Out of Confinement

Readings for Monday April 18, 2011

Monday of Holy Week

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27
Gospel: John 12:1-11


I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, To open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness. (Is. 42:6-7)

Today begins Holy Week, one of the greatest weeks of our year. For it is this week that we grow in our faith by going deeper into Christ's passion and we celebrate His victory over sin and death. What an amazing and blessed week this is. I can still remember beginning Holy Week three years ago as I was preparing to enter into the Church. I remember the excitement and anticipation that built up this week. I can still remember preparing to receive the Sacraments and to receive Jesus for the first time. To finally take part in the passover meal that Jesus instituted over 2000 years ago. This is truly a time that is special to all of us, because we have people who are coming into (or back) to the Church, and these new brothers and sisters should be welcomed home with open arms. This season is also a chance for us to rekindle our own faith and gratitude for the great gift of life that Jesus gave to us by His life, death, and resurrection.

Today's first reading by Isaiah reminds us exactly why Jesus gave His life for us; "to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness."(Is 42:7) God came in the flesh to die for us because His children were hurting. They were blinded by their own sin, and could not see clearly to turn away from their worldly life and turn to Him. They were lost and did not know the way. He came so that we would not need to be tied down by our sins, but rather can have the freedom that comes from a life with God. As once we lived in darkness, now we have to light of Christ to show us the way, and to lead us to the Father.

As any good parent, God did not want to see His children ache any more. He was prepared to do anything to save us from hell, even if that meant dying on a cross. This week, use this time to reflect on Christ's great sacrifice and on God's love for us. Take a few moments to thank Him, and then think how can we share God's love with others.

May God bless you this Holy Week.

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 have done for us. Lord, help us to sacrifice in our own lives, as you have sacrificed for us. Lord, we thank you and praise you for the great gift of this life, may we never waste it on any worldly pursuits. Lord, help us to let you Spirit work in us, and that we may shine the light of Christ in this world. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen

Courage Under Fire

Readings for Wednesday April 12, 2011

First Reading: Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95
Responsorial Psalm: Daniel 3:52
Gospel: John 8:31-42


King Nebuchadnezzar said: "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you will not serve my god, or worship the golden statue that I set up? Be ready now to fall down and worship the statue I had made, whenever you hear the sound of the trumpet, flute, lyre, harp, psaltery, bagpipe, and all the other musical instruments; otherwise, you shall be instantly cast into the white-hot furnace; and who is the God who can deliver you out of my hands?" Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, "There is no need for us to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If our God, whom we serve, can save us from the white-hot furnace and from your hands, O king, may he save us! But even if he will not, know, O king, that we will not serve your god or worship the golden statue that you set up." King Nebuchadnezzar's face became livid with utter rage against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace to be heated seven times more than usual and had some of the strongest men in his army bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and cast them into the white-hot furnace.

Nebuchadnezzar rose in haste and asked his nobles, "Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?" "Assuredly, O king," they answered. "But," he replied, "I see four men unfettered and unhurt, walking in the fire, and the fourth looks like a son of God."

Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent his angel to deliver the servants who trusted in him; they disobeyed the royal command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God." (Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95)

Today let us reflect on the courage of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These three men were unwilling to worship anyone other than God, and they certainly were not worried about the consequences. They remained faithful to God, no matter what. That is the thing that we should always remember, that faithfulness is a two way streak; we should be faithful to God as He is to us. If there is a problem with faithfulness in this relationship, we know immediately who the problem is with (hint: it isn't God).

I pray that we may all be given their courage when tested in our lives.

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. Lord, we thank you and give you praise for the many blessings in our lives. Lord, give us the courage and the strength to stand up against any opposition that we may face, and may we always defend and protect the faith and all life in this world. We pray for those who have fallen away, may they find their way back home through you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Get In the Wheelbarrow

Readings for Tuesday April 12, 2011

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 April 11, 2011

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 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 Your Stiff Necks

Readings for Thursday April 7, 2011

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 today's reading from Exodus; while 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 today's 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, even when He was right in front of them! 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 daily, 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.

Hope

Readings for Tuesday April 5, 2011

First Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 46
Gospel: John 5:1-16


There was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem at the Sheep Gate a pool called in Hebrew Bethesda, with five porticoes. In these lay a large number of ill, blind, lame, and crippled. One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, “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. (Jn 5:1-9)

When we look at retired professional athletes, especially people from contact sports like boxers or hockey players. We see men and women who have went through gruelling and harsh careers. What they are usually left with is a tired broken body with many scars and other reminders of the pounding they took during their careers. We too are much like these retired athletes, spiritually and emotionally bruised and broken after a lifetime of the world beating up on us. It is no wonder why so many people in the world lose hope, and instead turn towards a life of despair and bitterness.

In today's gospel we see someone who had lost hope. The man who had been ill for so long sat by the porticoes for thirty-eight years. All he wanted was to be well, but had no one to help him, no one to give him hope. Then along comes Jesus, who simply asks, "Do you want to be well?" And this is the question that Christ brings to each one of us. So many of us like the ill man have lost hope, and just accept our circumstances for what they are; but Christ comes asking us if we want the change we all so desperately seek.

No matter how many times life has knocked you down or beaten you up, we must remember that nothing can take away the fact that we are all children of God, and each and every one of us is loved more than we can possibly know. Christ is here now offering the hope we need, how will you respond?

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for the many gifts you give to us. Lord, all hope comes from you, may all of our hope and trust be in you and in nothing else. You are the way, the truth, and the life; help our lives reflect your light into this dark world. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Trust In Him

Readings for Monday April 4, 2011

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. After hearing this, the man believes the words of Jesus. After the man's household sees for their own eyes, they also begin to believe. This gospel story teaches 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.