the flu hit our home; enough said...
Matthew 17: 1-9
And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain apart. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Eli'jah, talking with him. And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is well that we are here; if you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli'jah." He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear." And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of man is raised from the dead." And the disciples asked him, "Then why do the scribes say that first Eli'jah must come?" He replied, "Eli'jah does come, and he is to restore all things; but I tell you that Eli'jah has already come, and they did not know him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of man will suffer at their hands." Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and kneeling before him said, "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly; for often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him." And Jesus answered, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me." And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast it out?"
Reflection
We want Heaven NOW! We want the power to cast out demons, too! Sometimes I hear myself talking to Jesus and wonder why He puts up with my whining. I struggle to exorcise it from my kids on a daily basis, because it drives me up the wall! My latest retort - "My name is not 'Moooooooooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!' It's Mommy." But, I digress.
This Gospel reading of the Transfiguration is amazing. Peter, James, and John head up the mountain with Jesus, thinking He's going to take a nap. Instead, they get to witness a glimpse of Heaven on Earth. Obviously, they want to stay and expect that is the plan. Let's build a couple of tents, Lord! This is WAY better than the tough life we live down in the valley! God's voice from Heaven humbles them, however, and reminds them of the gift they have in Jesus.
My favorite part, though, is the ending. The man insists the disciples could not heal his son, and the disciples are also puzzled. Jesus' response is to pity them and, of course, to heal the boy. Yes, if I had said, "How long am I to bear with you?", it would be with a breathy sigh, fed up with the lack of faith. But, I am certain that Christ's voice was gentle, calm, and loving, full of mercy and pity.
Do I whine too much? To co-workers? To my husband? To my children? Do I tolerate the whining of others? Am I grateful for the here and now or am I constantly unsatisfied? It is one thing to seek holiness and yet another to despair that it will never happen.
What glimpses of God's glory do I see in my daily life? When is the last time I pointed out His glory to my children? Do I recognize His Kingdom "under construction" here on Earth? Do I live in this world but not of this world? Do I struggle with being a part of the world and isolate myself too much?
Do I believe ALL things are possible with Christ? What are my doubts? How can I increase my faith? Do I hear Jesus' gentle voice, tolerating my weaknesses and loving me despite myself? When is the last time I sunk into His merciful embrace?
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008 ~ First Sunday of Lent
Matthew 4: 1-11
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And he fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written, `Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, `He will give his angels charge of you,' and `On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, `You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'" Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them; and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Begone, Satan! for it is written, `You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'" Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him.
Reflection
It is Lent, and I am fondly remembering the days when I had to give up something relatively easy like television or chocolate. This Lent, God is definitely calling me to something bigger, or maybe it's just now that I'm finally listening to what He really wants out of me. My Lenten resolutions are more character-centered, practical ways to get rid of the sins and temptations to sin that cause my soul such unrest. For I long to be closer to Christ, but as St. Paul says, "For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." (Romans 7:15)
In this week's Gospel, Satan tempts Jesus and tries to exploit His weaknesses - hunger, fear of death, and desire for power. Of course, being God, Jesus can overcome all temptations and all human weakness. It is not so easy for us. Is it? But, Satan DOES try the exact same approach with us. So, the answer is to eliminate weakness and strengthen our resistance to temptation. Lent is a gift we are given to motivate us to practice such soul-refining, as challenging as it may be.
Do my Lenten resolutions of prayer and fasting ensure my growth in virtue and elimination of sin? Or have they become meaningless practices whose effect is lost the day after Easter? Did I spend time asking God what He is asking of me these 40 days? Have I asked Him for the guidance to grow in virtue?
Have I made a good Confession lately? Have I spent quality time in examining my conscience and identifying my faults? Do I have practical steps to take to reform my ways? If I commit the same sins over and over again, what can I do to stop the cycle?
Is there time in my Lenten practices for quiet? Jesus went to the desert for forty days and saw no one and only communicated with God. Do I put my communication with God first? Do my children and husband know that I am trying to spend time in prayer, so they can help me do so? When is the last time I spent time in Eucharistic Adoration? Can I take my children to 30 minutes of Adoration every week of Lent?
