Let's Celebrate Christmas Everyday in 2009

"Fear Not," said the angel, "For I bring you tidings of great joy. For unto you is born this day in Bethlehem - a Savior who is Christ the Lord."

"And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."

Suddenly the sky was filled with angels, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men."

All I want for Christmas is "Peace on Earth".

All I want for Christmas is "Peace on Earth". That's a tall order considering there are over 1500 wars and conflicts taking place around the world as of today. Hundreds of thousands of people in Zimbabwe, Darfur, Sudan and other locations around the globe are fleeing for their lives as rebels terrorize their homes, towns and way of life.

We hear in the news daily about the stories of conflict in Israel and Palestine, and other parts of the middle east. Even Jerusalem, still remains in conflict and has for the past 3000 years. King David prayed, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces'" (Psalm 122:6-7).

Here we are today, still praying for peace. God chose this historical city, He's saved it many times, He's even divided it. It seems to be a symbol for the rest of the world. As we enter the Christmas season, we might ask, can we continue on with world conflict like this? Will men and woman of this world ever be able to live together in world peace? I think we will, in God's time, not ours.

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.

Saint Francis still plays a part in the role of mankind today, just like Jesus. Merry Christmas to all the world and Peace on Earth.

Thanksgiving for the Poverty Stricken - You're Invited

I met a guy recently who gets up at 4:30 a.m. to catch a bus so he can make it to his part-time job and be there on time by 7 a.m. He had rode his bike to get where he was going today in 27 degree wet icy conditions. He stopped at the food bank on his way home today to get some groceries because he is broke. While he was there he spotted some nice warm coats that would be just right for the winter conditions. This is just one example of thousands of people in need. Is this the country that is blessed? I think we are responsible to help pull someone out of the depths of hell on earth while we're here sucking air.

Poverty in United States is a moral and social crisis that threatens the health and well-being of our country. With record foreclosures, job losses, natural disasters, and family breakups, it has become time to renew our commitment to action on behalf of the poor and vulnerable. The food banks are in need of more donations of food and money, we can clean out our closets to donate warm winter clothing or buy a special gift for that children gift tree at church.

Just think, if every person in the USA who is blessed with the gift of a warm home, a job, and food on their table gave just a few dollars or some can goods to make someones life a little better this Thanksgiving, what a difference it would make.

Make a commitment today to get involved this Thanksgiving by giving or volunteering your time, and thank God you are blessed enough to do so. I'll start tomorrow, how about you?

Have a blessed day, Mike

Peace, Love, and Harmony - Love Your Neighbor - Easier Said Then Done

This past Sunday the homily was geared toward love. The greatest commandment announced by Jesus was Love your god, with your whole heart, your whole mind and your whole soul and with all your strength. Jesus went on to indicate that we are to also love our neighbor as ourselves. Who's our neighbor, the people next door, down the street or half way around the world? This is pretty steep commandment when you have people burning flags, making statements like down with the USA, or wanting to kill those who don't have the same faith or religion that they may have. Realizing that this is the extreme fanatic so-called neighbor we may see on our T.V. sets during the evening news, can we still find room in our hearts to love them as ourselves? My human mind says, to hell with them, however my heart says, "yes" we can love them for who has created them here on earth, however, we do not have to love what they do and say. This is difficult for some Christians to comprehend. I think the best explanation I have heard is when Jesus said; "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." So, here's the test, the next time we see this type of ranting and raving on our boob tubes, are we willing to say, God , forgive them, for they know not what they are doing? Maybe a prayer for them to lighten up on us, be our friends, and get some love in their hearts would do them good or should we say that prayer for ourselves to say, please Lord, help me to love those who have expressed hate for us and cleanse their hearts along with my own with the power of the Holy Spirit, that we may all live in peace, love and harmony. Now, that's loving your neighbor! What do you think?

One Nation Under God. "Say Your Prayers" Give Thanks

With what's going on in the United States right now in the financial crisis, you would think our churches would be filling up again as they did during 9-11-2001. Maybe we are still not hurting enough, fearful enough, or maybe some have just lost their faith entirely. My prayers are with those families that may have lost their jobs, income, savings, or can't make ends meet. Many are feeling the pain and fear that comes from loss of security. The prayer of petition seems to be the most popular among us because we were taught that if you knock, God will answer.

I read a book sometime back by Fr.Thomas Dubay, entitled "Prayer Primer" "Igniting a fire within" Fr. Dubay presents a simple and profound way to become attracted to the many forms of prayer and become more in communion with God on a regular basis.

St. Augustine said in one of his prayers: "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you". I think we can become more contemplative in prayer as we develop the habit of asking for God's will, not ours, in the morning and giving thanks at night. As this habit continues, we begin to turn our will over to God more often and give thanks much more throughout the day.

God knows what are needs are, so why ask? I think it's to get our attention off our own greed, selfishness, and waste. Maybe God wants us to be more grateful and return to becoming humble servants of God, who are blessed just to be here in this world.

