Matthew 11: 2-11
Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you he who is to come, or shall we look for another?" And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is he who takes no offense at me." As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to behold? A reed shaken by the wind? Why then did you go out? To see a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, those who wear soft raiment are in kings' houses. Why then did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, `Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee.' Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Reflection
The Lord gives us the example of St. John the Baptist today to fortify our belief in the prophecy of Himself in the Old Testament. Even he, however, asked the disciples to question if Jesus is the true Savior; perhaps in prison, his faith is challenged. Jesus challenges the crowds to examine their motives in seeking out John. He wants them to know that their faith cannot be dependent on the standards of this world, but only on the kingdom of Heaven.
How is the Lord challenging my faith this Advent season? Can I identify with St. John the Baptist as one who was so sure but now amidst suffering is doubting? Do I identify with the crowds who sought out St. John as a man who could produce miracles or a man with visible worth and royalty? What are my motives for the various aspects of my spiritual life? Do I seek miracles? Do I despair in the simplicity of doing dishes and changing diapers, or do I offer each such moment of drudgery to the Lord, seeking union with Him?
I am currently being blessed by the most recent book of Mother Teresa of Calcutta's writings. If you have not picked it up, get it and be prepared to be challenged. The union with God she describes is not that of ecstasy or even of tranquility but of great passion and suffering. Her life was spent yearning for Christ, never satisfied, always thirsting for Him as He thirsts for each one of us. Yet, we all saw the outward simple beauty of her love and joy for Jesus.
The Gospel stories are full of instances, such as this, where Jesus points out that holiness is not what we would expect. How do I envision holiness? Are there those after whom I try to model my spiritual life? What do I really know of their interior lives? Is my picture of holiness the perfect image of some saint or relative? Do I have a grasp of the suffering that holiness entails?
Being a Christian is always a paradox. It is always remembering that the last shall be first. Explaining that to my five-year-old is not easy, but it reminds me that I do not understand it well enough myself. As we prepare this last week before Christmas, let us take at least one hour of prayer to ask the Lord to show us the reality of holiness. It isn't always pretty or what we would expect, but it is always perfect.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Friday, December 7, 2007
Sunday, December 9, 2007 ~ Second Sunday of Advent
Matthew 3: 1-12
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." Now John wore a garment of camel's hair, and a leather girdle around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sad'ducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit that befits repentance, and do not presume to say to yourselves, `We have Abraham as our father'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
Reflection
St. John the Baptist gets a bit fiery here with the Pharisees and Sad'ducees, doesn't he? He calmly and peacefully baptizes all those who come to him, but when the "brood of vipers" approaches, he tells it like it is! These men are known to be hypocrites, and St. John will not have it. He will not allow them to claim baptism in the Spirit unless they also show change their lives.
Am I a hypocrite? Do I pledge to change but truly fall short in vital areas? We are all sinners in need of repentance, but some offer only a lukewarm response to God's mercy, neglecting to "bear good fruit." St. John knew that Jesus would not tolerate such as these. In his humility, he tried to warn them of what was to come. Most didn't listen.
Do I heed the warning that Christ is coming? Do I live my days as if each day was my last opportunity to show God my love and devotion? How can I ensure that each day is spent producing fruit that the Lord would value? Does my Baptism inspire me daily to actively pursue holiness? Or do I shrug my shoulders and merely "try"?
Mary's yes at the Annunciation was not lukewarm. She did not shrug her shoulders and say, "Whatever you want; you're God." How often do I have this reaction to challenging events in my life? Her acceptance of the will of God was difficult, and she confidently responded, "Let it be done unto me..." She essentially told God to "bring it on!" Her response was strong, not weak. What is my usual response to God?
St. John the Baptist warns the Pharisees, but he also warns us. Am I ready to face Christ's winnowing fork? Do my actions clearly communicate my faith in God? This Advent season, how can I better embrace my Baptismal calling to live no longer but let Christ live in me?
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." Now John wore a garment of camel's hair, and a leather girdle around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sad'ducees coming for baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit that befits repentance, and do not presume to say to yourselves, `We have Abraham as our father'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
Reflection
St. John the Baptist gets a bit fiery here with the Pharisees and Sad'ducees, doesn't he? He calmly and peacefully baptizes all those who come to him, but when the "brood of vipers" approaches, he tells it like it is! These men are known to be hypocrites, and St. John will not have it. He will not allow them to claim baptism in the Spirit unless they also show change their lives.
