December 27, 2015

December 27, 2015 Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph 1 Samuel 1: 20-22, 24-28; 1 John 3: 1-2, 21-24; Luke 2: 41-52 I remember for years hearing about the Holy Family —Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I heard that they were a ‘holy’ family and I wondered what that meant. What is a holy family? I remember our family: mom, dad, my three sisters, my brother and myself all going to the 7am Mass each Sunday morning. That was the ‘rule’ in our family — we went to church together. I remember people saying especially to mom and dad, ‘What a wonderful family you have’; and I thought ‘Well try living in this family for a while and you will see what its like, especially when you’re the youngest and have no voice in things.‘ I remember my first sleep over—I went to my good friends’ house and he had 7 brothers and sisters. I slept in the attic which I thought was a neat ‘hide-out’…then the family became ‘active’ as all families do…it was crazy—running, shouting, arguing and a lot more. When I returned home I told mom, I think I’ll just stay here, I don’t have to go and stay there anymore. ‘Our craziness, I can handle.’ So my yearly impressions were wondering what the Holy Family was ‘really like’? AND on hearing the account of Jesus ‘getting lost’ in the Temple and how He ‘talked back’ to His mother, I thought, ‘well if I ever talked back in that way my dad would ‘kill’ me. Today we come to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. What does the story tell us? What can I gleam from this that will help me in my growth toward living and toward the Lord? Today’s readings start with the wonderful story of Hannah. She was married to Elkanah who also had another wife Peninnah. Now Peninnah had children but Hannah was childless This was looked upon with distain and she prayed and prayed for a child. She prayed “to the Lord, weeping copiously and she made a vow promising…if you give me a male child, I will give him to the Lord for as long as he lives.” She conceives and presents Samuel, the child to the priest Eli. We learn at the end of the story that God blesses Hannah with five more children. We know nothing more about them or what becomes of them. But Samuel becomes a holy priest, prophet and the last judge of Israel. And I though what bravery it was from Hannah to give up her only child. John in his letter tells each of us that we “are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been reveled. We do know that when it is reveled we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” So what does it mean that we will one day be like God? Theologians describe God as ‘Truth, beauty, and goodness…other terms are Glory, honor and power; we also hear the expressions defining God as all-knowing, all-powerful, and always present. God is perfect and God is love. So does this mean what we will be becoming? Yes,…well for one, I know that I have a real long way to go. So how can I interpret these readings and what is the message for me? Fr. Basil Pennington is a Cistercian monk and one of the spiritual giants. In his book, Seeking His Mind, he took forty scripture passages from the life of Christ and spent time on them in a process called Lectio Divina. In this method you read a passage over and over until you almost have it memorized, then you reflect on it, rest with it and then respond in your own words. He shares this process with today’s Gospel. “On the Feast of the Holy Family (the Sunday after Christmas) we hear the Gospel account of the loss and finding of Jesus at the time of His family’s pilgrimage to Jerusalem, when He was twelve, a story that has many touching aspects. What family could be holier than this family? And yet here Jesus causes worry, tension, and anxiety, and Mary gives vent to her anger—with all the pathos of a good Jewish mother. By God’s mercy and grace, our monastic community is a holy family, and we come from holy families. Yet some of us monks have painfully had to live though the experience of causing disappointment and anger in our families, when we left them and joined our monastic family. Many of those whom we loved saw our joining this family as something like a bad marriage—at least until they got to know this wonderful family we had joined. Within the daily life of our monastic family, as in any family, some cause tension and others give vent to their anger. Looking to the Holy Family, we need to remember that this can be done without any fault or sin. Certainly Jesus was sinless. It may seem to us that He could have warned Mary and Joseph. He didn’t. Why? Perhaps circumstances were such that this was not possible. The occasion and inspiration to be about His Father’s business arose, and He could not get to them in time. Even if we grant that, I just confess that if I were the father of that twelve-year old and He answered His mother’s expression of anguish the way Jesus did, I would have been sorely tempted to let him experience a bit of my anger. The fact is, we often do not really understand what is going on in the other. What seems to us as dead wrong, they, according to their lights, see as the right thing to do. And they find it hard to understand why everyone else doesn’t see it that way too. We cannot control all the emotions that rise in us. What we can do is this. As persons guided by our reason, enlightened by faith and by Holy Spirit through the gifts of the Spirit, we can decide what we will do with our emotions. Mary on this occasion, and perhaps on many other occasions with her teenager, decided to express her anger, or at least her distress. ‘Child, why have You treated us like this?’ (I can easily hear my own mother’s voice here) If for a while there was tension, incomprehension, and even anger, in the end full harmony and due order were restored. The family returned home, and Jesus was subject to His parents. This was the climate for growth. And Jesus grew in wisdom, age, and grace. Here is the important point of this teaching (and the gospel stories are meant not so much to relate historical events as to teach): It is human to have misunderstandings, to cause tension and pain, to feel deeply about things. But whatever the misunderstanding, pain, or grievance, whatever the feelings and emotions, we need to let them go, and go on being a family of caring love. If this Holy Family could experience such tension and anger, then indeed we should not be surprised to find a certain amount of the same in our own holy families. If we can accept that even the holiest and sinless do cause tension, and do express their frustration and anger—accept it and pass beyond it and go on in a climate of love and care—we will have families in which we all grow in wisdom, age and grace.” So I reflect on: • How can I nurture love in those around me that is both affirming and challenging so that all can grow in wisdom, age and grace? • When have I lost sight of the Jesus I thought I knew, only to discover a truer, deeper Jesus? • “All who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.” Do I let Jesus amaze me with His life, His teachings and His love? Sacred Space 2016 says, “In my Father’s house.’ Do I believe that the Father’s house may be found within me? If I do, I can perhaps open myself to an even greater wonder: ‘Those who love Me will keep My word, any My Father will love them, and We will come to them and make Our home with them.’” (John 14:23)

