Readings for Thursday March 18, 2010
First Reading: Exodus 32:7-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm
Gospel: John 5:31-47
But I have testimony greater than John’s. The works that the Father gave me to accomplish, these works that I perform testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf. But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form, and you do not have his word remaining in you, because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent. 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. (Jn 5:36-40)
Would you go to the bakery to get a hammer? Would you go to the sporting goods store for a new designer dress? Could you find fresh baked bread in the hardware store? Of course not, you would not go to any of these stores looking for such things, you would go to these stores looking for the things that they are selling. So the question is, where do we go for life? Where do we go to find our purpose and destiny in this life?
In the gospel today, Jesus gives testimony about who He is. He tells us that the people do not want to come to Him to have life, even though He is God, the source of all life. It seems as though the people are not believing in who He is, even though many have testified on His behalf: John the Baptist, Moses, the scriptures, even God the Father. But the people seem to be "stiff necked", just like they were in the time of Moses. We have this same challenge today, there are many people in this world, who are seeking their life in other things. They do not realize that it is Jesus who is the source of all life on this Earth. If we really want to find ourselves and to find our purpose in this life and the next, then we have to turn to Him. We have to be willing to surrender our will to Gods. For it is not only this life that we should be concerned about, but also our eternal life.
Trying to find life in the world is as futile as trying to buy a hammer at a bakery store. We must always remember that Jesus is the source of all life. He is the way, the truth, and the light.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you for all the blessings that you bestow on us each and every day. Lord, help us to live our life as you had intended us, help us to never stray from the path that you have laid down before us. Lord, we pray for all those in need of conversion, that they may find their life in you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
3.18.2010
3.17.2010
Children of God
Readings for Wednesday March 17, 2010
First Reading: Isaiah 49:8-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145
Gospel: John 5:17-30
Sing out, O heavens, and rejoice, O earth, break forth into song, you mountains. For the LORD comforts his people and shows mercy to his afflicted. But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you. (Is 49:13-15)
As a parent I could not even imagine walking out of my home and not giving my daughter a second thought. I couldn't imagine just forgetting about her and never being in her life again. I guess that is why today's first reading really struck a cord with me today. I took a lot of comfort from the words of the prophet Isaiah, when he tell us how the Lord will bring salvation to His people. He tells us that our Father in heaven will never leave or forget us, He is with us always.
Sometimes it is hard to imagine or think about, but we do have a Father who loves us more than we can possibly imagine. He only wants what is best for us, and wants us to spend eternity with Him. Other people in our lives may have left us or forgotten us, but He never will; we should find a lot of joy and comfort in that. But in order to know God as our Father, we must first accept and realize that we are His sons and daughters. We are so precious in His eyes, just like any child is in the eyes of their parent. God our Father is the perfect parent; loving, patient, merciful, always there for you, and He has even prepared an eternal place with Him in heaven if we so desire.
I often see people with the coffee mug "World's Greatest Dad", and while that may have been a nice thought or gift, the truth is the world's greatest dad is in heaven. He is patiently waiting for the day when we can join Him in heaven.
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. Lord, you are so kind and merciful to us, much more than we deserve, help us to be kind and merciful to all those we meet. Lord, thank you for loving us so much, help us to love as you call us to in this world. Lord, we are your children, help us to follow you as children do, only wanting to be in your arms. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Isaiah 49:8-15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145
Gospel: John 5:17-30
Sing out, O heavens, and rejoice, O earth, break forth into song, you mountains. For the LORD comforts his people and shows mercy to his afflicted. But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you. (Is 49:13-15)
As a parent I could not even imagine walking out of my home and not giving my daughter a second thought. I couldn't imagine just forgetting about her and never being in her life again. I guess that is why today's first reading really struck a cord with me today. I took a lot of comfort from the words of the prophet Isaiah, when he tell us how the Lord will bring salvation to His people. He tells us that our Father in heaven will never leave or forget us, He is with us always.