So, as I begin to get the blues about hard times, I have to remember that there are many, many more people in this world who are worst off than I am. Maybe the best thing is to suck it up and say "Thanks be to God", than get out of my own head and go help someone else who is hurting, have more faith in this Awesome God.

Saint Francis is a Good Friend of Mine, I Love His City of Assisi, His Works, and His Example

As we approach October, I seem to Have St. Francis on my mind a lot. October 4th, we celebrate him for being the Patron Saint of Animals, Nature and ecology. Many pet blessings take place also. Francis of Assisi was gentle with his brother wolf, the birds, and all of nature, yet hard on himself, who he called brother ass. He was full of love for all Gods creatures and praised God for our sister, Mother Earth.

Francis was certainly offbeat in many ways, yet I think we would be too, if we had the opportunities he had witnessed in the thirteenth century, like the miracle of the famous Crucifix in San Damiano that spoke to him, saying: “Francis go and repair my house which is falling completely in ruin”. This being the Roman Church at the time, yet he thought it was the small little Church of San Damiano. I had the gift of a lifetime to be able to walk the grounds, view the cross which spoke to him and the tomb of Saint Francis.

Assisi is a place I look forward to a return visit someday. The Upper Basilica is made up of marble, Gothic columns and stained glass windows. The entire town of Assisi is a piece of art that I will treasure in my heart and mind and will forever. While walking the narrow streets, alleys, and stairways, I could feel the presence of St. Francis everywhere. The imprint that he made by his love, compassion, and dedication to Christ and God’s creatures has touched all denominations and religions.

I often wonder if he lived today, how he would look at our world of paganism, greed, waste and self centered individualism that that seems to haunt the society and culture we live in. Will social order and control override the holiness that we were intended to have in this world? His prayer for peace could be used today by each of us who call ourselves children of God. (All Faiths)

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.

The city of Assisi is so simple, just like Saint Francis of Assisi lived his life. My next visit will be a retreat for a minimum of seven days to refuel the soul, cleanse the mind and become closer to God as I take a closer look at the life and times of one of my favorite Saints.

Evangelization - Just What Is It Anyway?

A few years back I had an opportunity to take some classes that spent much focus on the responsibility and duties of we as Catholics as disciples of Christ. One of the little, powerful books that we used for reference in this class was, "Go and Make Disciples" a plan written by the Committee on Evangelization of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB). At the core of "Go and Make Disciples" are three goals for evangelization:

Goal I: To bring about in all Catholics such an enthusiasm for their faith that, in living their faith in Jesus, they freely share it with others.

Goal II: To invite all people in the United States, whatever their social or cultural background, to hear the message of salvation in Jesus Christ so they may come to join us in the fullness of the Catholic faith.

Goal III: To foster gospel values in our society, promoting the dignity of the human person, the importance of the family, and the common good of our society, so that our nation may continue to be transformed by the saving power of Jesus Christ.

Most of this is based on scripture and is really the duty and responsibility of all Christians. It boils down to the fact that Evangelization is not a program – it’s a responsibility. It's all about love. It's all about social action, it's all about worship and service. it's about healing, reconciliation and forgiveness.

I don't think that's to much to ask, do you?

Have a blessed week

Assisi's Charm Lies in its Beauty & My Friend St. Francis

All my life I have been attracted to St. Francis, for his simple, yet articulate way of preaching the Gospel. He was strange in many ways referring to himself as brother ass, preaching to birds, praising God, for sister death of our bodies. Yet, he really had a grip on how nature and man have been created by God to be in harmony. Back in 2003, Sharon and I had our first opportunity to visit Italy, which took in Rome, Tuscany, Florence and Assisi.

I have to admit, that even though we witnessed some of the most beautiful Cathedrals in Italy, Assisi was more exciting, spiritual, and like being with my friendly saint, all the time I was there. I must return again to spend much more time investigating the life of my friend.

St. Francis has had hundreds of books written about his life and times in the walled community of Assisi that dates back to pre-Roman times, inhabited by the Umbri and then the Romans. He is the patron Saint of Animals and Ecology because of his fondness for the animals, nature, and creation in general. His famous simple statue sits in our Flower garden to remind us that the world is blessed to have such beauty.

Perhaps Saint Francis is not given enough credit and attention on his literary works and his preaching that was so profound in many ways. His writings go right to the heart and bring out the best in those of us who participate in his spiritual works. His fans are not just Catholics, his famous prayer is shared by all. I like one of his quotes that seems to keep me on the straight and narrow. He says: "I have done what is mine to do; may Christ teach you what is yours to do"

When I start feeling a little cocky about getting all my duties and goals reached, rather than rest in my laurels, I look at another famous quote by Francis that says: ""Let us begin to do good, for as yet we have done little".