Am I a hypocrite? Do I pledge to change but truly fall short in vital areas? We are all sinners in need of repentance, but some offer only a lukewarm response to God's mercy, neglecting to "bear good fruit." St. John knew that Jesus would not tolerate such as these. In his humility, he tried to warn them of what was to come. Most didn't listen.
Do I heed the warning that Christ is coming? Do I live my days as if each day was my last opportunity to show God my love and devotion? How can I ensure that each day is spent producing fruit that the Lord would value? Does my Baptism inspire me daily to actively pursue holiness? Or do I shrug my shoulders and merely "try"?
Mary's yes at the Annunciation was not lukewarm. She did not shrug her shoulders and say, "Whatever you want; you're God." How often do I have this reaction to challenging events in my life? Her acceptance of the will of God was difficult, and she confidently responded, "Let it be done unto me..." She essentially told God to "bring it on!" Her response was strong, not weak. What is my usual response to God?
St. John the Baptist warns the Pharisees, but he also warns us. Am I ready to face Christ's winnowing fork? Do my actions clearly communicate my faith in God? This Advent season, how can I better embrace my Baptismal calling to live no longer but let Christ live in me?
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007 ~ First Sunday of Advent
Matthew 24: 37-44
As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they did not know until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of man. Then two men will be in the field; one is taken and one is left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one is taken and one is left. Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Reflection
We have NO idea! The day of the coming of the Lord is close at hand, yet we carry on with our lives. Especially during this holiday season, we are so busy that we can easily forget that Advent is not just about preparing for Christmas. It is also about preparing for the Second Coming. This Gospel leaves no doubt that we must prepare.
Am I ready? Let's go through the metaphorical rooms of our heart and see if things are as they should be. I hope you can follow my line of thinking, as I parallel our houses with our souls!
Is the entryway warm and inviting? If Christ enters today, will He trip over boots and backpacks? Will He find a tidy hall or perhaps a stone wall, keeping Him out? Maybe there is even a half-wall there, so you can see Him but He can't quite reach you.
Is my living space comfortable? Would Jesus feel at ease in my living room or family room, because He has visited there often? Are there images and sacramentals that ensure He has a place where the family gathers? Do my children know how to sit at His feet and hold two-way conversations with the Lord? Do I?
For all of us Marthas out there, do we have a stocked kitchen, ready for unexpected guests? Do we have warm drinks and sweet treats for our friends? Or are we panicking that we cannot offer them anything? Or worse, do we feel they would not want the humble snack we can offer? When is the last time I put my arm around a hurting friend, giving them warmth and comfort? Would I be able to offer the Lord something simple, yet elegant that showed Him I care?
And, is He staying for dinner? Is the dining room table always set with an extra spot? Do I have clean linens on the table or are they stained and tattered? Would I invite Him to eat with the family, regardless of how poor the children's manners? Would I remember that He loves them anyway? Or would I be embarrassed, beating myself up for not being Emily Post? Are there meat and potatoes ready to go, or can I only offer a few crusts of bread?
In what ways do I need to better prepare for Christ's coming at Christmas and beyond (assuming the Second Coming is not in the next three weeks!)? How can I take some time out from my hectic and busy December to clean things up inside, to make a place ready for Him?
A priest this weekend explained that BUSY is Being Under Satan's Yoke. Am I too busy? How can I best prioritize my lists to keep Satan at bay? What is Christ asking me to sacrifice this Advent to make ready for His coming?
As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they did not know until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of man. Then two men will be in the field; one is taken and one is left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one is taken and one is left. Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Reflection
We have NO idea! The day of the coming of the Lord is close at hand, yet we carry on with our lives. Especially during this holiday season, we are so busy that we can easily forget that Advent is not just about preparing for Christmas. It is also about preparing for the Second Coming. This Gospel leaves no doubt that we must prepare.
Am I ready? Let's go through the metaphorical rooms of our heart and see if things are as they should be. I hope you can follow my line of thinking, as I parallel our houses with our souls!