My daughter has a list of special forms of prayer and a list of fasting options for Lent. Each day she chooses one from each list. Friday, she chose Adoration, a good day, since our parish has Eucharistic Adoration on Fridays during Lent. Her comment to me was, "Mom, you'll like that, because then you'll have quiet time to pray." Wow! She's 5. I was so touched by her simple thought, and I relished that 30 minutes of relative quiet as both kids prayed and "read" their Bibles silently nearby. It was inconvenient to go, but it was worth every second.
The Lord is waiting to hear from you, waiting for you to surrender your soul to His will. Are you ready for forty days of change? I am!
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And he fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread." But he answered, "It is written, `Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, `He will give his angels charge of you,' and `On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, `You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'" Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them; and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Begone, Satan! for it is written, `You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'" Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministered to him.
Reflection
It is Lent, and I am fondly remembering the days when I had to give up something relatively easy like television or chocolate. This Lent, God is definitely calling me to something bigger, or maybe it's just now that I'm finally listening to what He really wants out of me. My Lenten resolutions are more character-centered, practical ways to get rid of the sins and temptations to sin that cause my soul such unrest. For I long to be closer to Christ, but as St. Paul says, "For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." (Romans 7:15)
In this week's Gospel, Satan tempts Jesus and tries to exploit His weaknesses - hunger, fear of death, and desire for power. Of course, being God, Jesus can overcome all temptations and all human weakness. It is not so easy for us. Is it? But, Satan DOES try the exact same approach with us. So, the answer is to eliminate weakness and strengthen our resistance to temptation. Lent is a gift we are given to motivate us to practice such soul-refining, as challenging as it may be.
Do my Lenten resolutions of prayer and fasting ensure my growth in virtue and elimination of sin? Or have they become meaningless practices whose effect is lost the day after Easter? Did I spend time asking God what He is asking of me these 40 days? Have I asked Him for the guidance to grow in virtue?
Have I made a good Confession lately? Have I spent quality time in examining my conscience and identifying my faults? Do I have practical steps to take to reform my ways? If I commit the same sins over and over again, what can I do to stop the cycle?
Is there time in my Lenten practices for quiet? Jesus went to the desert for forty days and saw no one and only communicated with God. Do I put my communication with God first? Do my children and husband know that I am trying to spend time in prayer, so they can help me do so? When is the last time I spent time in Eucharistic Adoration? Can I take my children to 30 minutes of Adoration every week of Lent?
My daughter has a list of special forms of prayer and a list of fasting options for Lent. Each day she chooses one from each list. Friday, she chose Adoration, a good day, since our parish has Eucharistic Adoration on Fridays during Lent. Her comment to me was, "Mom, you'll like that, because then you'll have quiet time to pray." Wow! She's 5. I was so touched by her simple thought, and I relished that 30 minutes of relative quiet as both kids prayed and "read" their Bibles silently nearby. It was inconvenient to go, but it was worth every second.
The Lord is waiting to hear from you, waiting for you to surrender your soul to His will. Are you ready for forty days of change? I am!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Sunday, February 3, 2008 ~ Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Matthew 5: 1-12
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Reflection
To me, these are such comforting words. Not only does Jesus outline for us how to live a Christian life, He also gives meaning to suffering. Our world does not value suffering. From "helping" the elderly die quickly to avoid more pain to turning a blind eye to the beggar on the street, we have forgotten that they hold the key to holiness, a beautiful gift, a connection to God.
I just finished reading The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene, truly a masterpiece of historical fiction! It takes place during the persecutions of the Church in Mexico and follows the last practicing priest in the state on the run from the government. Priests have been ordered to marry and stop administering the sacraments. At one point, the priest is speaking to a police officer, trying to help him see that the suffering he has endured on the run and the suffering the poor people of Mexico survive is a blessing, not a curse. To deaf ears, he explains that there is the potential for God's mercy and even for joy if one embraces his condition, living faithfully the purpose God set for his life. Needless to say, the brainwashed officer does not understand, although his conscience tugs at him for the rest of the book.
Jesus offers so much peace in the Beatitudes above. He urges, like Greene's character, that no matter who you are or where you are, there is holiness to be gained in each moment. If we just embrace the crosses and the gifts we have been given, we will grow closer and closer to Christ every day. It takes living with purpose, God's purpose. There are many self-help programs out there, intending to help us find our purpose and live it (including one recently released by Oprah which includes mantras that deny the existence of sin, evil, or even the devil, but I won't even get started on that...), but the Catholic Church has taught us our purpose for thousands of years - love God.