I hope you have some time in the near future to investigate this wonderful saint, you'll be moved by his spirituality, his holiness, and the example he has set for all Christians to live by. His other famous quote is: "Preach the Gospel often, sometimes use words" In other words, do the footwork. May peace be with you and your family, Mike

"Take Courage, It Is I, Do Not Be Afraid" Have Faith!

Jesus said: "Take courage, it is I. Do not be afraid" struck me as the key line in today’s Gospel. It drew my attention to two areas that all young or elderly Christians could reflect upon in our journey as we travel through this world.

The Fire within the Night is a song we listened to back when I took a Hebrew Scripture class. In my opinion this would be a great song to play at the Easter Vigil, a celebration of Baptism, Confirmation or possibly a funeral. It reiterates Exodus to include God saving his people, Moses leading the people through the desert, celebration, Gods judgment, Israel’s sins, idols and repentance. It is dark when we sin and light when we are living in Gods presence. Life is tears and laughter, peace and disruption, miracles, visions and dreams. This song is about life, but, more important, it is about afterlife. It‘s telling us not to grow weary with our troubles, God will put us first. Although we live in a sinful world of false gods, idols and dark times the Light will save us if look within. We all have those storms, I hear God best in the calm times of my life.

Jesus also said, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" This was another area that made me think of the book written by Richard P. Johnson, PH.D titled The 12 Keys to Spiritual Vitality: Powerful Lessons on Living Agelessly: It lists twelve foundational principles of aging and spirituality.

1) Transform your attitudes about aging,
2) Seek love everywhere,
3) Delight in connectedness,
4) Live in the "Now"
5) Accept your true self,
6) Forgive others and self,
7) Let go of anger and inner turmoil,
8) Give yourself to others,
9) Celebrate your faith,
10) Discover personal meaning in life,
11) Make your feelings work for you, and
12) Achieve balance in your life.

I have no idea why I was thinking of these after reading the Gospel for today, however, now that I’ve written about them, I need to pull the book off the shelve and re-read it and sit back and enjoy the song of life. This would be a great shot in the heart for more faith, don’t you agree?

Have a blessed day, Mike

We Need A Miracle, Or Do We Have One? Yes, You're It!

This last Sunday the Gospel was about the loaves and fishes and how Jesus had the disciples distribute the food among the crowd of 5000 men, plus woman and children. Starting out with just a few fish and a few loaves of bread, it appears we could use a miracle like that today with 26,500-30,000 people die each day due to poverty, curable diseases, and lack of nutrition. According to the Bread for the World Institute 3.5 percent of U.S. households experience hunger, some people in these households frequently skip meals or eat too little, sometimes going without food for a whole day. 9.6 million People, including 3 million children, live in these homes.

Going back to the miracle, you can only imagine how all these people ended up eating and filling more baskets with scrapes after having their fill. It can happen, and it does happen today. Let’s look on a local level for a moment. Many times there is a food drive and special push for the local food bank, or St. Vincent DePaul’s Society, to replenish their shelves so they can handle the extra load of additional people in need. (Like today) All of a sudden those of us who may be more fortunate come through with a check or clean out our cupboards to donate to these worthy causes. The less fortunate are supplied the goods, the shelves end up with more than they had to begin with, and the miracle has happened again, again and again.

The fact of the matter is that we are truly blessed in so many ways. Despite all of the ups and downs locally and nationally, however each of us have a moral obligation to do everything we can for the marginalized in this world. We can count on CRS (Catholic Relief Services) and many other fine Christian Organizations to take our contributions and to be part of the miracle, helping those around the world. On a local level, when we are overwhelmed by negative news of poverty, layoffs, and people losing their homes, we can do as Mother Theresa has indicated, “Your Calcutta is down the street, go love and serve your neighbor, that’s your Calcutta”.
Thank God for the ability to empathize with the pain and suffering of others so we can realize what our purpose in life is. As saint Nike says: Do It Now!

Spiritual & Corporal Works - Does It? Where's Our Mercy?

The Spiritual and Corporal works of mercy in today’s world may seem odd compared to their purpose of charitable mercy for the body and soul of our neighbor, which were originated and deep rooted from scripture and tradition. Do these duties and responsibilities as Christians apply today? If so, why are so many going without? Are we morally obligated while here on earth to fulfill the great commandments of loving our neighbor? It seems to be pretty much summed up in Matthew: 25:40 - and the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me. Here's our to do list, based on results, we are either sheep or goats. The list starts with #1, good luck and have a blessed day!

1. Feed the hungry
2. Convert the sinner
3. Give drink to the thirsty
4. instruct the ignorant
5. Clothe the naked
6. Counsel the doubtful
7. Shelter the homeless

1. Comfort the sorrowful
2. Visit the sick
3. Bear wrongs patiently
4. Visit those in prison
5. Forgive injuries
6. Bury the dead
7. Pray for the living and the dead

The Imitation of Christ - Can We Do It? Say YES!