Is the entryway warm and inviting? If Christ enters today, will He trip over boots and backpacks? Will He find a tidy hall or perhaps a stone wall, keeping Him out? Maybe there is even a half-wall there, so you can see Him but He can't quite reach you.
Is my living space comfortable? Would Jesus feel at ease in my living room or family room, because He has visited there often? Are there images and sacramentals that ensure He has a place where the family gathers? Do my children know how to sit at His feet and hold two-way conversations with the Lord? Do I?
For all of us Marthas out there, do we have a stocked kitchen, ready for unexpected guests? Do we have warm drinks and sweet treats for our friends? Or are we panicking that we cannot offer them anything? Or worse, do we feel they would not want the humble snack we can offer? When is the last time I put my arm around a hurting friend, giving them warmth and comfort? Would I be able to offer the Lord something simple, yet elegant that showed Him I care?
And, is He staying for dinner? Is the dining room table always set with an extra spot? Do I have clean linens on the table or are they stained and tattered? Would I invite Him to eat with the family, regardless of how poor the children's manners? Would I remember that He loves them anyway? Or would I be embarrassed, beating myself up for not being Emily Post? Are there meat and potatoes ready to go, or can I only offer a few crusts of bread?
In what ways do I need to better prepare for Christ's coming at Christmas and beyond (assuming the Second Coming is not in the next three weeks!)? How can I take some time out from my hectic and busy December to clean things up inside, to make a place ready for Him?
A priest this weekend explained that BUSY is Being Under Satan's Yoke. Am I too busy? How can I best prioritize my lists to keep Satan at bay? What is Christ asking me to sacrifice this Advent to make ready for His coming?
Friday, November 23, 2007
Sunday, November 23, 2007 ~ Solemnity of Christ the King
Luke 23: 35-43
And the people stood by, watching; but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him vinegar, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Reflection
We imagine kings to be all-powerful rulers. We imagine them to be both wise and amiable in protecting their people and their kingdoms. We imagine they live in grand palaces or castles and receive the "royal treatment" from countless servants and aides. Christ the King, in the Gospel reading today, seems so different that the stereotypical king. But, is He really that different?
He is all-powerful. He is wise and amiable in His Divine Mercy. His only goal is to save us all from eternal damnation. His home is Heaven where angels and saints worship him day and night. The difference is that this King was also humble - humble enough to walk out of his castle and into the streets - humble enough to suffer severely to save His people and build His kingdom.
The kings we imagine, the existing leaders of our lands, are they humble enough to do what it takes? Do we imagine the ideal king to be both powerful AND humble? Are we grateful when they take sacrifices and risks to save and protect their people, even at the expense of their own reputations (and even when we disagree with their actions)?
Do I view Christ as my King? Do I realize that there is no disconnect between His Kingship and His Passion? They are integrated and necessary. How can I alter my view of Christ to worship Him as my King? Do I fall down at His feet and observe ceremonial rules in greeting Him? Do I serve and praise Him as my King? Is He the only King of my heart?
This is the last Sunday of our liturgical year. With Advent only one week away, the Church in her wisdom, urges us to look upon our Savior as royalty. She knows we will soon reflect on His birth, another instance of Christ the King's humility; therefore, we need to be reminded of His supremacy. For even in the form of a tiny babe, even bleeding and beaten to near death on the cross, Christ is the King. Christ is my King. Is He yours?
And the people stood by, watching; but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!" The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him vinegar, and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" There was also an inscription over him, "This is the King of the Jews." One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
Reflection
We imagine kings to be all-powerful rulers. We imagine them to be both wise and amiable in protecting their people and their kingdoms. We imagine they live in grand palaces or castles and receive the "royal treatment" from countless servants and aides. Christ the King, in the Gospel reading today, seems so different that the stereotypical king. But, is He really that different?
He is all-powerful. He is wise and amiable in His Divine Mercy. His only goal is to save us all from eternal damnation. His home is Heaven where angels and saints worship him day and night. The difference is that this King was also humble - humble enough to walk out of his castle and into the streets - humble enough to suffer severely to save His people and build His kingdom.