Sometimes it is hard to imagine or think about, but we do have a Father who loves us more than we can possibly imagine. He only wants what is best for us, and wants us to spend eternity with Him. Other people in our lives may have left us or forgotten us, but He never will; we should find a lot of joy and comfort in that. But in order to know God as our Father, we must first accept and realize that we are His sons and daughters. We are so precious in His eyes, just like any child is in the eyes of their parent. God our Father is the perfect parent; loving, patient, merciful, always there for you, and He has even prepared an eternal place with Him in heaven if we so desire.
I often see people with the coffee mug "World's Greatest Dad", and while that may have been a nice thought or gift, the truth is the world's greatest dad is in heaven. He is patiently waiting for the day when we can join Him in heaven.
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. Lord, you are so kind and merciful to us, much more than we deserve, help us to be kind and merciful to all those we meet. Lord, thank you for loving us so much, help us to love as you call us to in this world. Lord, we are your children, help us to follow you as children do, only wanting to be in your arms. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
3.15.2010
Get a taste
Readings for Monday March 15, 2010
First Reading: Isaiah 65:17-21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 30
Gospel: John 4:43-54
Thus says the LORD: Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; The things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind. Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create; For I create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight; I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people. No longer shall the sound of weeping be heard there, or the sound of crying; No longer shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not round out his full lifetime; He dies a mere youth who reaches but a hundred years, and he who fails of a hundred shall be thought accursed. They shall live in the houses they build, and eat the fruit of the vineyards they plant. (Is 65:17-21)
Do you remember as a kid when your mother would make a cake, brownies, or cookies and getting to lick the mixer beater? This was certainly my favorite part of baking ... to be honest with you it still is! Why is it that people of all ages like to get the beater and sample something that is not even complete? Well, one reason of course is because it is good, the other reason I think is because if we enjoy the beater, then we get a little taste of what is about to come. Getting a little sample of something good that is coming is always a fun and sometimes powerful thing. Think about it, if you get a little sample of cake batter, and begin thinking that you can't wait to taste the final product, are you going to go ahead and eat a bunch of other things that might spoil your appetite, or are you are much more likely to be focused on the cake? When we get just a small taste of something good, knowing that something even better is coming, that can be a powerful motivator.
After reading today's reading from Isaiah, I realized how beautiful what the prophet Isaiah was describing. He was describing a place with no more pain and suffering, a place where there is only happiness and rejoicing all the time. This place obviously was heaven, and when it is all said and done, those who are found worthy will be in heaven, a place with no sadness, but only being wrapped up in the love of God for eternity. As I read this, I realized how wonderful this all sounded to me, and then I realized that if heaven is a place where there is no more pain, suffering, or anything bad; then there is a way that we can each get a taste of heaven while here on earth. So many times in this life we experience pain and suffering, and there are times where we are meant to go through that, but there are also times when we hold on to negative emotions and vices; and it is only by letting these things go and giving in to love, that we can begin to get a taste of what heaven will be like. I know that there are many times in my life that I regret giving in to things like bitterness, anger, frustration, annoyance, envy, etc; but I have never once regretted giving in to love.
I believe that in heaven we will always be rejoicing in the Lord, basking in His love and glory forever and ever. The way we can get a taste of what heaven will be like is by letting go of the negative emotions that tie us to this world and by giving in to love.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, you are our God and we are your people, help us to love you and serve you while holding nothing back. Lord, thank you for your great love and mercy, help us to let your light shine through us and that we might go out courageously spreading the good news throughout the earth. We pray for all those in need of conversion, and we ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Isaiah 65:17-21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 30
Gospel: John 4:43-54
Thus says the LORD: Lo, I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; The things of the past shall not be remembered or come to mind. Instead, there shall always be rejoicing and happiness in what I create; For I create Jerusalem to be a joy and its people to be a delight; I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people. No longer shall the sound of weeping be heard there, or the sound of crying; No longer shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not round out his full lifetime; He dies a mere youth who reaches but a hundred years, and he who fails of a hundred shall be thought accursed. They shall live in the houses they build, and eat the fruit of the vineyards they plant. (Is 65:17-21)
Do you remember as a kid when your mother would make a cake, brownies, or cookies and getting to lick the mixer beater? This was certainly my favorite part of baking ... to be honest with you it still is! Why is it that people of all ages like to get the beater and sample something that is not even complete? Well, one reason of course is because it is good, the other reason I think is because if we enjoy the beater, then we get a little taste of what is about to come. Getting a little sample of something good that is coming is always a fun and sometimes powerful thing. Think about it, if you get a little sample of cake batter, and begin thinking that you can't wait to taste the final product, are you going to go ahead and eat a bunch of other things that might spoil your appetite, or are you are much more likely to be focused on the cake? When we get just a small taste of something good, knowing that something even better is coming, that can be a powerful motivator.