Christmas 2015

It’s a great reflection to take a moment or two today to just sit and relax. Perhaps we could do that in front of the Manger Scene or in front of the Christmas tree and just REMEMBER. Remember the traditions and the people who were a part of these traditions down through the years. Let them pass in front of our eyes. Let the Spirit bring these images and loved ones to us. And express our gratitude for these love events and love people who have taught us, formed us, loved us and journeyed with us. Sacred Space 2016 shares these insights: “The Light of the World has come among us. He is born in the night with His own star blazing above Him. He lies in the dimness of a stable, that same Lord who, as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night, led the Israelites to freedom. He has come to bring His people from darkness into light. As we gaze into the manger, at the tiny creature who is given to us as a light to the nations, we can only whisper, ‘Come, let us adore Him.” “Now that Jesus has arrived, I have a whole new meaning to my life. I am becoming a daughter or son of God! I have been adopted into God’s own family. I am important to God! I can now feel happy about myself, no matter what difficulties may be in my life. Everyone else is important, too, so I ask to have great reverence from now on, for myself and for those around me.” So I pray… … perhaps these favorite prayers from Mother Teresa, A Simple Path may help. She states: “The prayers below are favorites of mine. I send them out to our co-workers, to volunteers, and give them to people who visit, to guide and help them as they serve others.” “Dear Lord, help me to spread Your fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my soul with Your spirit and life. Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly that all my life may only be a radiance of You. Shine through me, and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel Your presence in my soul. Let them look up and see no longer me but only You, O Lord! Stay with me, and then I shall begin to shine as You shine; so to shine as to be a light to others. The light O Lord will be all from You; none of it will be mine; It will be You, shining on others through me. Let me thus praise You in the way You love best, by shining on those around me. Let me preach You without preaching, not by words but by my example, by the catching force, the sympathetic influence of what I do, the evident fullness of the love my heart bears to You” John Henry Cardinal Newman “Make us worthy, Lord, to serve our fellow men throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them, through our hands, this day their daily bread; and by our understanding love, give peace and joy.” Pope Paul VI

December 20, 2015

4th Sunday of Advent C Micah 5: 1-4; Hebrews 10: 5-10; Luke 1: 39-45 We have five days to complete our preparations for Christmas. If I asked the question, ‘Are you ready for Christmas?’ I’m sure most would say, ‘NO!’ If I asked the question, ‘Are you spiritually ready for Christmas?’ I have a feeling that most would hesitate…wondering what it means to be ‘spiritually ready’. If I switched the question around and asked, ‘Do you believe in Christmas?’ I’m sure that a huge percentage of people would say, ‘Of course…absolutely.’ If I continued and asked, ‘What do you believe that Christmas is all about?’ I would get a vast variety of responses. Many would include that it’s about Jesus’ birth…a number would include some sort of reference to Dickens ‘Christmas Carol’. So many would include the giving of gifts, Christmas greeting cards, family gatherings and sharing. If I asked, ‘How strong is your belief in Jesus?’ Most would say, ‘Its pretty strong.’ If I then stated that ‘Christmas is about you and Jesus; about God’s love for you and God’s constant desire for you to realize that He is with you every moment leading you closer to Him.’ I’m not too sure what the responses would be. We seem very hesitant to talk about our faith. It’s an accepted fact that most people do not talk about how much money they have in the bank, how they voted or about their faith. Why is this so? Am I afraid that my faith is not strong enough? Am I afraid that I don’t pay that much attention to my faith? Do I feel that at this time I am busy about so many things and I do not take enough time to work on my faith? Then I might think that faith is a ‘thing’ versus faith being a belief, a conviction that God is present to me and God loves me just the way I am right now. In the Gospel, Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth. And immediately Elizabeth shared her faith, her love story of God. Living the Word, Scripture Reflections and Commentaries for Sundays and Holy Days shares these beautiful words and deep reflections, “John leaped in Elizabeth’s womb. Elizabeth called Mary blessed because Mary believed that the words of God’s promise would be fulfilled. She believed. We are five days from Christmas. The days can be hurried. The nights can be harried. Yet the promise of joy is in the air. We celebrate the time when God’s promise of peace begins to be fulfilled. Do we believe that ours is the time of fulfillment? Do we believe that God’s promised justice and peace, light and hope, mercy and visitation are meant for us? Do we believe that God’s will for us is to know God-with-us, Emmanuel, every day? Do we believe that our believing this promise can lighten the darkness and lessen the evil that surrounds us and fill our world?” Luke is the only Gospel writer that contains the full account of the birth of Jesus starting with the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist, through the announcement of the birth of Jesus, continuing through today’s visit of Mary to Elizabeth, Mary’s response of the ‘Magnificat,' the birth of John and the canticle of Zechariah, John’s father. It continues with the birth of Jesus and the visit of the Shepherds, the circumcision and naming of Jesus, His presentation in the Temple, the return to Nazareth and the boy Jesus in the Temple. Luke is recounting these events and we can pass over them so quickly that as in today’s event we have two miracles that we don’t take time to reflect on. With Mary and Elizabeth we have two women who ‘cannot’ bear children. Then there is the dangerous trip of a teenage Mary through the hill country. Luke is preparing us for another miracle, the Incarnation, the birth of Jesus. Each one of these events clearly show the presence and the action of the Holy Spirit. Philip McBrien in The Word of the Lord describes it in this way, “Most of all, these events illustrate the action of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit who has imparted life to Mary’s virgin womb . The Spirit stirs Mary to make a risky, even foolhardy journey through the hill country, the home turf of robbers and murderers. When Mary arrives, the Spirt fills Elizabeth, and the baby in her womb leaps for joy. Elizabeth is also graced to understand that the mother of the Lord has come to visit her. Subtly, with masterful strokes, Luke describes the Holy Spirit as the motivating force underneath the gospel. Extraordinary things happen when the Holy Spirit touches human lives.” And these messages are specifically meant for you and me today…that’s how important and special we are to God. Look at how the Sprit has been operating: why did you choose to pick up this blog today and read it? Why do your Christmas Cards say, ‘we send these special greetings and thanks to ‘YOU’ for all you have done to us and for us. The gifts echo the same sentiments, ‘It is so hard to shop for you but we picked this out especially for YOU because you are so an important part of our lives.’ Could YOU please find time to come to our party we would love to have YOU.’ The Christmas message is for you and for me INDIVIDUALLY. Each one of us is important and this season shows us that; but even more special is that each one of us is important to God just the way we are right now. Each of us is a part of God’s ‘grand design’ for the world. We don’t figure how that can be because we say, ‘Who am I?’ We feel great some days, feel that we are important and loved and that we touched some others. There are days we can feel a big part of the world when everything is going our way or the ‘right’ way. Then the days of confusion come when our belief is severely challenged: terrorist’s attacks, infants dying, natural disasters, starvations, innocent bystanders gunned down by a madman, jobs are lost, a loved one dies and it seems that life is filled with chaos and no answers. THE READINGS today tell us there is a GRAND PLAN behind all this—God’s plan. Many times it is hard to comprehend but it is part of God’s plan. Do I trust God? Do I really believe that God can bring all this craziness to fruition? Do I believe that God’s blueprint for the universe is one that is good, loving, true and perfect? Mary believed! Elizabeth believed! For me to believe means that I have to accept the sweet and sour moments of life as part of God’s plan. It means that God wants me where I am to be HIM to my world that is so in need of His love. How else can my world see this unless they see it in me? So I reflect on: • What did Micah’s audience expect the Messiah to do and to be? • How can the story of Mary and Elizabeth teach me about the movements of the Spirit in my life? • How can I bring hope and joy to those around me in pain and confusion? • To whom do I go when I am confused and in pain? Am I afraid to say that I am in need, please help me? Sacred Space 2016 says: “Elizabeth is given the special grace of an intimate insight and appreciation of what is happening and who is really present. Do I always appreciate what is happening and who is really present? When I encounter someone for the first time, do I perceive and respect that person as a son or daughter of God? What about the people I meet on a day-to-day basis?” So what are we to do during these last rush days? Living the Word concludes their reflection with these words: “Believe it or try to live as if you believe today. Let God’s love fill you. Christ’s light shine though you, and the peace of the Spirit surround you so clearly that people say of you and me, ‘Blessed are you who believe that what was spoken to us by the Lord would be fulfilled.’ Visit someone who gives you hope. Leap for joy in honor of the Visitation of Elizabeth and Mary. Make clear that God is with us.