If you are old enough (older than me), do you remember? "God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him for ever in heaven." Why must there be something more complicated than this? Yes, it means something different to each person in practical terms, but the root is the same. We are the ones who try to make it complex. All God wants is our faith, love, and service. The Beatitudes are a roadmap for this.
Am I poor in spirit? Do I seek out the simplicity of loving God? Is there quiet and peace in my days?
Do I mourn? Do I empathize with others' plights? Do I respect the suffering some endure?
Am I meek? Do I embrace humility? Am I prideful?
Do I hunger and thirst for righteousness? Do I do anything about it?
Am I merciful? With my husband? With my children? With my co-workers? With myself?
Am I pure in heart? How honest am I in my every day dealings? How sincere am I with others? Do I allow the sexual sins of the popular culture to corrupt my eyes? my mind? my actions?
Am I a peacemaker? Do I seek out every battle? Do I always pick sides? Do I try to understand different points of view?
Am I persecuted for righteousness' sake? Do I hide my opinions for fear of criticism?
Do men revile me and persecute me and utter all kinds of evil against me falsely on Jesus' account? Are there people in my life who are skeptical of how I live my faith?
Am I truly bless-ed?
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Reflection
To me, these are such comforting words. Not only does Jesus outline for us how to live a Christian life, He also gives meaning to suffering. Our world does not value suffering. From "helping" the elderly die quickly to avoid more pain to turning a blind eye to the beggar on the street, we have forgotten that they hold the key to holiness, a beautiful gift, a connection to God.
I just finished reading The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene, truly a masterpiece of historical fiction! It takes place during the persecutions of the Church in Mexico and follows the last practicing priest in the state on the run from the government. Priests have been ordered to marry and stop administering the sacraments. At one point, the priest is speaking to a police officer, trying to help him see that the suffering he has endured on the run and the suffering the poor people of Mexico survive is a blessing, not a curse. To deaf ears, he explains that there is the potential for God's mercy and even for joy if one embraces his condition, living faithfully the purpose God set for his life. Needless to say, the brainwashed officer does not understand, although his conscience tugs at him for the rest of the book.
Jesus offers so much peace in the Beatitudes above. He urges, like Greene's character, that no matter who you are or where you are, there is holiness to be gained in each moment. If we just embrace the crosses and the gifts we have been given, we will grow closer and closer to Christ every day. It takes living with purpose, God's purpose. There are many self-help programs out there, intending to help us find our purpose and live it (including one recently released by Oprah which includes mantras that deny the existence of sin, evil, or even the devil, but I won't even get started on that...), but the Catholic Church has taught us our purpose for thousands of years - love God.
If you are old enough (older than me), do you remember? "God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him for ever in heaven." Why must there be something more complicated than this? Yes, it means something different to each person in practical terms, but the root is the same. We are the ones who try to make it complex. All God wants is our faith, love, and service. The Beatitudes are a roadmap for this.
Am I poor in spirit? Do I seek out the simplicity of loving God? Is there quiet and peace in my days?
Do I mourn? Do I empathize with others' plights? Do I respect the suffering some endure?
Am I meek? Do I embrace humility? Am I prideful?
Do I hunger and thirst for righteousness? Do I do anything about it?
Am I merciful? With my husband? With my children? With my co-workers? With myself?
Am I pure in heart? How honest am I in my every day dealings? How sincere am I with others? Do I allow the sexual sins of the popular culture to corrupt my eyes? my mind? my actions?
Am I a peacemaker? Do I seek out every battle? Do I always pick sides? Do I try to understand different points of view?
Am I persecuted for righteousness' sake? Do I hide my opinions for fear of criticism?
Do men revile me and persecute me and utter all kinds of evil against me falsely on Jesus' account? Are there people in my life who are skeptical of how I live my faith?
Am I truly bless-ed?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008 ~ Third Sunday in Ordinary Time
Matthew 4: 12-23
Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Caper'na-um by the sea, in the territory of Zeb'ulun and Naph'tali, that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: "The land of Zeb'ulun and the land of Naph'tali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles -- the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned." From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zeb'edee and John his brother, in the boat with Zeb'edee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. And he went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.