Thomas Kempis is the vindicated author of the spiritual classic which was written anonymously around 1418. Very little is known about Kempis himself. He was born in 1380 and died on July 25, 1471. Although contemporaries considered him a saint, Thomas was not named one by the Catholic Church. However, the Episcopal Church honors him in July.

He is known for very little other than this book; however this book has proved to be a great contribution to history and spirituality. Thomas was born with the name Thomas Hammerken “little hammer,” during the 14th century which was a century of wars, plague, and much schism in the church. He became a member of the Brethren of Common Life early on as part of the Dutch Augustinian monastery. He became the prior’s assistant, charged with instructing novices in spiritual life. Kempis wrote four booklets between the years 1420 and 1427, which combined became what is known as the “Imitation of Christ”.

The Imitation of Christ is believed to be the most widely read work of devotion ever read with the exception of the Bible. Great people like Sir Thomas More, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, and Methodist founder John Wesley found this devotional classic to be a work of art. This book has appeared in nearly two thousand editions and translations since it was first put into print in the late fifteenth century.

The book itself is broken down into four parts:
1. Helpful Councils for the Spiritual Life
2. Directives for the Interior Life
3. Our Interior Consolation
4. The Blessed Sacrament

The central point of the “Imitation’s” spirituality seems to be perfecting of the interior life of the Christian soul, through self knowledge and more especially through knowledge of Christ. Kempis’ book is not a book you can sit down and read as a novel. Because of how it hammers away on each of its topics, it would be wiser to spread this classic over a couple of chapters each day and discern your thoughts. The book gives counsel to read the scriptures, statements about the uses of adversity, advice for submission to authority, warnings against temptation and how to resist it, reflections about death and the judgment, meditations upon the oblation of Christ, and admonitions to flee the vanities of the world.

I think its intention was more for a lectio divina type practice that allows meditation to savor and absorb each passage and phrase for spiritual growth. The beauty of this type of reading and meditation, if done properly, can lead to positive action in the light of a new understanding. The Imitation is a guide to changing our lives and learning to grow closer to Christ in spirit and in deeds.

Although Thomas Kempis wrote this book for his fellow monks, based on a monistic life style, we can benefit from his writings by growing closer to God, attaining inner peace, and setting aside time for deep personal reflection and prayer. Much of Kempis’ writings are drawn from the Bible, Fathers of the early Church, and medieval mysticism. Much of his work can be traced to St. Augustine whose works medieval writers knew well. I can see more of the St. Augustine approach then the other desert fathers, Benedict and St. Francis, for example. He focuses on the inner soul and humility, but most of all of making a commitment to change our lives. His focus rarely turns to the exterior means of sanctification. St. Francis of Assisi, St. Bonaventure and so many others ascend to God by means of creatures and the world around us to find beauty, love and the presence of God. Thomas finds this by means of our own soul and self-knowledge. Like Benedict, Thomas does encourage the practice of silence and the setting aside of time for prayer and deep personal reflection.

The book teaches us how to acquire self-knowledge and self-possession by using recollection and examination of conscience. This is something that will benefit all those including myself, who practice these methods to prepare for a better confession, practice virtues and become to know my soul with deeper self-knowledge. St. Catherine of Seana calls this the “cell of true self-knowledge.”

As a working lay person, my examination of conscience needs to be both the outer and inner world to aid my spiritual progress, focusing on resolution in the morning, and examination of conduct in the evening.

To know our soul is to discover in it an abundance of evil tendencies. These are a result of original sin. Yet we are destined for heaven and called to a life of holiness and imitation of Christ. There seems to be a contradiction between our soul’s inclination to evil and our aspirations to good. This contradiction we are taught is to be resolved by mortification and self-renunciation. For this reason the “Imitation” never tires of urging us to wage war against self in which, with God’s help, we will overcome our evil tendencies.

Self-knowledge then, is necessary to organize this inner struggle which is to deal with death to self. Turning our will over to Christ is easier to read about then to actually do. It takes a book like the “Imitation” to guide us through meditation and prayer to slowly change our habits, shed our worldly desires, and to live in Christ. I find much of his writings similar to the teachings of St. Ignatius on Gospel meditations and examination of conscience. The spiritual exercises of Ignatius focus heavily on this subject and knowing thyself. Kempis’ only desire is to learn more and more about Christ, and to know Him better and more perfectly. He says “We must imitate Christ’s life and his ways if we are to be truly enlightened and set free from the darkness of our own hearts.” “Let it be the most important thing we do.”

The highest virtue, from which all virtues stem, is humility. Kempis tells all to let go of the illusion of superiority. “If you want to learn something that will really help you, learn to see yourself as God sees you and not as you see yourself in the distorted mirror of your own self-importance,” he writes. “This is the greatest and most useful lesson we can learn: to know ourselves for what we truly are, to admit freely our weaknesses and failings, and to hold a humble opinion of ourselves because of them.”