After reading today's reading from Isaiah, I realized how beautiful what the prophet Isaiah was describing. He was describing a place with no more pain and suffering, a place where there is only happiness and rejoicing all the time. This place obviously was heaven, and when it is all said and done, those who are found worthy will be in heaven, a place with no sadness, but only being wrapped up in the love of God for eternity. As I read this, I realized how wonderful this all sounded to me, and then I realized that if heaven is a place where there is no more pain, suffering, or anything bad; then there is a way that we can each get a taste of heaven while here on earth. So many times in this life we experience pain and suffering, and there are times where we are meant to go through that, but there are also times when we hold on to negative emotions and vices; and it is only by letting these things go and giving in to love, that we can begin to get a taste of what heaven will be like. I know that there are many times in my life that I regret giving in to things like bitterness, anger, frustration, annoyance, envy, etc; but I have never once regretted giving in to love.
I believe that in heaven we will always be rejoicing in the Lord, basking in His love and glory forever and ever. The way we can get a taste of what heaven will be like is by letting go of the negative emotions that tie us to this world and by giving in to love.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, you are our God and we are your people, help us to love you and serve you while holding nothing back. Lord, thank you for your great love and mercy, help us to let your light shine through us and that we might go out courageously spreading the good news throughout the earth. We pray for all those in need of conversion, and we ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
3.13.2010
Grow in your faith!
Hello my brothers and sisters!
I hope that you are doing well and that this Lenten season is a fruitful one for you. I wanted to take this time to share with you a great opportunity to grow in your faith. This past week, I had the amazing chance to learn and grow in my catholic faith and hear talks by some fantastic catholic speakers. I got an overview and breakdown on the book of revelation, I learned the biblical basis for why we have a pope, I gained insight into stewardship, I also learned a great deal more about Christ's passion and how it applies to my life. Now, you might be thinking ... okay what conference did you attend, and how did you have time for that? Well, the truth is that I didn't attend any conference, in fact I heard all of these great talks on from home and in my car. These great talks that I have been listening to have come from Lighthouse Catholic Media. For those of you who have never heard of Lighthouse Catholic Media, they are a not for profit corporation that began in 2005. Their mission statement is:
Our mission is to answer the call for a New Evangelization by serving the Church in providing inspirational CDs and brochures that will enrich and strengthen people's relationship with Jesus Christ and understanding of their Catholic Faith.
I have recently had the opportunity to become a part of this great ministry, and to help spread word about Lighthouse Catholic Media (LCM) as well as help get these CDs out. LCM has over a hundred great inspirational CDs on many different topics, such as: The Holy Eucharist, Reconciliation, Increasing Stewardship, How to get more out of mass, understanding the bible, Marriage/Family life, teens and chastity, business leadership, and many more. Giving these inspiring talks are nationally known speakers such as Fr. John Corapi, Mother Theresa, Dr. Scott Hahn, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, Fr. Larry Richards, Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Jeff Cavins, Jesse Romero, Matthew Kelly, and many, many more. Now if you already know everything about the Catholic Faith and are living a life of complete and perfect virtue, then I would advise you to stop reading ... but if you are like me and could use a little help, and are also hard pressed for time, then I would encourage you to keep reading to find out how you can get some of the great Catholic CDs.
