you are so good to us, and we praise you for the great gifts in our lives. Thank you for your love and mercy, which you pour out freely to us. Lord, you always forgive us of our sins, help us to forgive others in this same way. Lord, you are our everlasting God, we place all of our hope and trust in you, for all that you offer is good. Help us stay on your path until the end when we can be with you in heaven. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Isaiah 1:10,16-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 50
Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12
Come now, let us set things right, says the LORD: Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; Though they be crimson red, they may become white as wool. If you are willing, and obey, you shall eat the good things of the land; But if you refuse and resist, the sword shall consume you: for the mouth of the LORD has spoken! (Is 1:18-20)
The other day I was trying very carefully to reach across our kitchen counter to pick up a hot pan, little did I know it that my sleeve was about ready to get caught on our wine rack. When it did get caught, it knocked over our wine rack sending one of the bottles (naturally my wife's favorite) sliding across the counter and onto the kitchen floor ... instant mess! I felt awful, not only did I ruin this bottle of wine, but I made a huge mess in the kitchen with glass and wine everywhere, and on top of that we were just getting ready to sit down to eat dinner. So instead of starting dinner, we decided to start the clean up. Once we got most of the big pieces picked up, we then proceeded to dinner. After we ate, came the job of doing the heavy duty cleaning. We swept and mopped, we pulled out appliances and cleaned under them and tried our best to make sure that every piece of glass was picked up and every drop of wine was mopped up. In the end, even though what had seemed like a huge disaster and massive mess, ended up being something that was very manageable to clean up.
As we read the first reading from Isaiah today, we see that God is also pretty good at cleaning up messes, and we are talking about big messes that we create in our lives. When reading from the prophet we see such beautiful words to tell the people that there is no mess that is too big for God. It says, "Come now, let us set things right ... though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; though they may be crimson red, they may become white as wool." The Lord isn't interested in where we have been and what we have done, His love and mercy are so abundant, and He is a forgiving Father who just wants His children with Him. No matter what we have done, the Lord wants to help us clean up our mess. He wants to take this life that we have made a ruin of and help us pick up all the broken pieces, sweep it out, and make things new again ... "white as snow."
I can tell you from experience, that there truly is no mess that is too big for the Lord to clean up. I spent most of my life not knowing the Lord and following my own ways. I spent many years creating quite a mess, but by His wonderful grace I was made new and now the journey that I am on today is not about making messes but rather setting things right. Now matter what we have done, or where we have been, it is never too late to turn to Him and to let Him help you set things right.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with in our lives. Lord, you are so good to us, and we praise you for the great gifts in our lives. Thank you for your love and mercy, which you pour out freely to us. Lord, you always forgive us of our sins, help us to forgive others in this same way. Lord, you are our everlasting God, we place all of our hope and trust in you, for all that you offer is good. Help us stay on your path until the end when we can be with you in heaven. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
3.01.2010
Be merciful
Readings for March 1, 2010
First Reading: Daniel 9:4-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 79
Gospel: Luke 6:36-38
Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” (Lk 6:36-38)
During the winter and spring, millions of people tune into the popular TV show American Idol. During this hour or two of viewing, each person watching turns into a music judge. I myself have been guilty of tuning in and finding myself judging the contestants. You would think that I am sitting right there with the judges, and that my opinion actually matters during that time. It is funny how eager we are to judge, not just during American Idol, but each and every day of our lives.
In today's gospel readings, we are given warnings about judging people. This is certainly a hard temptation to resist; because when we see a person or situation, we have this desire to analyze that person or situation, form an opinion and then make a judgment. I think that this mostly stems from a desire to know things about the world around us and to have a grasp on reality. But while we are grasping, many times we let our judging get in the way of loving and living as we are meant to. How many times have we given our judgment upon someone, and because we were so busy judging, we never really took to time to help or to love the person as God would want us to? How many times have you passed a homeless person, and thought, "why doesn't that person just get a job?!" How many times have we heard of a kid in school who doesn't do their homework and just thought, "he is simply a lazy kid." How man times have we seen the woman who wears the really short skirts and revealing clothes and formed opinions about her?
Our Father in heaven is merciful beyond comprehension, why do we not do the same? I know that I have to remind myself of how merciful and forgiving God has been to me, and by reminding myself it really helps bring me down from the times that I get up on my high horse. We must always remember two very important things when it comes to judgement: 1) We are not God, it is not our place to judge, that is His responsibility; 2) If we do still insist on judging, then we will be judged by the same standards - "For the measure with which you measure will in return by measured out to you." (Lk 6:38)
May the Lord help each of us stop looking at each other through eyes of judgement, and help us look at each other through eyes of love.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for helping us see that we are not judges, but rather we are your children, who are meant to love you and love our neighbors as you call us to. Lord, please forgive us for all that times that we have judged, and not loved as we are called to. Help us to do better in our lives. We pray for all those in need of conversion, and for all those in the Church this lent, that we may all grow during this season of fasting and prayer. WE ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Daniel 9:4-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 79
Gospel: Luke 6:36-38
Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” (Lk 6:36-38)
During the winter and spring, millions of people tune into the popular TV show American Idol. During this hour or two of viewing, each person watching turns into a music judge. I myself have been guilty of tuning in and finding myself judging the contestants. You would think that I am sitting right there with the judges, and that my opinion actually matters during that time. It is funny how eager we are to judge, not just during American Idol, but each and every day of our lives.
In today's gospel readings, we are given warnings about judging people. This is certainly a hard temptation to resist; because when we see a person or situation, we have this desire to analyze that person or situation, form an opinion and then make a judgment. I think that this mostly stems from a desire to know things about the world around us and to have a grasp on reality. But while we are grasping, many times we let our judging get in the way of loving and living as we are meant to. How many times have we given our judgment upon someone, and because we were so busy judging, we never really took to time to help or to love the person as God would want us to? How many times have you passed a homeless person, and thought, "why doesn't that person just get a job?!" How many times have we heard of a kid in school who doesn't do their homework and just thought, "he is simply a lazy kid." How man times have we seen the woman who wears the really short skirts and revealing clothes and formed opinions about her?
Our Father in heaven is merciful beyond comprehension, why do we not do the same? I know that I have to remind myself of how merciful and forgiving God has been to me, and by reminding myself it really helps bring me down from the times that I get up on my high horse. We must always remember two very important things when it comes to judgement: 1) We are not God, it is not our place to judge, that is His responsibility; 2) If we do still insist on judging, then we will be judged by the same standards - "For the measure with which you measure will in return by measured out to you." (Lk 6:38)
May the Lord help each of us stop looking at each other through eyes of judgement, and help us look at each other through eyes of love.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for helping us see that we are not judges, but rather we are your children, who are meant to love you and love our neighbors as you call us to. Lord, please forgive us for all that times that we have judged, and not loved as we are called to. Help us to do better in our lives. We pray for all those in need of conversion, and for all those in the Church this lent, that we may all grow during this season of fasting and prayer. WE ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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