Luke 12: 13-21
One of the multitude said to him, "Teacher, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me." But he said to him, "Man, who made me a judge or divider over you?" And he said to them, "Take heed, and beware of all covetousness; for a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." And he told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, `What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' And he said, `I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.' But God said to him, `Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
Personal Reflection
The sins of our culture are many, but one of the biggest and probably the easiest to penetrate even the holiest of households is materialism. Coveting our neighbors goods is a sin. Our appearance-driven society leads us into daily temptation. How do I hold up? Do I look through my Pottery Barn catalog with an eye to serve God? Do I watch HDTV to be a good steward of my daily bread? Or, are these instances of temptation for me?
Much has been written throughout Church history on how to simplify our lives. Jesus reminds us "the abundance of [our] possessions" will not make us happy. All of us know someone who is unhappy and tries to fill his/her life with material goods or earthly successes. Most of the saints, however, practice poverty, austerity, some even drastically cutting themselves off from material things in order to avoid such temptations. What makes me happy?
Occasionally, I have the morbid thought that it would be nice if my house and all of my possessions were destroyed and insurance would cover their value. Then, if I had the chance to completely start over, would I have the strength to live as simply as my inner heart desires? I enjoy moving to a new home, because it is an opportunity to get rid of stuff. What things do I have that are unnecessary? What things do I have that are a result of giving into the temptation of trying to keep up with the Joneses? Can I part with them?
God reminds us that we know not the hour when our soul will stand before Him. Most of us do put a focus on those treasures that God values - our families, our faith, our virtues. But, all of us have room to grow. How can I be "[richer] toward God?" Can I reduce my material possessions to benefit others and grow closer to the Lord? Do I have a right attitude toward the material possessions I have and want, regardless of their quantity? It is not necessarily wrong to have; attitude counts.
We all know this life is passing. How often do I think of that fact on a daily basis? When is the last time I purged my closets? the kids' toys? my clothes? my shoes? etc? Is it time for me to let go of any items which I keep with unhealthy adoration? What objects would I be hesitant to give up? Are those with good reason?
I was brainwashed as a child by our culture to want more...more...more. I struggle with this on a daily basis, as we struggle to pay our bills. How can I break free of this constant tendency for covetousness? How can I break the cycle for my children and teach them to be grateful for what they have?
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Sunday, July 29 ~ Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 11: 1-13
He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." And he said to them, "When you pray, say: "Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive every one who is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation." And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; and he will answer from within, `Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything'? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Personal Reflection
These words speak volumes to me. Who better to teach us to pray than the Son Himself? When I say the Our Father, do I truly reflect on the words? Do I embrace their meaning? Do I truly want God's kingdom here on earth and believe it will come to pass? Do I trust He will provide for my needs today, even if I don't see from where tomorrow's bread will come? Do I examine myself daily and repent of my sins? The closer I am to God, the better I will know our sins. How close am I?
And, personally, I struggle with the story of the woman seeking bread. How about you? I find myself thinking, How can I, a miserable sinner, influence God? Well, my pastor explained it well to me not too long ago. I believe this is from St. Thomas Aquinas. There are blessings God will grant us whether we ask Him for them or not. There are blessings we will never receive whether we ask for them or not. Then, there are those blessings that God will bestow upon us ONLY if we ask Him for them, thus demonstrating our faith that they will come to pass. How do I see each of these qualifiers in my life?
Finally, I am always touched by this story about the fish and the snake. It is a reminder to me that our God is not a vengeful God. He is merciful and loves us. A dear friend just reminded me that the Church is a hospital for sinners not a haven for the holy. Again, the closer we get to God, the clearer we can see our sins, and the more culpable we are for them. Do I really believe God is my loving Father? Do I ask Him as a child would ask his/her Daddy?