December 13, 2015

3rd Sunday in Advent C Zephaniah 3: 14-18; Philippians 4: 4-7; Luke 3: 10-18 Today we are celebrating what was known in the past at Gaudete Sunday, Rejoice Sunday. The Church rejoices that our Savior Jesus has come and will come again. Rejoice, let us be glad! Let us rejoice that our Lord came to live with us. What a difference that makes in our lives as Christians. God cares that much for each of us that He comes…He shares…He loves…He proves His love over and over again… then He dies and rises out of love. Yet the readings bring an element of worry. Zephaniah says, “…You have no further misfortune to fear…fear not…be not discouraged.” Paul writes to the Philippian community, “The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all…” And the crowds in Luke’s gospel ask John the Baptist, “What should we do?” The bottom line is that they come with worry…anxiety…fear… uncertainty…they don’t know what to do and they are afraid of what might happen. Aren’t these so much a part of my life and each person’s life? How deep is my faith? Do I trust God? Do I really trust God present in this one situation that I am in that has caused me so much mistrust and pain? So I ask why do I appear to be negative at times? Why do I have the feeling of doom and gloom? I know that Jesus came…I know that He has won. Now we live out these last time days knowing that good has triumphed over evil…God has triumphed over Satan. Am I living in this joyful atmosphere? Sunday Homily Helps from St. Anthony Messenger Press gives an outstanding summary of the first reading from the prophet Zephaniah. (I have highlighted the phrases that I need to reflect on) “Zephaniah’s main message is about the day of the Lord. His opening oracles describe this day as one of cleansing. God must thoroughly sweep creation clean because the people of the world refuse to serve heaven. Through the prophet Zechariah, God announces it will take a completely fresh start to bring about the ideal bond between God and the people of the world. (a beautiful description of Jesus’ mission) … In this reading, the prophet describes the day of the Lord as a day of joy. Humble service to God has made all the difference. 1) Security. Once people learn to value the things of God, they will be stronger than before. They will no longer be vulnerable to the influence of others who sought only to exploit them rather than nourish them. They will have no fear of injury or harm. They will no longer need the incentive of divine judgment to awaken them to the truth. 2) Joy. The reading begins with the prophet inviting Jerusalem/Zion to sing a song of joy. With its prideful ways now in the past, the great city can at last enjoy the blessings God aways held in store for it. Human pride was the obstacle to that joy. But David’s royal city now serves its true King, the Lord God. In the final verses of the reading, God sings a joyful song. God and Jerusalem rejoice together because at the people of Israel have finally become a model of faith for all others to follow. • So I look at a my own need of constant cleansing so that I can serve the Lord in humble service. • I must value the things of God so that I can be stronger and more faith filled and trustful. • My human pride gets in the way to serving the Lord in joy. • I must become a model of faith for others this keeps me out of myself and ‘my way’ with eyes on always serving the Lord and ‘His ways’. Paul is a wonderful example of living in God’s joy. He wrote this letter to the Philippians from prison expressing Christ’s love and joy for their friendship. Paul was full of joy because he knew whatever happened to him, Jesus Christ was with him. I have to keep this in mind, especially when situations in my life make me depressed or lonely. God is with me…what else do I need. The devil always says ‘this or that fantasy’ or whatever brings me joy and happiness. It never has or does. So I continue on in faith in Jesus’ life and love. John the Baptist had a varied crowd of people who came to him. They asked questions…they wanted to know HOW they could grow closer to God who loves them. John told them to examine how they are living: are they living in love or selfishness; are they concerned with giving or do all they care about is receiving. John points out the need for repentance and interior change. I can certainly do the same. Living the Word shares these insights, “Today’s Gospel both introduces a theme about appropriate use of possessions, and indicates the demands of discipleship. Those who have gathered to hear John the Baptist query, ‘What are we to do?’’ (Luke 3:10). the crowds, whom Luke generally depicts as favorable to Jesus, are told to share their wealth, here symbolized by having two cloaks (Luke 3:11). The tax collectors are to stop taking more than their due (Luke 3:12), and soldiers coming to John are told to stop abusing their power by extorting and falsely accusing the people (Luke 3:14). The preaching of John prepares the people for the ethical demands of the good news that Jesus brings.” So what would John the Baptist ask me? I can start by asking myself questions: what ‘thing’ is more precious to me than any other? If there was a fire in my house now and it was big and consuming, what would I gather up in my arms and rush out with? When collections come for the poor etc, what do I not give? If I saw a really needy person how much of my wallet/purse would I give? DOES THIS TELL ME SOMETHING? In his book, Sacred Fire: A vision for a Deeper Human and Christian Community, Fr. Ronald Rolheiser writes about the two baptisms John speaks about today. “John’s baptism is only a preparation for Jesus’ baptism. What’s John’s baptism? It is a baptism of repentance, a realization of what we are doing wrong and a clear resolution to correct our bad behavior. What is Jesus’ baptism? It is an entry into grace and community in such a way that empowers us internally to do what is impossible for us to do by our willpower alone.” So I reflect on: • Are these next twelve days hectic for me? What do I let take control? How can I manage to remain focused on God? • Am I at peace now? What do I need to be at peace? • What transformation in my life still has to come about? Am I working on this? Have I ever asked God to help me? Why not? • Do I feel prepared for Christmas? Why or Why not? Sacred Space 2016 says: For all the austerity of his life, John the Baptist spoke to people in words they could grasp. It was his austerity that drew people’s respect and trust. Here was a man who cared nothing for comfort, money, or fame, who could not be bought, and who could speak the truth without fear. What does my lifestyle say about my faith in Christ? Do I hoard or share what I have with others, especially those who are poor and on the margins of society.”