Returning to part one, it covers renouncing all that is vain, living in humility and the desire to be unknown. I find this very enlightening, especially in today’s secular world of pushing to get ahead, wearing designer clothes and keeping up with the Jones’s. By seeking what is true, interior and eternal, we as Christians can learn not to become so attached to the worldly frills we have been pressured into thinking we need. This is an area that we hear in homilies normally just during Lent. As Catholics, we could do ourselves, families and the world in general more justice, trying to live this shedding of possessions year round.

Part two continues and advances the theme of part one. We are told that the kingdom of God is found within us, and our external senses and natural human affections are blinders that can only be overcome by a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Kempis instructs us that in order to be able to respond to God’s call, we need humility, inner peace, purity of intention, vigilance over our natural inclinations, and a good conscience.

Book three on the Interior Consolation is the longest yet, I found the most interesting because of the love and grace that is now spoken with greater frequency. Kempis designed this book three with a form of dialogue between Jesus, the souls beloved, and the disciple (Us). The whole theme is the Disciple’s desire to ascend to God and to enjoy the divine delights. If we can desire nothing external we will gain grace internally and find peace, and then renounce ourselves internally to unite with God. This is the heaviest theological approach to building a relationship with God that a person can do, in my opinion. It would be easier if I were a monk living in a secluded castle under strict rules not to communicate with anyone other than God himself through prayer, work and meditation. This is not reality for the common everyday Christian that is raising a family, surviving in the work force and living in a secular society.

The final book, “On the Blessed Sacrament” is much different from the first three. It is focused on becoming in union with God sacramentally, by receiving the Body and Blood in the Eucharist. Like book three, this book also is in a dialogue with Jesus and the Disciple taking place to enhance the disciples reverence and love for the Blessed Sacrament. After reading parts of book four over the past several weeks I feel I have a new incite on the Holy Eucharist and will reflect with various methods at each Mass.

I think many people would look to this book as a major source of guidance and inspiration, yet challenging compared to the soft sell religious classics written today. Thomas mixed no words and followed scripture to the tee.

Important issues included in the book are: 1. how do I deal and handle adversity? 2. How do I view and handle criticism? 3. How do I live a truly good life? 4. How do I ready myself for death? 5. How do I deal with suffering? 6. What is the most important relationship in my life?
The entire book provides a wealth of information that challenges us to live at a higher level than most of us dare to attempt.
Over the past several month’s I have had an opportunity to read, study and reflect on various saints, in addition to learning more about mysticism, monasticism, and how the Holy Spirit provides illuminative grace by my prayers, meditation and acts of charity. As a result of my class in Spiritual Theology, I have taken a new profound approach to my daily “Liturgy of the Hours” readings. Focusing more on what the readings mean versus getting through them to meet my personal obligation has given me an opportunity to reflect, remember, and share what I have read.

The Imitation of Christ is a book I will keep close by and probably obtain a hard cover copy of in the future for spiritual reading and reflection. Although I may have been somewhat critical on what Tomas Kempis is expecting from his readers, I believe it is a life to strive toward and keep close to my heart as temptations of unnecessary worldly events, passions and things come my way. My spiritual life has been enhanced as a result of reading this book along with my new found way to reflect on the scriptures.

Looking back over the past four years of taking classes and now having an opportunity to take the Spiritual Theology class, I feel I will be able to demonstrate an ability to contemplate and share with others what it means to contemplate in life. I also have gained a new found respect for many of the saints we have discussed and read about. Although each is different spiritually, in their own way, they have walked the talk and have set an excellent example for each of us to ponder and strive to fulfill.

Spiritual Exercises Help Us To Know God Better

The spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola help us to know God better by seeing how He plays a major role in our life, imagination and what we experience on a daily basis. I often sit out on my back porch early in the morning and just become in awe at the birds, flowers and sky. This is my quiet time to reflect on God, my life and how blessed we are.

Once the noises of the everyday traffic, people and other commotions start, it becomes difficult to concentrate on spirituality and prayer. Ignatius helps me to become more aware of what we as humans really want which is peace, serenity and presence with God in our life.

I think we are always experiencing the ever presence of God in our lives, however it takes discipline and concentration to become aware of His wants and needs for us because we have been so addicted to the world. The light at the end of the tunnel is an opportunity for us to become part of each other the Trinity and our real purpose in life.

I thank God today for providing great people like St. Ignatius, St. Francis, John of the Cross and others who have taught me to slow down, breath deeply, and find the spirit of God with me and all that is around me. Gaining interior peace can be accomplished in this hectic world if we stop to make time for it, reflect, and shut the world off for that precious moment or two.