How do I pray? The act of praying alone will bring us closer to God, whether the prayer is answered our way or not. Isn't that amazing? It means that no matter what gibberish we spout in prayer (excepting blasphemy, perhaps), it will have positive results for our soul. Is my prayer life where it should be? How can I dedicate myself anew to prayer and pour my heart into the time I set aside for it on a daily basis?
He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." And he said to them, "When you pray, say: "Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread; and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive every one who is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation." And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; and he will answer from within, `Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything'? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Personal Reflection
These words speak volumes to me. Who better to teach us to pray than the Son Himself? When I say the Our Father, do I truly reflect on the words? Do I embrace their meaning? Do I truly want God's kingdom here on earth and believe it will come to pass? Do I trust He will provide for my needs today, even if I don't see from where tomorrow's bread will come? Do I examine myself daily and repent of my sins? The closer I am to God, the better I will know our sins. How close am I?
And, personally, I struggle with the story of the woman seeking bread. How about you? I find myself thinking, How can I, a miserable sinner, influence God? Well, my pastor explained it well to me not too long ago. I believe this is from St. Thomas Aquinas. There are blessings God will grant us whether we ask Him for them or not. There are blessings we will never receive whether we ask for them or not. Then, there are those blessings that God will bestow upon us ONLY if we ask Him for them, thus demonstrating our faith that they will come to pass. How do I see each of these qualifiers in my life?
Finally, I am always touched by this story about the fish and the snake. It is a reminder to me that our God is not a vengeful God. He is merciful and loves us. A dear friend just reminded me that the Church is a hospital for sinners not a haven for the holy. Again, the closer we get to God, the clearer we can see our sins, and the more culpable we are for them. Do I really believe God is my loving Father? Do I ask Him as a child would ask his/her Daddy?
How do I pray? The act of praying alone will bring us closer to God, whether the prayer is answered our way or not. Isn't that amazing? It means that no matter what gibberish we spout in prayer (excepting blasphemy, perhaps), it will have positive results for our soul. Is my prayer life where it should be? How can I dedicate myself anew to prayer and pour my heart into the time I set aside for it on a daily basis?
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Sunday, July 22 ~ Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 10:38-42
Now as they went on their way, he entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her."
Personal Reflection
I am SO Martha!!! Making me sit down to pray for even five minutes can sometimes be like pulling teeth. I have TOO many things to do. As a wife and mother, there is always something else I can be doing besides stop and pray, but intellectually, I know it is like starving myself. If I don't stop and sit, the whole household suffers.
I understand two kinds of prayer that the Lord calls us to enjoy as mothers. The hardest one for me is "still" prayer. Scripture says, "Be still and know that I am God." If we don't take time out of our day to stop everything and focus on the Lord, we will lose Him. There must be time in our day where we stop everything and focus only on God. Our children can be taught to respect that time, especially when we keep a regular routine about it. In fact, if we neglect our "still" prayer, we can't enjoy "moving" prayer.
To me, "moving" prayer are the events of our day spent with Jesus. He is beside us as we care for our children and wash our dishes. Hopefully, He is here as I move my fingers to type these words for you. It is noble to offer our work for the Lord, so that in all things He is present. Martha was not wrong by doing her work; she was wrong by being distracted and choosing to work without first being still! Our focus, whether we are still or moving should be God.
Mary's better part is that when the Lord needed her undivided attention, she was still and listened to Him. We know the Lord didn't need a grand meal prepared for Him; He made a banquet out of five loaves and three fish. Martha was just trying to be hospitable, to show her love through acts of service, a valid course. Martha's busy work, however, was not directed as prayer. It was neither "still" prayer nor "moving" prayer, and at that moment, Jesus needed her to be "still" and listen to Him first, before being able to turn her work into a prayer.
So, am I Martha, or have I learned Mary's way? Do I put my "still" prayer time first in my day? If it is not practical to do first in the morning, is it at least first in priority? Is the rest of my day spent in "moving" prayer, or do I neglect the opportunity to spend my time of work with God? If Jesus walked into my home today, would He chastise me as He did Martha? What about yesterday?