December 6, 2015

2nd Sunday in Advent C Baruch 5: 1-9; Philippians 1: 4-6, 8-11; Luke 3: 1-6 I have already started to receive Christmas cards and a few invitations have arrived for gatherings and parties. I enjoy these. I read the cards and the messages. The cards tell me of the beauties surrounding us, the glory and wonder of God’s presence and interaction with us and different twists on Jesus’ birth — God’s presence in each of our lives. The messages fill in the blanks of dear friends during the past year — what is happening in their lives, how we touched each other and where some prayers are needed. Today’s readings bring out similar messages and at the same time help me to receive the grace that God is offering me and everyone this Advent as we prepare for Christmas. The Advent questions are much the same: how can I spend more time in prayer…how can I put God first…Jesus said that each person is to be the ‘light of the world,' so how can people see God’s light in me and how can I walk in this ‘light’? The bottom line of everything Christmas is Jesus. Jesus is the ‘Reason for the Season’…there is really only one gift at Christmas and that is Jesus. The readings tell me this today. Now is the ‘gift of Jesus’ to me my continuing daily reflection? It should be…it has to be if I am using this Advent time in preparation for Christmas. Baruch, Paul and John are offering hope and transformation. Am I a source of hope and transformation? Do people see that I am working on my conversion to put Christ first? Do people see in me the necessity of change to be more like Jesus? Baruch is a prophet who was a friend of Jeremiah and served as his secretary and scribe. Along with Jeremiah he witnessed the sad decline of the kingdom of Judah. Years of sin and ignorance of God’s word of life had brought about their defeat and exile. Baruch is telling us today that things have changed. The people had prayed sincerely asking for God’s mercy and forgiveness and today they hear God’s response, wake up “put on the splendor of glory from God forever…for God is leading Israel in joy by the light of His glory, with His mercy and justice for company.” God is with them. God is always present to them. God cares for them. God loves them. God forgives them. Do I let God be the same with me? What does this knowledge of God do for me? In the same context, Paul writing to the Philippians says, “I pray always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now.” Paul has journeyed with these people in their sufferings and in their joy and he is confident that they will continue to grow in love and in every virtue. Paul must have been conscious of their daily working on ‘changing’ their lives from their old way without Christ to their new way with Christ. They have been hearing Jesus’ words of love and service and have put these in their lives. This requires a daily life lived in and with the gospel of love. That’s how they are preparing for the end of their life and for the end of the world whichever comes first. How am I preparing for Christ this Christmas? What do I see in my life that needs change? Where do I envision that contrary attitudes to the gospel have creeped in? I have to constantly be aware that the devil does not want people to see Jesus in me. Advent is a time to take a moment or two each day to sit and reflect on how I am renewing my relationship with God. So I step back from the ads and consumerism and materialistic trappings of Christmas and look to Jesus, look at Jesus in the crib and on the cross and see that God is with me in my daily journey of joys and sufferings. Luke in his gospel reflects on John the Baptist and how he insisted on each person’s life being filled with repentance for all sins and non-love. When I am hurting others with jealousy, pride, revenge, getting even, ‘how dare you do that or say that to me,' when I’m giving in to my lustful, bullying, arrogant ways, I am in opposition to love. I am living as though I am the only person and the best person and the master of all. John is asking me if I am I preparing for living the Lord’s way? He is asking how I am showing people the path to God is one of caring, forgiving, compassion, love and mercy. He emphasized this with a deep sense of urgency. If the people I meet today, see in me nonlove where are they going to find love? I was quite aware in my teaching years that I might be the only people this student could see love in. So what do I do today to act ‘in love’? John in the end of his prophecy today says, “The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” God has come in Jesus and told us that ALL are included in His love. ALL are called to be in heaven. God’s salvation is universal. It is open to all people regardless of what has happened in their lives. Jesus is now restoring the people of God and each person’s role is essential and needed. St. Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower, found her meaning in life from Paul’s letter to the 1 Corinthians 13, ‘I am to be love!’ I ask how am I doing on love this week and what can I do next week? I like this week’s reflections in Living the Word, Scripture Reflections and Commentaries for Sundays and Holy Days, “Do you notice how specific Luke is about when John the Baptist received the word of God? Luke’s list of political and religious leaders makes clear that John ministered at a specific time and place, just as Jesus was born during a specific historical time. God seeks us out in various times and situations Baruch offers consolation and hope to a people in exile. Paul writes to a generous Philippian community, which joins him in living the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our readings make clear that God constantly seeks to be with us and will come again to bring mercy and justice, knowledge and light, and offer saving love to all flesh. The timeless One becomes human in time, making us witnesses in every time, every now of our life. Life could be described as a series of consecutive nows. Any now could be our last. I recently learned about a friend who had a massive heart attack while taking his nightly walk. He died a few days ago at age 55. So I ask myself, how can God’s love increase more and more in me today? What do I really value? How can my faith in Jesus Christ make a concrete difference today to all those people who are in my life now? Do I prepare the way of the Lord by means of a willingness to face hurt in ways that offer mercy, injustice in ways that seek God’s economy, and darkness and sin in ways that shine with the light of God’s consolation, hope, and peace? Pick one of these questions. Allow the Holy Spirit to do great things for you so that we can be filled with joy today.” So I reflect on: • What are some of the ‘rough roads’ in my life now? Who will smooth them for me? Who needs me right now to help smooth their ‘rough roads’? • Paul is asking me how I am promoting and living the Gospel of love…and I answer..? • Injustice, evil, terrorism, hatred are in the world big time. What am I doing in my world to bring the peace, joy and love of God? Sacred Space 2016 says: “The paths I follow are often crooked, diverting me from my eternal goal. What can I do to make my path to God straight?