One great way to get some of these CDs is by joining Lighthouse Catholic Media's CD of the Month Club. The CD of the Month Club is an evangelization and apologetic Catholic CD Club. Each month, members receive an exciting talk by a great Catholic speaker, like the ones mentioned above. These CDs have been a big part of my own faith journey, and I know that they have brought huge blessings to me and my family as I believe they will continue to in the years to come. I strongly believe that these CDs are great tools to help you grow in your faith, and even to pass out to other people to help them. These CDs are also a great way to help bring back fallen away Catholics. I would ask that you prayerfully consider becoming a member of the CD of the Month Club with Lighthouse Catholic Media. To find out more information please click on the following link below, which will take you to LCMs website. There you can learn more about LCM and the CD of the Month Club.
I hope that you are doing well and that this Lenten season is a fruitful one for you. I wanted to take this time to share with you a great opportunity to grow in your faith. This past week, I had the amazing chance to learn and grow in my catholic faith and hear talks by some fantastic catholic speakers. I got an overview and breakdown on the book of revelation, I learned the biblical basis for why we have a pope, I gained insight into stewardship, I also learned a great deal more about Christ's passion and how it applies to my life. Now, you might be thinking ... okay what conference did you attend, and how did you have time for that? Well, the truth is that I didn't attend any conference, in fact I heard all of these great talks on from home and in my car. These great talks that I have been listening to have come from Lighthouse Catholic Media. For those of you who have never heard of Lighthouse Catholic Media, they are a not for profit corporation that began in 2005. Their mission statement is:
Our mission is to answer the call for a New Evangelization by serving the Church in providing inspirational CDs and brochures that will enrich and strengthen people's relationship with Jesus Christ and understanding of their Catholic Faith.
I have recently had the opportunity to become a part of this great ministry, and to help spread word about Lighthouse Catholic Media (LCM) as well as help get these CDs out. LCM has over a hundred great inspirational CDs on many different topics, such as: The Holy Eucharist, Reconciliation, Increasing Stewardship, How to get more out of mass, understanding the bible, Marriage/Family life, teens and chastity, business leadership, and many more. Giving these inspiring talks are nationally known speakers such as Fr. John Corapi, Mother Theresa, Dr. Scott Hahn, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, Fr. Larry Richards, Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Jeff Cavins, Jesse Romero, Matthew Kelly, and many, many more. Now if you already know everything about the Catholic Faith and are living a life of complete and perfect virtue, then I would advise you to stop reading ... but if you are like me and could use a little help, and are also hard pressed for time, then I would encourage you to keep reading to find out how you can get some of the great Catholic CDs.
One great way to get some of these CDs is by joining Lighthouse Catholic Media's CD of the Month Club. The CD of the Month Club is an evangelization and apologetic Catholic CD Club. Each month, members receive an exciting talk by a great Catholic speaker, like the ones mentioned above. These CDs have been a big part of my own faith journey, and I know that they have brought huge blessings to me and my family as I believe they will continue to in the years to come. I strongly believe that these CDs are great tools to help you grow in your faith, and even to pass out to other people to help them. These CDs are also a great way to help bring back fallen away Catholics. I would ask that you prayerfully consider becoming a member of the CD of the Month Club with Lighthouse Catholic Media. To find out more information please click on the following link below, which will take you to LCMs website. There you can learn more about LCM and the CD of the Month Club.
I hope that you find the CDs as helpful as I have. May God bless you and your families!
3.12.2010
Ask, listen, and understand
Readings for Friday March 12, 2010
First Reading: Hosea 14:2-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 81
Gospel: Mark 12:28-34
One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions. (Mk 12:28-34)
Imagine that you are the scribe in today's gospel reading, and Jesus Himself says to you, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God", tell me how would this make you feel? I don't know about you, but to hear the Messiah, the Savior of the World, God in the Flesh to say that you are not far from the Kingdom would just certainly make my day ... in fact it would make my life! I wonder if this scribe had a clue as to how special, and how important that moment was for him.