As women, many times this passage is read, and we become defensive like Martha. "If I sit with Jesus all day, nothing will get done!" True, but I don't believe Jesus asks us to sit with Him all day. I think He asks us to work with Him all day and sit when He is trying to tell us something. It is a rare occasion, but it does happen, where prayer consumes a person so much, that he or she neglects his or her duties in life. Maybe you are one of these people and need to scale back your "still" prayer to serve your family with "moving" prayer. Reflect on these things, but refrain from becoming defensive. Jesus Christ is the best teacher there ever was or ever will be; hear Him.
Lord, please help me to be still, sit at your feet, and listen attentively to your every word, so that I may keep you near to me throughout my day as I offer my work as a moving prayer through service to my family and neighbor.
Now as they went on their way, he entered a village; and a woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her."
Personal Reflection
I am SO Martha!!! Making me sit down to pray for even five minutes can sometimes be like pulling teeth. I have TOO many things to do. As a wife and mother, there is always something else I can be doing besides stop and pray, but intellectually, I know it is like starving myself. If I don't stop and sit, the whole household suffers.
I understand two kinds of prayer that the Lord calls us to enjoy as mothers. The hardest one for me is "still" prayer. Scripture says, "Be still and know that I am God." If we don't take time out of our day to stop everything and focus on the Lord, we will lose Him. There must be time in our day where we stop everything and focus only on God. Our children can be taught to respect that time, especially when we keep a regular routine about it. In fact, if we neglect our "still" prayer, we can't enjoy "moving" prayer.
To me, "moving" prayer are the events of our day spent with Jesus. He is beside us as we care for our children and wash our dishes. Hopefully, He is here as I move my fingers to type these words for you. It is noble to offer our work for the Lord, so that in all things He is present. Martha was not wrong by doing her work; she was wrong by being distracted and choosing to work without first being still! Our focus, whether we are still or moving should be God.
Mary's better part is that when the Lord needed her undivided attention, she was still and listened to Him. We know the Lord didn't need a grand meal prepared for Him; He made a banquet out of five loaves and three fish. Martha was just trying to be hospitable, to show her love through acts of service, a valid course. Martha's busy work, however, was not directed as prayer. It was neither "still" prayer nor "moving" prayer, and at that moment, Jesus needed her to be "still" and listen to Him first, before being able to turn her work into a prayer.
So, am I Martha, or have I learned Mary's way? Do I put my "still" prayer time first in my day? If it is not practical to do first in the morning, is it at least first in priority? Is the rest of my day spent in "moving" prayer, or do I neglect the opportunity to spend my time of work with God? If Jesus walked into my home today, would He chastise me as He did Martha? What about yesterday?
As women, many times this passage is read, and we become defensive like Martha. "If I sit with Jesus all day, nothing will get done!" True, but I don't believe Jesus asks us to sit with Him all day. I think He asks us to work with Him all day and sit when He is trying to tell us something. It is a rare occasion, but it does happen, where prayer consumes a person so much, that he or she neglects his or her duties in life. Maybe you are one of these people and need to scale back your "still" prayer to serve your family with "moving" prayer. Reflect on these things, but refrain from becoming defensive. Jesus Christ is the best teacher there ever was or ever will be; hear Him.
Lord, please help me to be still, sit at your feet, and listen attentively to your every word, so that I may keep you near to me throughout my day as I offer my work as a moving prayer through service to my family and neighbor.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Sunday, July 15 ~ Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 10:25-37
And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live." But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, `Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Personal Reflection
We often focus on this Gospel as the story of the Good Samaritan. It is indeed a wise lesson, but today, for me, I must focus on the command Jesus gives the lawyer: "Do this, and you will live." He is referring, of course, to "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." How well do I keep this command?