In All Things - We have Reflections

A friend of mine recently wrote a great book called "In All Things" that brings life in to perspective for you if you live some of the stories that Jim Jackson writes about. It's about Moral Reflections & Decisions on Life Issues. You can read my review on Amazon and obtain more information there. Jim and his wife Donna are the most wonderful people I have ever met, I think it's because they live what they say, and I love that about people. St. Francis often said, "Preach the Gospel often, and sometimes use words"
When Jim was only four years old his uncle David and aunt Bessie adopted him and his 9 other brothers and sisters after his parents had died. Jim's life was inspired by their lives. Do you have people in your life who live the Gospel and inspire you? they are out there, go find one today, and give thanks.

Grace, Karl Rahner Had It! We Can Also!

One of my favorite theologians is Karl Rahner who was very instrumental at Vatican II for his committee work and input on many of the changes we have experienced over the past 40 years. His reflection on Grace has always helped me to understand God's self-communication to us although we may not feel, hear or see it. I think that's where faith comes in. Rahner claims we live and exist in a universe of grace described as universal. You maybe asking as I often have, if we live in a universe of grace, where was it when the earthquake which devastated Sichuan, China or tens of thousands affected By cyclone in Myanmar .

The grace has been distributed throughout the world based on those who have demanded social justice to help those in need and by the people who have received aid from strangers they never met before. I think the grace comes from a self giving God who makes us self giving by getting out of our own head and helping others. Karl Rahner believes that we are called often to this grace, however some of us don't always respond to it.

One does not have to be Catholic or Christian to accept this grace he is referring to. Many non-believers have been called to grace by loving their neighbor and doing what their conscious has called them to do. Maybe this is God's way of addressing our deepest level of existence and bringing about that spiritual awakening that our world needs so badly to help the less fortunate.
The Catholic Relief Services can use help today to aid those in need. Please give generously, even if it's a small amount, God's grace will flow to many people including you.

Have a Grace filled weekend and Memorial Day, Mike

Photo compliments of Flickr, Feusl's Photostream

Pope Benedict and Pentecost USA

When Peter preached for the first time on Pentecost, the people were eager to find salvation. He gave a bold sermon that day about the Holy Spirit, about repenting and receiving the Holy Spirit. I've read and heard much about the Holy Spirit since Easter, at Mass, in the readings, the Liturgy of the Hours, and reading about Pope Benedict's visit to the United States. In his latest book "Jesus of Nazareth" Pope Benedict indicated that it was "My personal search for the face of God" He certainly carried that theme here on his visit by looking at the country as being blessed, yet realistically understanding that our culture is corrupt and sinful in it's own materialistic way. Our pope is such a wonderful writer, speaker and theologian that I was sadly disappointed that more articles did not focus on his real message for the world versus exactly what I expected and heard from the press about the paedophile priests who so badly damaged our Church. However, he handled that well and did get the message across that repentence, reconcilation, and forgivness is part of what we are all about in today's world.

I once had an opportunity a few years back to visit Rome and had a Wednesday audiance with Pope John Paul, who was also in my opinion, a gift from the Holy Spirit. His message he carried was always full of love, forgiveness, and a passion for Jesus, just like our new Holy Father.

I guess as lay people who are out there everyday on the firing lines of evil, we can be very fortunate to have the leadership throughout the Christian community like our Pope Benedict XVI, our bishops, priests, deacons, Billy Graham, Robert Schuller, Joel Olsteen and many, many others who preach the word of God through books, in our churches, and on TV. I pray for their messages to reach all corners of the earth.
as far as our part in this, the botton line is always the same. "What would Jesus do?

Christian Ministry is Universal and Diverse:

Ministry is for each baptized person. It is a community and service, not an object or title. Ministry is a function given by the Holy Spirit by means of chrisms, gifts, and talents that are to be used for the benefit of the community. (This could mean the world or a small community). Ministry is public action. Wow! I never looked at myself as a minister until I had the opportunity to learn more about what my faith was really about. Rademacher brings it out in his book on Lay Ministry, which I found to be very enlightening. In today's world we can me ministers of the Gospel by acting, praying and giving to the sick, elderly, homeless, our neighbors, our church and all sorts of other challenges that face society.
In other wowrds, get out of our own head and do something for someone else. Maybe today, my ministry will be to just be a good listener, offer no advive what so ever, and pray for the person I heard out. What do you think?

Great Stories to Make Your Day

Some of the best things in life are FREE. A Newsletter I get called Gimundo makes me smile, be grateful for the day and what I have, and know that this is a wonderful world to live in. I suggest you check it out. I make it a habit to read, listen and watch some of the interesting articles they post on this site. I hope you enjoy until my next post, may you have a blessed week. Thanks, Mike

An Act of Kindness, Delta Township, Hits Lansing

Members of Trinity Methodist Church, Delta Township were focusing on solutions yesterday as an example of Jesus Christ. Maybe this will catch on in Delta Township, Lansing, and around the state. The State Journal even contributed to the good works by writing an excellent article. Yesterday was Divine Mercy Sunday, with the Gospel focusing on the story of Thomas hearing Jesus say, "do not be faithless, but believe" and Thomas responding "My Lord and my God"
Wouldn't it be exciting if the other denominations and faiths joined in on this community example, made a effort to work side by side as Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, Jewish, Muslims, Hindu and even the none believers to help others in some small act of kindness. I know many churches, organizations and individuals who are already providing great community service throughout the greater Lansing area, and should be thanked for their efforts. However, the impact of the masses, sometimes, shakes up the conscience of Christians and other faiths to become more ecumenical in our lives. What do you think?
Photo Credit