November 29, 2015

 1st Sunday in Advent C Jeremiah 33: 14-16; 1 Thessalonians 3:12 - 4: 2; Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36 It’s Advent...what will I be doing spiritually? So often I’m busy thinking of Christmas: sending out cards...gift shopping...Penance services...homily preparations...trying to find time to be still...responding to the invitations to ‘stop by’...all of these take time and time is vastly reduced during this season. AND the readings tell me to focus on this Advent season as being a time of watchful waiting. This seems to be a task that just can’t be accomplished the way I would like it. I’m thinking of a different twist to my Advent this year: what prevents me from being holy? The readings can help me with this. The first reading today is taken from the prophet Jeremiah. Now God sent him to shape and form the people of Israel into an inspiring example of faith. He was told to build the people up just as a potter takes a clump of clay and molds it and forms it into something recognizable. Well, the people were just too busy and didn’t listen to Jeremiah. But the ideals that he wrote about would come about later...today’s reading describes this. He tells us that God will fulfill the promises that He made to David centuries earlier. David was told to build a house for God...but God would be the builder. The people waited and still ‘no house’. David’s line would remain, even if individuals in that line failed. In this reading Jeremiah predicts how God will raise ‘a just shoot’ in the royal family tree. Unlike others who assumed the throne, this King would do what is right and just...this King will be guided by God’s word. All sorts of questions arise from this oracle: how will it happen... when will it happen...what are the people do as they wait? These are good questions for me today too. Paul gives me a path of follow when he tells the people of his love for them. He says this can be a model for them. Paul’s love is personal and universal. Is my love personal and universal? Do I ‘program’ my loving to be just to the people I want to love or do I include all people in all love? Paul compliments the Thessalonians by telling them that they please God by their lives, the way they live, the example of love that they show others and He encourages them to continue to be ‘love’. He tells them, “For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.” I know the guidelines that I was given...I know the principles of Jesus...I can hear the Spirit within me direct- ing me to love in each situation that comes up in my life. What am I doing? What is it that I’m letting get in the way of following Jesus’ way? NOW IS THE TIME! THE TASK AT HAND ISN’T FOR LATER! I CAN’T WAIT UNTIL IT IS CONVENIENT! THIS MOMENT IS THE ONLY TIME I HAVE! Why do I say this? This is what Jesus is telling me in the Gospel When Luke wrote this Gospel, the communities for which he wrote this were very well aware that the temple of Jerusalem, one of the ‘Wonders of the World’ at that time had been destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. What a shock this was to both the Jewish people and Christians. What would happen next? Luke tells about the predictions that Jesus had made as a prophet about signs that would come next. The language that Luke uses now is apocalyptic which is dramatic, poetic, visionary and symbolic. As I said last week, it is not intended to be understood literally. It points to the ‘dramatic’ coming of the Son of Man who will come in a cloud with great power and glory. We can’t spend time trying to ‘figure it out’ rather it’s a time to listen The passage next quickly moves from different prophetic warnings by Jesus to some very practical advice. WHAT AM I TO DO? Each person must begin a life of preparedness. My house must be in order each and every day. This resonates so abruptly to me: for over a year my house was on the market. I had to keep the counters cleared...keep the house neat...be ready within minutes to do a ‘quick cleaning’ so that perspective buyers would come into a well presented house. I had to be serious about this, and I was. Jesus is telling me that since I am a follower I must take seriously the day that is coming in my life...the day of the ending of my earthly life...and the Day of the Lord. As a believer and follower I must continue to know the teachings of Jesus and put them into practice each and every day. This is what it means to be vigilant at all times. How am I doing? This is the task of Advent. The important message of the readings today is that these ‘days’ are not days of dread or worry. When I was little, many of the ‘tales’ and songs about Santa brought some ‘packaged’ fear — ‘You better watch out...you better not cry...’ etc. Jeremiah gives a tremendous amount of assurance that he day when God will come to fulfill His promise is a wonderful special day for those who wait faithfully. Paul foretells day when God will invite each person to a joy-filled life with all the saints in heaven. Jesus sums up the meaning of Advent: Watch and wait for God, not in fear but with joy- ful hope. Isn’t this a wonderful day to come...a day knowing and being filled with this God who has constantly at every moment loved me and showered grace and grace upon me? Faith Catholic provides guidelines and homilies and the reflection from today’s guest preacher says, “Stand secure before the Son of Man? How can we stand secure? We will be standing there before Him without our bank accounts and security fences. All you and I will have at that moment, when we face the Son of God, will be our memories. It is from them that we will draw up our accounts, that we will find the records of our lives. I want to share what I’d like to have in my own account when I die: —First, I would like to have love for people, particularly the hurting, the rejected - those without privilege and those who have experienced pain and loss. I’d like the record to show that I wasn’t angry or haughty towards others. —Second, I’d like the record of my life to show sensitivity, respect, tender loving care and humility in my relationships. — Third, reliance on the power of God would be an important part of my portfolio as I face Christ. I hope there will be many entries revealing times when I let God be God, when I relinquished my desire to control outcomes, to control other people’s decisions, to control the events of my life. —Finally, I would stand a whole lot more secure before the Son of Man if I could simply continue the conversation we had already been having for a good portion of my life one earth. Wouldn’t it be lovely to meet Christ face to face and discover that He was always near to me, and was my dear friend all along throughout my life here on earth?” That is a wonderful scene...if I’m prepared. What can I do this Advent to foster my preparedness? Sr Sandra DeGidio OSM says, “In this Advent season of watchful waiting for the coming of Christ, joy is waiting for us, peace is waiting for us. As we prepare to celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist, let us remind ourselves that the treasures of inner peace and joy can remain constant inner lives. Christ comes into our hearts and assures us that He is the Prince of Peace and Cause of Our Joy. “