Do I love God with all of my heart? Are there other people or things which take priority over God? Do I have a deeper affection for God than for my husband? my children? Do I love God with a happy heart only, or when also it is dreary and sad? A challenge - read The Song of Solomon (only 7 chapters) and remember how God's heart is on fire with passionate love for you.
Do I love God with all of my soul? Are there corners of it that are dusty and dreary? Does sin hide in the shadows of my soul and need to be removed? What are my temptations and how can I rid my soul of them, so there is more room for loving God? As said in my Baptism, is my soul unstained or do I need to head to Confession? Do I recognize that I am not only flesh and blood but also soul - the breath of God? Do I preserve my body as a temple of the Holy Spirit and give my body AND soul to the Lord?
Do I love God with all of my strength? When it feels like there is nothing left in me, do I give it to God anyway? When I am beat at the end (or beginning) of a long day, do I still take those moments of prayer to love Him or do I flop on the couch? Do I have confidence God gives me the strength to get through each day, no matter how many challenges I may face? Or do I sometimes despair, wondering how I can make it through another moment? We are soldiers in the cavalry of love, and God is our armor to protect us from our enemies. It is not our choice whether or not to march onward; it is our obligation, our life, our vocation. God will give us strength; He will protect us.
Do I love God with all of my mind? What things are in my mind that take away from my relationship with God? Do my thoughts always praise Him and lead me to Him? Or do I harbor ill thoughts of others or circumstances in my life? Do I fill my mind with good things, maintaining custody of my eyes and ears, not viewing or listening to problematic material? Do I spend time in spiritual reading? Do I learn about my faith? Do I read the Scriptures? If I work, do I offer to God the knowledge that is crucial to my field?
Do I love my neighbor as myself? Forgive me, but occasionally, this command gets a snide remark from me... I'm pretty bad at loving myself, and that is how I love my neighbor. So, check that one off as done! :-) LOL! Seriously, there are two sides to this. We are all guilty of pride and selfishness. Do I love others as much as I love my own thoughts, ideas, desires, accomplishments? Do I put others before myself?
On the other hand, do I show my neighbor the honor, respect, and love that I expect and wish others to show me? (I'm pretty sure this is what Jesus' primary point was.) If I expect my children to obey, do I obey authority? If I wish my husband would bring me flowers, do I buy him his favorite beer on occasion? When was the last time I offered help to a friend or stranger without expecting anything in return? When was the last time I looked the other way when a friend or stranger could have used my help?
The bottom line: our whole selves must belong to God in praise of Him and service to others. Today, my pastor said to me, "Life is hard." I responded, "If it was easy, we wouldn't need God." I pray you will renew your commitment to give everything to Christ every day...even when life is hard.
And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live." But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, `Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
Personal Reflection
We often focus on this Gospel as the story of the Good Samaritan. It is indeed a wise lesson, but today, for me, I must focus on the command Jesus gives the lawyer: "Do this, and you will live." He is referring, of course, to "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." How well do I keep this command?
Do I love God with all of my heart? Are there other people or things which take priority over God? Do I have a deeper affection for God than for my husband? my children? Do I love God with a happy heart only, or when also it is dreary and sad? A challenge - read The Song of Solomon (only 7 chapters) and remember how God's heart is on fire with passionate love for you.
Do I love God with all of my soul? Are there corners of it that are dusty and dreary? Does sin hide in the shadows of my soul and need to be removed? What are my temptations and how can I rid my soul of them, so there is more room for loving God? As said in my Baptism, is my soul unstained or do I need to head to Confession? Do I recognize that I am not only flesh and blood but also soul - the breath of God? Do I preserve my body as a temple of the Holy Spirit and give my body AND soul to the Lord?
Do I love God with all of my strength? When it feels like there is nothing left in me, do I give it to God anyway? When I am beat at the end (or beginning) of a long day, do I still take those moments of prayer to love Him or do I flop on the couch? Do I have confidence God gives me the strength to get through each day, no matter how many challenges I may face? Or do I sometimes despair, wondering how I can make it through another moment? We are soldiers in the cavalry of love, and God is our armor to protect us from our enemies. It is not our choice whether or not to march onward; it is our obligation, our life, our vocation. God will give us strength; He will protect us.