In today's gospel, we see that that particular scribe was affirmed in his understanding of what Jesus had said was the greatest commandment. Think about what actually took place in this reading, we see the scribe ask Jesus what the greatest commandment is, then he listened Jesus' answer, and then he understood the answer given by Jesus. By doing these things, asking, listening, and understanding; Jesus told him that he is not far from the Kingdom, meaning he isn't that far from God. If you think about it, the steps taken by the scribe are very simple ones, asking, listening, and understanding.
In our own journey with God, are we following all the steps that the scribe did? Do we ask God the right questions? Do we simply ask for things, or do we ask for wisdom and understanding that can only come from Him? After we ask, are we listening to what God has to say? I imagine that this is the step that most people skip, and naturally since we are not listening to God, then there can be no way to understand what God is saying to us. These steps while very simple, are in a natural order, because they are meant to bring about growth and wisdom by forming a relationship with God. It is by asking, listening, and understanding God through faith and prayer that we can become the men and women that God created us to be.
May we all seek the wisdom that comes from the Lord by asking, listening, and understanding.
Father above we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, help us to know you better, help open our eyes and hearts to you. Help us to see you in everything that we do, and to know and believe that you are truly present with us every moment. Lord, we place all of our faith and our trust in you, for you are the rock of our faith. Lord, we love you, please always keep us close to you and in our loving arms at all times. We ask this all through Christ our Lord, Amen.
First Reading: Hosea 14:2-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 81
Gospel: Mark 12:28-34
One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, He is One and there is no other than he. And to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions. (Mk 12:28-34)
Imagine that you are the scribe in today's gospel reading, and Jesus Himself says to you, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God", tell me how would this make you feel? I don't know about you, but to hear the Messiah, the Savior of the World, God in the Flesh to say that you are not far from the Kingdom would just certainly make my day ... in fact it would make my life! I wonder if this scribe had a clue as to how special, and how important that moment was for him.
In today's gospel, we see that that particular scribe was affirmed in his understanding of what Jesus had said was the greatest commandment. Think about what actually took place in this reading, we see the scribe ask Jesus what the greatest commandment is, then he listened Jesus' answer, and then he understood the answer given by Jesus. By doing these things, asking, listening, and understanding; Jesus told him that he is not far from the Kingdom, meaning he isn't that far from God. If you think about it, the steps taken by the scribe are very simple ones, asking, listening, and understanding.
In our own journey with God, are we following all the steps that the scribe did? Do we ask God the right questions? Do we simply ask for things, or do we ask for wisdom and understanding that can only come from Him? After we ask, are we listening to what God has to say? I imagine that this is the step that most people skip, and naturally since we are not listening to God, then there can be no way to understand what God is saying to us. These steps while very simple, are in a natural order, because they are meant to bring about growth and wisdom by forming a relationship with God. It is by asking, listening, and understanding God through faith and prayer that we can become the men and women that God created us to be.
May we all seek the wisdom that comes from the Lord by asking, listening, and understanding.
Father above we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, help us to know you better, help open our eyes and hearts to you. Help us to see you in everything that we do, and to know and believe that you are truly present with us every moment. Lord, we place all of our faith and our trust in you, for you are the rock of our faith. Lord, we love you, please always keep us close to you and in our loving arms at all times. We ask this all through Christ our Lord, Amen.
3.11.2010
Gather or Scatter?
