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?