Alleluia, He's Alive

Happy Easter to all of you on this beautiful snow day in Michigan. I had an opportunity today to attend the 9:00 a.m. Liturgy where I had fresh Easter Lillie's right in front of me to smell, a group of about 12 people participating in the Mass using sign language, which was moving to watch them sing in sign language, and Fr. Jerry giving another brilliant homily that helped me understand how we Catholics should be Easter people everyday, all year.

We are just coming off a week of mourning for Jesus, fast, penance, and reflecting on our own death and resurrection. We have experienced the baptism of new members, confirmations, anointing, stations of the cross, holy water sprinkled on us, feet washings, and numerous other symbolic opportunities to connect with our faith.
Sacramental celebrations will always be a fundamental source for theological reflection. We are symbolic Christians who have experienced Jesus' victory over sin and death for our new life in Christ. Alleluia, now we just need to live it the next 364 days.

Social Justice, What's Our Purpose?

Matthew 25 creates the overwhelming responsibility and heart wrenching area of social justice that makes me sometimes wish I never would have discovered, what I really knew all along, but left my head in the sand. With millions of children and adults dying every year of starvation and the injustice taking place in our world, it is my obligation out of love to do more than I have in the past. The start of love is one person at a time in my opinion.

Discovering and growing my faith, discerning over obligations that go along with the betterment of the world as a result of my love for mankind, (Love your neighbor), and the grace that God has given me of salvation, talents and the ability to love are all obligations that need to be sorted out consciously to determine my purpose in life. Why it is some people can just say my purpose in life is to be a good father, husband, employee and go to church on Sunday and others like myself, have to make this journey very complicated and question weather we have really discovered our purpose in life.

The love and self-giving is an obligation that goes along with discovering Gods plan for us. It is also nice to realize that unconditional love is what God has for us. So when I sin or fail to fulfill my obligations as a servant, He will still love me and forgive me. It is also rewarding and comforting to know that this love has been there all the years when I was not there for God.
I guess, I really have discovered my purpose in life, however it’s like everything in the world today, change is inevitable. What do you think?
Picture Compliments of: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ghavisualagency/1762930613/

Priests, Prophets and Kings –Who Me?

Prophets appear to have been inspired by God to see the divine plan during their signs of the times. As I reflected on some of my recent readings, I had to stop and think who might be Prophets today my life time? Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, Billy Graham, all come to mind. I believe we have thousands of prophets living today or who have died recently, who have proclaimed God’s word in one fashion or another. Actually, we are priests, prophets and kings ourselves, as a result of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and Eucharist?

As I reflect on my own life I can see where I would have a long way to go in order to be any kind of a prophet like St. Francis of Assisi, Jeremiah, Isaiah, or any of the prophets of those times. Looking at their circumstances, I am not sure I would have been as brave, persistent, and obedient. I guess that is why it is a gift to be a prophet. Now, Pope John Paul II, Mother Theresa, and Billy Graham have been prophets of our time and have charismatically inspired through Gods word, different concerns, complacency, errors, and ideas for our secular world to come out of its sanity. I am sure there are numerous others, like them who deserve the same credit; however as an illustrative example I have chosen these three.

Working with RCIA, visiting the Rescue Mission, Being a Eucharistic Minister or going to the nursing home does not make me feel like a prophet. Writing my Senator or local congressperson, sending a small donation to Catholic Relief Services does give me a sense of making an effort toward being a better prophet. I believe that is why we are priests, prophets and kings, so we can cover all these areas of ministry.

I think the purpose of a good prophet is to make his or her audience feel the guilt, pain and compassion concerning the situation. Over the past seven years I have tried to educate myself more and more with social justice and the current world situation, I have become very motivated to do what little I can to contribute to the cause of social justice. For me to be prophetic is to be moved to compassion, to stand with those who suffer and whom the world no longer cares about.

In the developing world 1.2 billion people are living below the international poverty line of earning less than $1.00 per day. It is a sin that 24,000 people die each day of hunger and hunger related causes. That is one person every 3.6 seconds who are made in the image of God and destroyed by the sins of omission. I must continue to ask, why are people starving around the world? Why is the USA, the richest nation in the world, allowing its people to live in poverty, and to be homeless in this land of opportunity?