Reflection
Wow! These guys dropped everything and left. Can you imagine if the Lord came to you tomorrow and said, "I need you to come with me, now. Drop everything. Let's go!" Part of me would be so excited and overwhelmed to see Jesus that I might collapse in joy and fear. Part of me would be terrified, because I am definitely not ready for my judgment. And, part of me would hesitate: but what about the kids? the laundry? the dinner on the stove? That's called doubt, and I've got plenty of it.
My current naptime reading (this is what I read with one hand while I rub my 2 1/2 year old's back with the other hand until he falls asleep, so he will actually take a nap most days) is called You're Late Again, Lord! The book itself is short and sweet, but not profound - while you're waiting for whatever it is you want or think you need, be sure to wait with purpose. Look for the lesson in the moment, the opportunity to improve yourself now, because God gave you this time of waiting for a reason.
Another book I read before marriage, called Lady in Waiting, gives almost identical advice to women waiting for a husband. Prepare yourself. Take the time you have to grow closer to God, so He can make you ready for the man He wants you to marry. I highly recommend this book for single women hoping for or discerning marriage.
How good am I at waiting? How good am I at responding to God's call when it does happen? Do I have doubts that keep me from surrendering to God's will? Do I believe that He is not trying to punish me by making me wait, just refine me? Do I resent that I need to be refined in order to reach what I think I need? What is God calling me to do today in my life? Am I dropping everything to obey? Do I embrace the current purpose God has for me, regardless of whether I think it is useful or best? Do I ask God too many "why" questions?
I am definitely struggling to let go of everything I think I need, my nets and boats, and walk down the path Christ is leading me. He knows what is best, not me. That's right. He knows what is best, NOT me. And, even though I can't see one step in front of me, I will continue to pray for the courage to keep following Him, one step at a time.
Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth he went and dwelt in Caper'na-um by the sea, in the territory of Zeb'ulun and Naph'tali, that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: "The land of Zeb'ulun and the land of Naph'tali, toward the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles -- the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned." From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zeb'edee and John his brother, in the boat with Zeb'edee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. And he went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every infirmity among the people.
Reflection
Wow! These guys dropped everything and left. Can you imagine if the Lord came to you tomorrow and said, "I need you to come with me, now. Drop everything. Let's go!" Part of me would be so excited and overwhelmed to see Jesus that I might collapse in joy and fear. Part of me would be terrified, because I am definitely not ready for my judgment. And, part of me would hesitate: but what about the kids? the laundry? the dinner on the stove? That's called doubt, and I've got plenty of it.
My current naptime reading (this is what I read with one hand while I rub my 2 1/2 year old's back with the other hand until he falls asleep, so he will actually take a nap most days) is called You're Late Again, Lord! The book itself is short and sweet, but not profound - while you're waiting for whatever it is you want or think you need, be sure to wait with purpose. Look for the lesson in the moment, the opportunity to improve yourself now, because God gave you this time of waiting for a reason.
Another book I read before marriage, called Lady in Waiting, gives almost identical advice to women waiting for a husband. Prepare yourself. Take the time you have to grow closer to God, so He can make you ready for the man He wants you to marry. I highly recommend this book for single women hoping for or discerning marriage.
How good am I at waiting? How good am I at responding to God's call when it does happen? Do I have doubts that keep me from surrendering to God's will? Do I believe that He is not trying to punish me by making me wait, just refine me? Do I resent that I need to be refined in order to reach what I think I need? What is God calling me to do today in my life? Am I dropping everything to obey? Do I embrace the current purpose God has for me, regardless of whether I think it is useful or best? Do I ask God too many "why" questions?
I am definitely struggling to let go of everything I think I need, my nets and boats, and walk down the path Christ is leading me. He knows what is best, not me. That's right. He knows what is best, NOT me. And, even though I can't see one step in front of me, I will continue to pray for the courage to keep following Him, one step at a time.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008 ~ Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
John 1: 29-34
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, `After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.' I myself did not know him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel." And John bore witness, "I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him; but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, `He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God."