Readings for Thursday March 11, 2010
First Reading: Jeremiah 7:23-28
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 95
Gospel: Luke 11:14-23
When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Lk 11:21-23)
The recent disasters in Haiti and Chile have reminded us that in an emergency, there are essentially two types of people; those who help and those who harm. Those who harm seek not to help the situation, but rather to take advantage of it. After the earthquakes caused the devastation that they did, there were people who were looting and taking from others. There were even reports of kidnapping and other sorts of acts that would be considered terrible, crisis or not. There were also people who started to try and scam people out of money, by asking people worldwide for a donation, a donation that made it into someones wallet rather than to help the situations in these countries. There people did nothing to help the situation, all that they did was selfishly make things worse and cause more harm. On the other hand, due to the earthquakes, there was a huge response of help. There were people who gave generously without second thought, there were people and aid agencies who quickly made it down into the countries to help survivors get basic things that they needed. There were also selfless acts by people trying to help those who were trapped under crumbled structures. For all the negative that came out from these disasters, we know that a great loving response followed the tragedy and disaster.
So like the two types of people in a crisis, we see these same two types of people when it comes to Christ and His kingdom. There are people out there who are not helping the situation at all, they are doing nothing to lead people to Christ. In fact these people are living their lives selfishly and only thinking of their concerns. It is these people who are not helping, but rather they are as Jesus says "scattering." Jesus tells us that it is these types of people who are not with Him are against Him. While there are many people out there who are not helping the situation, there are also a great number of people who are helping. It is these people that Jesus mentions as those helping to "gather." There are people who work tirelessly to bring others to Christ and to build up His Church. There are people who are living counter cultural lives and providing powerful examples to those around them. There are people fervent in prayer for those they love and praying for an end to the injustices in our world. Yes, by God's grace, there are many people out there who are helping to gather, rather than scatter.
Remember there are two types of people, those who help and those who hurt ... those who are for God and those who are against God. Which one are you striving to be?
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 life. Lord, help us to not ever be apart from you and scattering, but rather close to you and always helping and seeking your will in each situation. Lord, you are so kind and merciful to us, help us to live in this world showing the same kindness and mercy to those we encounter. Lord, you are always near, help us to always stay close and live for you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Jeremiah 7:23-28
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 95
Gospel: Luke 11:14-23
When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Lk 11:21-23)
The recent disasters in Haiti and Chile have reminded us that in an emergency, there are essentially two types of people; those who help and those who harm. Those who harm seek not to help the situation, but rather to take advantage of it. After the earthquakes caused the devastation that they did, there were people who were looting and taking from others. There were even reports of kidnapping and other sorts of acts that would be considered terrible, crisis or not. There were also people who started to try and scam people out of money, by asking people worldwide for a donation, a donation that made it into someones wallet rather than to help the situations in these countries. There people did nothing to help the situation, all that they did was selfishly make things worse and cause more harm. On the other hand, due to the earthquakes, there was a huge response of help. There were people who gave generously without second thought, there were people and aid agencies who quickly made it down into the countries to help survivors get basic things that they needed. There were also selfless acts by people trying to help those who were trapped under crumbled structures. For all the negative that came out from these disasters, we know that a great loving response followed the tragedy and disaster.
So like the two types of people in a crisis, we see these same two types of people when it comes to Christ and His kingdom. There are people out there who are not helping the situation at all, they are doing nothing to lead people to Christ. In fact these people are living their lives selfishly and only thinking of their concerns. It is these people who are not helping, but rather they are as Jesus says "scattering." Jesus tells us that it is these types of people who are not with Him are against Him. While there are many people out there who are not helping the situation, there are also a great number of people who are helping. It is these people that Jesus mentions as those helping to "gather." There are people who work tirelessly to bring others to Christ and to build up His Church. There are people who are living counter cultural lives and providing powerful examples to those around them. There are people fervent in prayer for those they love and praying for an end to the injustices in our world. Yes, by God's grace, there are many people out there who are helping to gather, rather than scatter.
Remember there are two types of people, those who help and those who hurt ... those who are for God and those who are against God. Which one are you striving to be?