Do I love God with all of my mind? What things are in my mind that take away from my relationship with God? Do my thoughts always praise Him and lead me to Him? Or do I harbor ill thoughts of others or circumstances in my life? Do I fill my mind with good things, maintaining custody of my eyes and ears, not viewing or listening to problematic material? Do I spend time in spiritual reading? Do I learn about my faith? Do I read the Scriptures? If I work, do I offer to God the knowledge that is crucial to my field?
Do I love my neighbor as myself? Forgive me, but occasionally, this command gets a snide remark from me... I'm pretty bad at loving myself, and that is how I love my neighbor. So, check that one off as done! :-) LOL! Seriously, there are two sides to this. We are all guilty of pride and selfishness. Do I love others as much as I love my own thoughts, ideas, desires, accomplishments? Do I put others before myself?
On the other hand, do I show my neighbor the honor, respect, and love that I expect and wish others to show me? (I'm pretty sure this is what Jesus' primary point was.) If I expect my children to obey, do I obey authority? If I wish my husband would bring me flowers, do I buy him his favorite beer on occasion? When was the last time I offered help to a friend or stranger without expecting anything in return? When was the last time I looked the other way when a friend or stranger could have used my help?
The bottom line: our whole selves must belong to God in praise of Him and service to others. Today, my pastor said to me, "Life is hard." I responded, "If it was easy, we wouldn't need God." I pray you will renew your commitment to give everything to Christ every day...even when life is hard.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Sunday, July 8 ~ Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 10:1-12, 17-20
After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to come. And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, `Peace be to this house!' And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages; do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you; heal the sick in it and say to them, `The kingdom of God has come near to you.' But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, `Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off against you; nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.' I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on that day for Sodom than for that town. The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
Personal Reflection
And, so it is today. Jesus sends us out into the world to prepare His earthly Kingdom for the day He returns in glory. Whenever I think of evangelizing, I get nervous. I am wary of speaking to others of Christ unless I already know they are believers. Why is that? How does evangelizing make you feel? Is it natural for you to bring up God in casual conversation? Have you ever done any "formal" evangelizing?
Jesus sent out his disciples in pairs to preach the Gospel. So, this gives me a bit of comfort. I might not be called to go on some huge evangelization quest to strangers by myself. If I am called to such a role, God will send me. I know of many wonderful programs within our Church where believers go out, two by two, to share Christ's love and mercy with others either full time or once in a while. I do not feel called to this type of service at this time in my life, and if you are a mom, you might not either.
I do, however, feel called to speak more about Christ on a daily basis. I want Him to be more prominent in my daily discussions. Our lives must be the Gospel for others. So, I think I can take Jesus' advice in this Gospel reading on how to go about that, with friends, family, strangers, and especially my own children. Consider the directions Christ gives his disciples.
First, he advises them to take nothing, not even sandals for their feet and to eat what is provided them. What faith He asks of them! Do I speak of Christ with confidence that He will provide what is needed for me at that moment? Or do I worry about what to say or even avoid saying anything until I have "looked it up?" It is important to admit our shortcomings and look things up when necessary, but we have all been given grace and can share something! Do I take time to study and learn more about my faith on a regular basis? Do I willingly accept the generosity of others? Or do I shun it, feeling unworthy or not wanting to be an inconvenience? If I turn away help from others, am I turning away Christ?
Christ's most interesting instruction in my opinion is to "be like lambs." We are to be docile and humble and gentle with others. We cannot preach with anger or aggressiveness. He tells us to share His kingdom if the people are willing to listen and if not to leave them behind. I tend to be persistent, perhaps too persistent at times. How gentle are my teachings to others? Are those with whom I speak about Jesus willing to hear me? Are they ready to listen? Or do I choose an inopportune time and cause division? Can I tell when they need me to back off or take a break, especially my children?