Reflection
John believed. He proclaims in a confident voice that Jesus is the Son of God. Do I? How many times do I shy away from speaking about Christ or God's role in my life? Am I fearful of what others may think or say in response? In this Gospel passage, we are given the opportunity to renew our commitment to evangelization. This seems only proper in the secularized culture of today.
Jesus can and will take away the sins of the world. Our sins are great, but His power is greater. John the Baptist proclaimed this to all who would listen. He bore witness and baptized many to free them from their sins. This week is the 34th anniversary of our Supreme Court's horrendous decision to allow the murder of an unborn child at any time from conception until birth. Those who have cooperated in, supported, or been involved with the legal killing of more than 600,000,000 babies through chemical or surgical abortions in our country need Christ's mercy. Will you give it to them?
How often do I get a chance to subtly speak up for life? Do I speak properly to and about those women who are pregnant, speaking of the children as already living? These women are expecting the birth of their babies, but they already have a new family member! When I see pregnant women, do I remind my children there is a baby in their tummy, speaking loudly enough for those around me to hear? Do I encourage women to celebrate the closeness they share with their unborn child, in spite of her many discomforts?
Do I know anyone who has lost a baby due to miscarriage or stillbirth? Do I speak of and regard that family's loss with the same regard as one who has had an older child die? Most people agree it is a great tragedy for a parent to watch a child die, but we forget this applies to unborn children, as well. Holding a funeral and/or Mass for the children, sending cards of condolence, and offering prayers for the child and family are essential to healing these wounds. How do I minister to others who are in such pain?
Many thought John the Baptist was crazy. He wore a camel hair shirt and ate honey and locusts! What wild things do we do for our faith in Jesus Christ? Maybe some of our family or friends do think we are crazy for the unique way we live our lives, whether that be attending certain churches or Masses, catechizing our children, praying the family Rosary, or simply speaking of Christ in an easy way. Do I shy away from such skepticism? Or do I continue to shamelessly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord and that He takes away even the worst sins? Do I love my neighbor enough to share Christ's mercy with him or her, regardless of the personal cost?
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, `After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.' I myself did not know him; but for this I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel." And John bore witness, "I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him; but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, `He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God."
Reflection
John believed. He proclaims in a confident voice that Jesus is the Son of God. Do I? How many times do I shy away from speaking about Christ or God's role in my life? Am I fearful of what others may think or say in response? In this Gospel passage, we are given the opportunity to renew our commitment to evangelization. This seems only proper in the secularized culture of today.
Jesus can and will take away the sins of the world. Our sins are great, but His power is greater. John the Baptist proclaimed this to all who would listen. He bore witness and baptized many to free them from their sins. This week is the 34th anniversary of our Supreme Court's horrendous decision to allow the murder of an unborn child at any time from conception until birth. Those who have cooperated in, supported, or been involved with the legal killing of more than 600,000,000 babies through chemical or surgical abortions in our country need Christ's mercy. Will you give it to them?
How often do I get a chance to subtly speak up for life? Do I speak properly to and about those women who are pregnant, speaking of the children as already living? These women are expecting the birth of their babies, but they already have a new family member! When I see pregnant women, do I remind my children there is a baby in their tummy, speaking loudly enough for those around me to hear? Do I encourage women to celebrate the closeness they share with their unborn child, in spite of her many discomforts?
Do I know anyone who has lost a baby due to miscarriage or stillbirth? Do I speak of and regard that family's loss with the same regard as one who has had an older child die? Most people agree it is a great tragedy for a parent to watch a child die, but we forget this applies to unborn children, as well. Holding a funeral and/or Mass for the children, sending cards of condolence, and offering prayers for the child and family are essential to healing these wounds. How do I minister to others who are in such pain?
Many thought John the Baptist was crazy. He wore a camel hair shirt and ate honey and locusts! What wild things do we do for our faith in Jesus Christ? Maybe some of our family or friends do think we are crazy for the unique way we live our lives, whether that be attending certain churches or Masses, catechizing our children, praying the family Rosary, or simply speaking of Christ in an easy way. Do I shy away from such skepticism? Or do I continue to shamelessly proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord and that He takes away even the worst sins? Do I love my neighbor enough to share Christ's mercy with him or her, regardless of the personal cost?
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