The kings we imagine, the existing leaders of our lands, are they humble enough to do what it takes? Do we imagine the ideal king to be both powerful AND humble? Are we grateful when they take sacrifices and risks to save and protect their people, even at the expense of their own reputations (and even when we disagree with their actions)?
Do I view Christ as my King? Do I realize that there is no disconnect between His Kingship and His Passion? They are integrated and necessary. How can I alter my view of Christ to worship Him as my King? Do I fall down at His feet and observe ceremonial rules in greeting Him? Do I serve and praise Him as my King? Is He the only King of my heart?
This is the last Sunday of our liturgical year. With Advent only one week away, the Church in her wisdom, urges us to look upon our Savior as royalty. She knows we will soon reflect on His birth, another instance of Christ the King's humility; therefore, we need to be reminded of His supremacy. For even in the form of a tiny babe, even bleeding and beaten to near death on the cross, Christ is the King. Christ is my King. Is He yours?
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007 ~ Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 21:5-19
And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, "As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." And they asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?" And he said, "Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name, saying, `I am he!' and, `The time is at hand!' Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once." Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be a time for you to bear testimony. Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.
Reflection
Does Christ here speak of the end of the world or of the reality of the world? It seems both, in my eyes. Especially with all the talk about rapture and the misunderstanding surrounding the last days, perhaps we have become oblivious to the message here. First, there is no way we will understand the things that will happen, so it is vanity to try. Second, we are to endure the trials listed in this Gospel passage today, tomorrow, and every day...until the end of the world.
Jesus explains that the beauty of the temples will be destroyed in the end. But before then, there will be false prophets and anti-Christs. There will be wars, natural disasters, illness, and famine. There will be signs from Heaven. We will be persecuted, even by our own family members, and perhaps killed for our faith in God. We will be hated.
Regardless of whether the Final Judgment is tomorrow or in 1000 years, we ARE living in the end times of which Christ speaks, and He instructs us to endure. He reminds us that the Spirit will give us the wisdom and words to bear our trials, and that He personally will protect every hair on our head.
How often do I consider that tomorrow could be the end of the world? Do I live as if each day was my last? Do I despair in the chaos around us or worry needlessly about world events? Are the struggles I face on par with what Jesus describes?
Am I hopeful and trusting of God's protection of my life? Do I act as if everything depended on me? How strong is my confidence that the Spirit will guide me? What can I do about these challenging times? Do I surrender to the Lord's goodness?
Especially as we approach Thanksgiving this week, let us find strength in giving thanks to God for His protection, guidance, and goodness amidst the turmoil.
And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, "As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." And they asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?" And he said, "Take heed that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name, saying, `I am he!' and, `The time is at hand!' Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; for this must first take place, but the end will not be at once." Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be a time for you to bear testimony. Settle it therefore in your minds, not to meditate beforehand how to answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and kinsmen and friends, and some of you they will put to death; you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.
Reflection
Does Christ here speak of the end of the world or of the reality of the world? It seems both, in my eyes. Especially with all the talk about rapture and the misunderstanding surrounding the last days, perhaps we have become oblivious to the message here. First, there is no way we will understand the things that will happen, so it is vanity to try. Second, we are to endure the trials listed in this Gospel passage today, tomorrow, and every day...until the end of the world.
Jesus explains that the beauty of the temples will be destroyed in the end. But before then, there will be false prophets and anti-Christs. There will be wars, natural disasters, illness, and famine. There will be signs from Heaven. We will be persecuted, even by our own family members, and perhaps killed for our faith in God. We will be hated.
Regardless of whether the Final Judgment is tomorrow or in 1000 years, we ARE living in the end times of which Christ speaks, and He instructs us to endure. He reminds us that the Spirit will give us the wisdom and words to bear our trials, and that He personally will protect every hair on our head.
How often do I consider that tomorrow could be the end of the world? Do I live as if each day was my last? Do I despair in the chaos around us or worry needlessly about world events? Are the struggles I face on par with what Jesus describes?
Am I hopeful and trusting of God's protection of my life? Do I act as if everything depended on me? How strong is my confidence that the Spirit will guide me? What can I do about these challenging times? Do I surrender to the Lord's goodness?
Especially as we approach Thanksgiving this week, let us find strength in giving thanks to God for His protection, guidance, and goodness amidst the turmoil.
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