Finally, Jesus gives His disciples strength and reminds them of their focus. He claims nothing will hurt them, but that they must be humble and think of Heaven's promises alone. Does my faith sometimes cause me to condescend others? Do I think myself better than anyone? Who? Why? Do I have confidence in God's ability to protect me from evil, or do I worry too much? Do I keep Heaven always in mind as my ultimate goal? Or am I easily distracted by the things of the world? How do these faults interfere with my ability to bring Christ to others? How can I expect to lead others to Heaven if I'm wandering off that path myself?
I do not doubt that Jesus knows what He is saying here. He is God. We cannot have a "take it or leave it" attitude about his advice. It IS the Gospel; I pray for the humility to accept it, embrace it, and stop resisting it. May you be blessed with the same grace.
After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to come. And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, `Peace be to this house!' And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages; do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you; heal the sick in it and say to them, `The kingdom of God has come near to you.' But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, `Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off against you; nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.' I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on that day for Sodom than for that town. The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
Personal Reflection
And, so it is today. Jesus sends us out into the world to prepare His earthly Kingdom for the day He returns in glory. Whenever I think of evangelizing, I get nervous. I am wary of speaking to others of Christ unless I already know they are believers. Why is that? How does evangelizing make you feel? Is it natural for you to bring up God in casual conversation? Have you ever done any "formal" evangelizing?
Jesus sent out his disciples in pairs to preach the Gospel. So, this gives me a bit of comfort. I might not be called to go on some huge evangelization quest to strangers by myself. If I am called to such a role, God will send me. I know of many wonderful programs within our Church where believers go out, two by two, to share Christ's love and mercy with others either full time or once in a while. I do not feel called to this type of service at this time in my life, and if you are a mom, you might not either.
I do, however, feel called to speak more about Christ on a daily basis. I want Him to be more prominent in my daily discussions. Our lives must be the Gospel for others. So, I think I can take Jesus' advice in this Gospel reading on how to go about that, with friends, family, strangers, and especially my own children. Consider the directions Christ gives his disciples.
First, he advises them to take nothing, not even sandals for their feet and to eat what is provided them. What faith He asks of them! Do I speak of Christ with confidence that He will provide what is needed for me at that moment? Or do I worry about what to say or even avoid saying anything until I have "looked it up?" It is important to admit our shortcomings and look things up when necessary, but we have all been given grace and can share something! Do I take time to study and learn more about my faith on a regular basis? Do I willingly accept the generosity of others? Or do I shun it, feeling unworthy or not wanting to be an inconvenience? If I turn away help from others, am I turning away Christ?
Christ's most interesting instruction in my opinion is to "be like lambs." We are to be docile and humble and gentle with others. We cannot preach with anger or aggressiveness. He tells us to share His kingdom if the people are willing to listen and if not to leave them behind. I tend to be persistent, perhaps too persistent at times. How gentle are my teachings to others? Are those with whom I speak about Jesus willing to hear me? Are they ready to listen? Or do I choose an inopportune time and cause division? Can I tell when they need me to back off or take a break, especially my children?
Finally, Jesus gives His disciples strength and reminds them of their focus. He claims nothing will hurt them, but that they must be humble and think of Heaven's promises alone. Does my faith sometimes cause me to condescend others? Do I think myself better than anyone? Who? Why? Do I have confidence in God's ability to protect me from evil, or do I worry too much? Do I keep Heaven always in mind as my ultimate goal? Or am I easily distracted by the things of the world? How do these faults interfere with my ability to bring Christ to others? How can I expect to lead others to Heaven if I'm wandering off that path myself?
I do not doubt that Jesus knows what He is saying here. He is God. We cannot have a "take it or leave it" attitude about his advice. It IS the Gospel; I pray for the humility to accept it, embrace it, and stop resisting it. May you be blessed with the same grace.
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