November 22, 2015

November 22, 2015 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe B Daniel 7: 13-14; Revelation 1: 5-8; John 18: 33-37 Where are my loyalties? Are they to my family, the Catholic Church, the United Sates? Yes, then I ask and reflect on, am I loyal to God? How come this question makes me stop and wonder and invites me to reflect on where I am weak, where I need to grow, and where I am satisfied? In 1925 Pope Pius XI instituted todays feast to celebrate the jubilee year and the sixteenth centenary of the Council of Nicaea. In every age of the Church theologians have addressed mysteries of faith. In the early Church the question was how can we solve the mystery of God? Specifically how are the Father, Son and Holy Spirit related to one another? Particularly the Son to the Father? One theologian, Arius said that the Son, despite his exalted status is a creature like us. The Council declared, ”We believe in one God the Father…and in one Lord Jesus Christ..the only begotten generated from the Father, that is, from the being of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God…” The Son, therefore is ‘begotten, not made…one in being’ or consubstantial. Pope Pius XI affirmed the primacy of Christ in the face of rising nationalism and fascism. The readings from last Sunday, the 33rd in Ordinary Time and next week, the First Sunday of Advent look at the second coming of Christ in glory. They complete the cycle of the mysteries of Jesus from birth to unending death. Christ our King… Christ my King…am I obedient to my King…do I follow my King…do I listen to my King? John today presents one of the most dramatic scenes in the Gospels: Jesus before Pilate. The question, “Are you the King of the Jews?” “is the central question surrounding Jesus’ guilt or innocence, Pilate and the High Priests feel. The point is what is meant by the word KING? Pilate means it in a political way and Jesus answers theologically. Sunday Homily Helps gives a wonderful explanation of this trial, “Notice that Jesus never directly answers any of Pilate’s questions. Instead, He responds to Pilate with a question of His own. This reverses the roles of interrogator and responder. In effect, Jesus is interrogating Pilate, who has become the one actually on trial. Irony also plays an important role in this situation Pilate despises Jews and does not want to be identified with them in any way. He makes that clear by saying, ‘I am not a Jew, am I?’ But in a way he is. At least, he is one with the Jews in that both have rejected Jesus. Pilate’s rejection is based on politics. The Jews’ rejection is based on theology. Jesus kingship: Jesus makes it clear that He is not a contender for a secular throne. His kingship is not this world. He goes on to indicate that His power is to be used elsewhere; otherwise, He could easily have HIs supporters free Him on the spot. Again Pilate misunderstands what Jesus really said. Pilate takes Jesus’ response to mean that He is indeed a political king. At this point, Jesus allows the irony to take over. Jesus reaffirms that He is a king, but He describes His kingship in terms that make it clear He is not speaking politically. The truth is that Jesus’ kingship is not concerned with this world but with what is often referred to as the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is not a political reality. Pilate will never be able to understand what Jesus means. He will not even be aware that, in this trial, the theological king has surpassed the political king. The mission of Jesus, the King of the Jews , is to testify to the truth. Only those who are willing to listen to the truth will accept the kingship of Jesus. Jesus is a king who serves—not one who rules. That is what we celebrate today.” So the question comes again, ‘Am I willing to listen to Jesus or do I only listen to myself and those I want to listen to? Do I accept and live that Jesus is the Lord of my life? If I do this that means that Jesus’ rule over me takes precedence over any other allegiance that I have. This is an important reflection because so many other ‘allegiances’ creep in without me taking not of them. This means that I have to keep my focus on the Gospels and what the Church teaches and live accordingly. So I ask, do I use any other source for my ultimate guidance? Am I a servant? Do I realize that this ‘Kingdom of God’ is found inside my heart? It is embracing a vision of humankind that Jesus proclaimed. It is the vision that all are equal, all are special, all are created by God out of love. It is the vision of the world centered in the hope, compassion and the love that Jesus taught. Do I realize the this kingdom of God…this Kingdom of Jesus Christ is not found in selfishness and hurt but in every act of selfless kindness and generosity I can give? Jesus came to reveal to the world and me that His love is within me and each person at every moment of our lives. This love can transform the brokenness that I experience into the consuming love and respect that God has for each person with me as the witness and giver of this love. So I ask myself, am I embracing the values of the world or the values of God? Am I embracing the things that make my body feel better or am I embracing the things of God? The bottom line is do I embrace the lasting, eternal treasures of love, hope and mercy? Am I selfless in my giving? Do I lift up the hopes and dreams of others? Mercy and compassion are the foundation of God’s Kingdom with its foundation stone of love. So I ask: Am I a servant of God’s love? Can people see in me Jesus? Can they see that I believe and know what real life is all about and as Bishop Sheen used as his motto: ‘Life is Worth Living’ when I’m living it with God’s love. I read this bit of wisdom from Fr. WIlliam Bausch’s Once upon a Gospel that fits: “When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hanging my first painting on the refrigerator, and I wanted to paint another one. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake just for me, and I knew that little things are special things. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I believed there is a God I could always talk to. When you thought I wasn’t looking I felt you kiss me good night, and I felt loved. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s all right to cry. When you thought I wasn’t looking. I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked…and wanted to say thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.” Sacred Space 2015 concludes with a prayer: “Jesus, in the midst of all the noise and distractions of this world, we find it hard to hear Your voice. Open our ears, Lord, that we may hear and take account of Your Word.”

November 15, 2015

33rd Sunday in Ordinary time B 

Daniel 12: 1-3; Hebrews 10: 11-14, 18; Mark 13: 24-32

While we were at the Richmond Priest’s Convocation, a discussion was going on at our table about how we would die.  This had nothing to do worth the topics of the different talks but it was none the less very interesting and animated.  It came about because one of our special holy priest was found just a little while ago, dead in his bed.  At any rate a few said that they would like to die in the same way.  I said well that’s no worry for the deceased person but what about his family, the parishioners, those who found him and a vast array of people this person had touched and ministered to?  

Most people wanted their passing to be peaceful, no worry, no pain, with only a few gathered around them.  I said this probably was more make-believe than real life.  We don’t know when we were to be born and we have no idea when our life here ceases.  The interesting question is ‘What does God say about this?”  This is part of the subject matter of this last Sunday in Ordinary Time.  Next week we celebrate the feast of Jesus, Christ the King; the last feast of the Liturgical year.  The season of Advent follows this feast.  The theme this week is to encourage each of us as followers of Christ to deepen our faith in Jesus’ promise of eternal life.  Isn’t that a wonderful thought:  Jesus promises each of us, and God does not lie,that eternal life with God forever is a reality if we follow His teachings and commands.   

The first reading is taken from the Book of Daniel.  In the beginning of the book, Daniel interprets dreams for others (chapters 2 & 4).  But in Chapters 7-12, Daniel is pondering the future of his people.  They had returned home and now were under fierce persecutions from King Antiochus IV.  His cruelty and harsh policies sparked the revolt that was led by Judas Maccabees.  Daniel describes this king in 11:36 as “The king shall do as he pleases, exalting himself and making himself greater than any god; he shall utter dreadful blasphemies against the God of gods.  He shall prosper only till divine wrath is ready, for what is determined must take place.”    Daniel is writing to tell the people that God is in charge…that these threats, distress and even during these persecutions God will bring comfort.   Daniel brings visions on how Michael appears as Israel’s guardian and protector.  So the people who are faithful will escape any threats launched against them by earthly powers.  This theme of protection is a constant with Daniel.  God protected Daniel in the lion’s den (chapters 6 & 14); God protected the three friends in the furnace (chapter 3); Susanna who was falsely accused of infidelity (ch 13) was exonerated.  Today’s reading ends telling us that God’s faithful ones will awake from the dust of the earth and shine like brilliant stars forever.  God is in charge.  God loves.  God cares.  Praise be God forever.  

In the second reading Paul is writing to the Hebrews and presents Christ as the true high priest.  This symbolism can’t be lost:  the temple priests made daily sacrifices to atone for sins, yet they couldn’t take away sin ; they only foreshadowed the perfect sacrifice of Jesus.  As a perfect priest and perfect sacrifice, Jesus fulfilled all the OT sacrifices.  His sacrifice takes away sins and finds its completion in heaven, which has always been promised and is goal of every person.

lIn the gospel we look at the 13th chapter from Mark.  This has been called the ‘Little Apocalypse’ in contrast to the Book of Revelation which is called the ‘Big Apocalypse’ .  The word ‘apocalypse’ means a revealing.  It is a specific style of writing that uses coded language and images foretelling the end-times.  Understanding the Word explains it succinctly:  “In the first part of Chapter 13, Jesus explains the events leading up to the parousia(false prophets, vv. 5-6); wars and rumors of war, (vv. 7-8); persecution and mission, (vv. 9-13).  In the second, he describes the great tribulation and warns about being led astray (vv 14-23).  The third part, from which our reading is taken, presents the eschatological events and the coming of the Son of Man (vv. 24-27).  Mark portrays Jesus as this sSon of Man( 2:10; 8:31-32; 10:33,etc) who has come to initiate God’s reign (1:15).  The chapter concludes with an exhortation urging vigilance (vv 28-37).   SO WHEN will all this happen…Mark says NO ONE KNOWS WHEN ANY OF THESE THINGS WILL HAPPEN.  Mark said this because even in his time people were claiming to know and even predicting when the final day will happen.  I’ve heard a whole bunch of predictions during my life…and…they didn’t happen.  THE KEY is for myself and each person to remain faithful AND to live in hope.  