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 life. Lord, help us to not ever be apart from you and scattering, but rather close to you and always helping and seeking your will in each situation. Lord, you are so kind and merciful to us, help us to live in this world showing the same kindness and mercy to those we encounter. Lord, you are always near, help us to always stay close and live for you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
3.10.2010
Greatness
Readings for Wednesday March 10, 2010
First Reading: Daniel 4:1, 5-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 147
Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 5:17-19)
In the world of sports, there is always the debate of who is the best athlete of all time? There are many cases, and in fact perhaps an easier conversation is who is the best athlete in relation to their specific sport? There is probably little doubt that Michael Jordan is one of the best basketball players to ever play the game. In the world of cycling, no one has accomplished more than Lance Armstrong. While obviously needing some work on character and role modeling, Micheal Phelps holds the most gold medals for a swimmer, certainly putting him in talks for the greatest in his sport. For a 49ers fan like me, Joe Montana will always be the greatest quarterback, although I must give some respect to Peyton Manning. Wayne Gretzky was such an amazing hockey player that he was even given the title of "the Great One." Of course no conversation of great athletes would be complete without mentioning Muhammad Ali, you didn't even have to ask who was the greatest ... he told you himself! The world has a tendency to want to brand people with greatness, and there is certainly nothing wrong with receiving recognition by using the gifts given to us by God, but it is important to make sure that we are not striving for worldly recognition.
Jesus tells us today that "whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." So while worldly titles are nice, they are not the ultimate fulfillment. The title of greatest in the kingdom of heaven is the title that we should all be striving for. And what does it take to be great by God's standards ... love which brings about obedience. You see if we are to be truly obedient, and not just following God's directions because we feel we have to or else, but rather following God's commandments because we love Him, now that is what makes a Christian great. When you truly love someone, you want to do what is pleasing to them, you want to strive to keep the relationship perfect ... even if that means sacrificing what you want for the sake of the other. The Lord has already shown that He loves us this much shouldn't we show this same type of love back?
If we want to be great in God's book, let us love Him with all our hearts, be obedient to His commandments, and pass on the faith to all those we can.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you bless us with and for all that you give. Lord thank you for all of our abilities, help us to use our gifts to glorify you in all that we do. Lord, you are so good and loving to us, help us to love you and others as we are called to. We pray for all of our priests, that they may be strengthened in their ministries and in their vows. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Daniel 4:1, 5-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 147
Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 5:17-19)
In the world of sports, there is always the debate of who is the best athlete of all time? There are many cases, and in fact perhaps an easier conversation is who is the best athlete in relation to their specific sport? There is probably little doubt that Michael Jordan is one of the best basketball players to ever play the game. In the world of cycling, no one has accomplished more than Lance Armstrong. While obviously needing some work on character and role modeling, Micheal Phelps holds the most gold medals for a swimmer, certainly putting him in talks for the greatest in his sport. For a 49ers fan like me, Joe Montana will always be the greatest quarterback, although I must give some respect to Peyton Manning. Wayne Gretzky was such an amazing hockey player that he was even given the title of "the Great One." Of course no conversation of great athletes would be complete without mentioning Muhammad Ali, you didn't even have to ask who was the greatest ... he told you himself! The world has a tendency to want to brand people with greatness, and there is certainly nothing wrong with receiving recognition by using the gifts given to us by God, but it is important to make sure that we are not striving for worldly recognition.
Jesus tells us today that "whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." So while worldly titles are nice, they are not the ultimate fulfillment. The title of greatest in the kingdom of heaven is the title that we should all be striving for. And what does it take to be great by God's standards ... love which brings about obedience. You see if we are to be truly obedient, and not just following God's directions because we feel we have to or else, but rather following God's commandments because we love Him, now that is what makes a Christian great. When you truly love someone, you want to do what is pleasing to them, you want to strive to keep the relationship perfect ... even if that means sacrificing what you want for the sake of the other. The Lord has already shown that He loves us this much shouldn't we show this same type of love back?
If we want to be great in God's book, let us love Him with all our hearts, be obedient to His commandments, and pass on the faith to all those we can.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you bless us with and for all that you give. Lord thank you for all of our abilities, help us to use our gifts to glorify you in all that we do. Lord, you are so good and loving to us, help us to love you and others as we are called to. We pray for all of our priests, that they may be strengthened in their ministries and in their vows. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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