The first reading and the Gospel have used all sorts of imagery that shows the presence of evil in each of our lives and in the world.  EVIL will not triumph, although it seems so much that it will at times that we feel we are ‘losing the battle.’  There is no battle…Jesus has won…heaven is promised…how am I living?  that’s the question…HOW AM I LIVING.  Living the Word shares a wonderful conclusion, “But in light of all this apocalyptic combat, there are three points to remember.  First Jesus says that only the Father knows the day or hour of the final judgment; it is not our place to try and figure out a timetable for the end.  Second, the combat against evil in our lives is a spiritual battle that we wage though growth in holiness through God’s Spirit, not a physical battle against anyone.  And third, the basic thrust of all of Jesus’ apocalyptic teaching is that we should face the future with trust and confidence, because even though heaven and earth will pass away, Christ’s words will not pass away.” 

I started out by saying that God is in control.  All of history unfolds according to God’s plan.  The ultimate salvation of all will come after unspeakable suffering, trouble and disasters.  Each person has high points and low points in their lives…happy times and those filled with pain and suffering.  Mark is telling us through the words of Jesus that the key words in our lives should be:  beware…watch…pray…endure…believe…trust…have faith in our God who is constantly in love with us and each day leading us closer to Himself.  AM I DOING THAT TODAY?  WHAT DO I NEED FROM GOD TODAY?  

So I reflect on:

How often do I reflect on the fact that both my life and the world as a whole will someday come to an end?  When I think of these things, what feelings do they give rise to in me?   DO I BRING THESE FEELINGS TO GOD IN PRAYER?

Where in my life right now do I feel most strongly the conflict between good and evil?

Jesus tells me to live my life to its fullest, as He invites me to do.  Do I help others bring gospel joy to our world today?  Can they see this joy in me?

Our story does not have a scary ending.  Jesus will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and His kingdom will have no end.

Sacred Space 2015 says:

Even in our darkest hour, the Lord does not abandon us.  His eye always upon us, He watches over us night and day.

But if we take His words to heart and stay close to Him as we journey, we have nothing to fear.  His gift to us is His presence with us till the end of the world.” 

November 8, 2015

Bulletin November 8, 2015
32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time B
1 Kings 17: 10-16; Hebrews 9: 24-28; Mark 12: 38-44
How does God feel about the way I am living my life right now? Is He aware of only the big things that I am into or is He aware of everything? Jesus cared tremendously for the people who popped into His life. To Him, each person was important; each person was special; a unique creation of His Father. Does God scrutinize me to see the times that I concentrate on me and am not aware of oth- ers in need? How does God feel about me right now? Maybe the better reflection question for me right now is How do I feel about me?
So I continue within the same framework: Do I feel comfortable within myself? How do I feel? What do I need? Do I ever start my prayer period by asking myself how I feel? After reflecting on this for a while do I then ask what do I need and what do I need from God? Often I feel uncomfort- able with asking this of God...but I’m starting with how I feel...now with how God feels about me. Jesus told us repeatedly that God loves us. After my study of Scripture and Theology and with years of Spiritual Direction I like to put it this way: God loves me right now, just the way that I am. And there is no way that I can love myself that way...but God does...Jesus told us so.
I like the definition that Carl Jung uses for reality: ‘Reality is that which affects you. whatever af- fects you is real. God affects my life, so God is real for me. God motivates me, so God is real for me. God touches me; therefore, He is real for me. God opens up infinite possibilities for me, and so I am alive, and God becomes ever more real for me.’ I add to this: If I let Him!
The people in today’s readings help us with this. In the first reading, Elijah had announced a famine in the land in response to King Ahab’s worship of the Canaanite deity Ba’al. Then he travels north into the foreign territory of Sidon when he encounters a poor widow and her son. The widow recog- nizes Elijah and whom He serves by her response, “As the Lord, your God, lives.” (1 Kings 17:12) The Israelite king failed his religious responsibilities, and it is a foreign woman who shows respect and offers the last of her sustenance to this prophet of God. LOOK at her faith: she didn’t ‘hoard’ the little that she had but continued to live the law of hospitality and kindness to strangers and those in need. How special it is to remember from our past lives the ones who have touched us. Many times it was those who have the least who often were the most generous. What has that told me? I am amazed at their total giving even in their desperate need. If I looked at them in this way...how does God look at them? I only have one response: with love!
The gospel from Mark gives the example of the poor widow putting money in the ‘poor box’. What was she doing...relying on God like the poor widow in the first reading. She knew that others are in need and she could help them in her own small way. In looking at her, we all would respond that she was helping in an enormous way and she was teaching each of us a very important lesson. Every- thing we have is a gift from our loving God. Do I with what I have received as a gift share as a gift? I have to constantly remind myself of this. It is not only giving physically and materially out of my surpluses but also giving and sharing of my time which is the most precious commodity that I have. Doesn’t Hallmark use the slogan to ‘give of your very best’? Well, do I? When I look at my ‘giv-

ing’ I could say that it seems to be inconsequential. But it isn’t...if it’s from the heart. I send five dollars to the missions—I have been told this can feed a family for a week. I can’t realize this in my culture, but it’s true where they live. How important is to God? I visit an elderly friend in the nurs- ing home, is this important? I might be the only one who came and helped them in their loneliness and helped them remember good times together. I send a note...I make a phone call...I e-mail, text or use social media to say ‘Hi...you’re loved’. Isn’t this doing what Jesus did for us...show us God’s love for each of us all the time. DO WE EVER GIVE GOD A CHANCE TO THANK US FOR LOVING? I think we should. JESUS TAUGHT US, COMMANDED EACH OF US TO LOVE BECAUSE GOD LOVES...How honored I am to bring God to others.
Fr. Paul Coutinho, SJ in his wonderful book How Big Is Your God? The Freedom to Experience the Divine in his chapter On Moving from Charity to Compassion says:“Do not stop practicing your charity, but pray for the grace of being more and more compassionate. Because when you have a relationship with God, when you are compassionate, you will experience God everywhere. When you have a relationship with a compassionate God, good things happen, wonderful things happen. In compassion, I celebrate the good, because that good is also part of me. When some person in the world does something extraordinary, I am drawn to that person, and I also feel extraordinary. I share in that experience because that person is part of me. If someone is celebrating, I celebrated with that person. If someone is hurt- ing, I hurt with that person. So I am part of every person’s life and each person is part of my life. Experiencing that human inter-connectedness through our divine connection is the transition from charity to compassion.”
So I come to look at my life as God looks at my life. He created me...He continues to create me. He gifts me...He continues to gift me. He needs me...He continues to need me to love and to be love as Jesus taught me and showed me. I am important because I am the only me that He created me to be. And in being ME I am completing His plan that He had for me forever. Someone always needed me....I don’t know who...I don’t know when...but it was the me that God created and gifted is what is needed. Lord help me to be aware...to never give up...to always trust.
So I reflect on:

• In what situations do I find myself most needing to rely on God?
• Am I ever tempted top exploit another person’s neediness for my own gain? How do I respond to
  this temptation?
• When has just a speck of hope, courage, friendship kept me going despite the odds?
• How many good ‘good deeds’ have I done today? Do I have to count how many?
• What does it mean to be poor? What does it mean to me to be wealthy?
• What does it mean for me to give from my want or need, instead of from my excess?
• Why do people who do something to help the poor give money or goods instead of time and pres-
  ence? Which is more valuable in helping to alleviated poverty: material goods and services, or time and presence? Why?
  Sacred Space 2015 says:
  “Jesus reminds us once again how we are to treat each other. We are all sons and daughters of the Father, and so we must be aware of the dignity each of us carry within. Through baptism, we have been brought into the family of God, and so we are all connected through grace.
  No one is greater than another, and no one is more important than another; we are all equal in the sight of our Father in heaven.” 

November 1, 2015

November 1, 2015

Feast of All Saints

Revelation 7: 2-4, 9-14; 1 John 3: 1-3; Matthew 5: 1-12

Today is the feast of All Saints. It’s a time to reflect on the saints who have passed through my life. Some questions: Was I named after a particular saint? Was I named after a relative or friend of the family? What were the attributes of these people that were admired and treasured that our parents wanted them remembered in me? When I received the sacrament of Confirmation I received a name: did I choose the name or was it chosen for me? If I choose it, why did I pick out this name? Was it the name of a particular saint that I admired? What was there that attracted me to this particular saint? Did I do research on this ‘special saint? Why? Why not?

The bottom line is that Heaven is where God is. Heaven is where the Saints are. Jesus said that each person He created has a special place in heaven prepared for them? Heaven is about Love. God is love. Every person has been called to love, always, under all circumstances. To inherit heaven each person must be a person of love. How am I doing?

So the reflective question arises: Am I living my life today with heaven as my goal? Am I trying to be a saint TODAY? Am I a loving person?

So what holds me back from a wholehearted response to the call of Jesus to be with Him in Heaven…to be a saint. It can’t be that I don’t consider myself worthy…because it’s not about ‘worthy’, it’s about responding to God’s grace each day and living more in love. This is what holiness is—responding to the call of love. Jesus constantly said that ‘Now is the acceptable time…’ The very things that I view are obstacles to love are the very means God is giving me and all to draw us to depend more deeply on Him. Ralph Martin in his wonderful book The Fulfillment of all Desire, a Guidebook for the Journey to God Based on the Wisdom of the Saints shares these wonderful points. “It is true that sometimes we don’t hit the goal we’re aiming at, and it’s good to have a backup. If we aim for heaven at the moment of our death,, and indeed die in friendship with Christ but haven’t been transformed enough to be ready for the sight of God purgatory is a wonderful blessing. But if we aim for purgatory and miss, there really isn’t a good backup available. The source of all our unhappiness and misery is sin and it effects, and the sooner the purification of sin and its effects can take place inner life, the happier we will be and the better able to truly love others.”

The saints knew this and worked on being loving people. When St. Francis of Assisi was moved to stop what he was doing to pray, he started praying immediately. St. Catherine of Siena also was prompt in responding to God’s inspirations whenever they camel St. Francis de Sales’ famous book Introduction to the Devout Life shows how frequent, careful and prompt responses to the will of God helped one live a deeper life of love. St. Teresa of Avila said this, “A soul to whom God grants such pledges has a sign that He wants to give it a great deal; if not impeded through its own fault, it will advance very far. But if the Lord sees that after He places the kingdom of heaven in the souls house this should turns to earthly things, He will not only fail to show it the secrets there are in His kingdom but will seldom grant it this favor, and then for just a short space of time.”

Heaven is the goal: St. Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower, in her life story published after her death under the title of The Story of a Soul said that if heaven existed, all people had to be evaluated accordingly. Life on earth is passing and life in heaven is eternal. This has definite consequences for how each person believes and makes choices now. Therese saw with astounding logic that the greatest good anyone could wish for any human being we love is to wish them heaven. DO I DO THIS? What is hindering me?

Do I seek heaven? St. Paul says how few there are who can say, “And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as thought reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.” the saints speak frequently of the two main obstacles that hold people back from making progress on their spiritual journey: a lack of knowledge and a lack of desire. My lack of knowledge is my self knowledge and my knowledge of God. Ralph Martin shares that “Self knowledge involves both knowledge of the great dignity and beauty of the human soul in its exalted destiny as well as a profound understanding of the wounds and darkness that sin inflicts.

These individual quotes from Ralph Martin’s book help me to keep my eyes focused on my journey to the Lord.

From St. Bernard:

“My opinion is that all those who lack knowledge God are those who refuse to turn to Him.

From St. John of the Cross

“While we are on this earth, nothing is more important to us than humility….In my opinion we shall never completely know ourselves if we don’t strive to know God. By gazing at His grandeur, we get in touch with our own lowliness; b looking at His purity, we shall see our own filth; by pondering His humility, we shall see how far we are from being humble.”

From St. Teresa of Avila,

“Well now, it is foolish to think that we will enter heaven without entering into ourselves, coming to know ourselves, reflecting on our misery and what we owe God, and begging Him often for mercy.”

St. Catherine of Siena frequently insisted in her writings on the need for our desire and thirst for God to grow. “If you would make progress, then you must be thirsty, because only those who are thirsty are called: ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to Me and drink.” Those who are not thirsty will never persevere in their journey Either weariness or pleasure will make them stop.”

So how does one continue growing closer to the Lord. Growing in prayer is simply another dimension of growing in love. Am I praying the right way? Yes….the way I’m praying right now is the way that I should be praying. God shows us the way. Teresa of Avila insisted that the essence of prayer, either it is vocal or mental, kids paying attention to God…speaking and listening to Him. At the beginning it might seem that we are doing all the work, but as we progress we can see God’s hand and love leading us.

I have used this often in my retreats and heard this myself on retreat: the five most important sentences of all time are in Scripture and are said by God.

I Know you.

I love you.

I forgive you.

I understand you.

Do you know Me?

So I reflect on:

• How do I perceive heaven? What experience on earth do I think gives the bet picture of the life of the saints in heaven?

• What is the particular form of holiness that God is calling me to in my life?

Sacred Space 2015 says:

“Today and always, Jesus is ‘sitting down’ in the sacred space of my heart. I listen to Him and His words of life. Which Beatitude do I find most affirming? Which gives me most encouragement for my life journey right now?

Which of these Beatitudes challenges me the most? Whichever one I feel drawn to indicates my next step forward in my life’s journey.”