I think I am becoming more focused as I continue to discern over the direction to take. I will need to become more focused in one direction in order to handle my personal work load and a balanced life. I only pray that the fire in my heart continues to burn so I can help in some small way to transform our unjust society and carry out my share of dignity with the Church and other Christian people, as one body in Christ to carry out our mission of priestly, prophetic and kingly people. I trust we will as Catholics, always have priests, prophets and kings in all the various ministries to hear God’s word and do God’s deeds. My obligation is to find out where I belong on this faith journey, so I can serve as a compassionate mouth piece for God in my time and place. What about you?

The Book of Job, Us Today, My Reflections

I have tried to put myself in Job’s position of losing his fortune and his children. That alone would be enough to make any person bitter, angry and hard-hearted toward God. Job received the ultimate test, especially with his friends blaming him, a righteous man, and his wife telling him to curse God. I honestly believe the test that Job was put through would be more then I could handle. Losing my possessions and being unhealthy, I maybe able to keep my faith, however losing my children the way Job did would require much ministering from someone better equipped then Job’s three so called friends. I also struggle with God in this story that he would play a game with Satan just to prove Jobs righteousness. Satan is termed as an opponent or adversary or one who opposes in Hebrew. This may explain why the story was designed the way it was. I think Job is a great model for all of us who will suffer disappointments, tragedy, sickness, suffering and death. The adversary or opponent is the one who inflicted the hard times, not God. God knew Job would be just, righteous, and fear the Lord.

I am surprised that even today many people believe that hard-times come to sinners. We are all sinners, we are all gifted in some fashion or another, and we will all be tested in some small or large way like Job was in this reading. I know God is the supreme judge and may afflict without cause, however that seems to be the mystery we do not have the answer for. Usually something good comes from our cross that we carry.

When my brother died fourteen years ago at the age of 56, I was very angry that I did not have the time needed to see him off. Although my mother suffered with pain at her death bed I felt at peace knowing that she understood the world of pain and did not blame God for her discomfort. She had the righteousness and patience needed to be a Job. My brother also handled his idea of death coming in his direction like a Job would. God gives us the strength we need to handle our crosses in life. He strengthened my faith when these two losses in my life came along, by putting me on a faith journey I never dreamed possible.

Job hints a few times in this story about afterlife which was not talked about much in those days. I can see where the wisdom books offer much insight for our daily ups and downs. God knows we just cannot understand the mystery of life, death and tragedy. I have learned from the Book of Job, a better understanding of the marvelous power that God has over tragedy and suffering if we keep our faith in Him. Although Job was God fearing and morally perfect, he still cannot challenge God. The moral of the story is Job recovered and also realized that he is the creature and God is the creator. I need to make the best use of this wisdom myself, for the future crosses in my life. What do you think?

Pauline Thought & Theological Vision

St. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians in response to a society that was decaying within morally. His major theological theme or vision was that all Christians serve one Lord. Have Christian unity, and share a common vision. His purpose of the letter was to give the Corinthians guidance in Christian life, how to behave and act, and God’s plan for their salvation.

Corinth could be any town, USA in today’s world of Abortion, HIV/Aids, pornography and numerous other moral defects of our secular society. Paul’s style of writing was friendly, even though his last visit was what he had labeled a saddened visit. It appears there may have been a missing letter to explain the sad visit; however, Corinth was the gateway between the East and the West. It was the second largest port town compared to Athens, made up of Jews, Greeks and Gentiles. Paul had spent almost 18 month’s getting the church started there and had a passion in his heart to help them get organized and focused. Many followers were going in various directions as a result of favoring Apollo, Peter, Paul or none of them. Paul was trying to make them understand that the church already had its leader in Christ and that all Christians serve one Lord. Our parishes, churches, dioceses today still have these difficulties as a result of personal agendas, clicks, and people wanting no change in the way things use to be.

I can really relate to the issues in 1 Corinthians within my own life. I consider myself a servant or steward of God, in addition to providing loving service to those in need. Paul said: For we are God’s coworkers; you are God’s field, God’s building. He ministered to the ministers also.

Another area that has been very dear to me over the past few years is the area of evangelization, stewardship and charity. This is a very broad ministry, however I have spent numerous hours, reading, studying and focusing my discernment in this area. I came from a very poor family and have always had charity, volunteering, and love in my heart for those who are less fortunate then myself.

My faith journey relates to Paul’s theology on love being the greatest gift of all. I am gifted to have been raised in a family that has always been very, very loving regardless of the poverty, social defects and other setbacks. The Catholic faith was very traditional and strong throughout my childhood. The problem I had was it was more fun to be like a Corinthian then a Catholic when I got older and wiser. I thought I needed to make money, be successful, and pride myself in accomplishment. I spent most of my adult life striving to get out of poverty; however the poverty was in my heart and mind. When Christ said blessed are the poor in spirit that was me.

Paul preaches to the Corinthians about the body being the temple of the Holy Spirit. I was blind to that fact up until seven years ago, although raised Catholic. When my mother passed away, I said to myself, there is more to life then striving for accomplishment. It hit me that my body was getting older and I had failed to balance my life. How I ever gave up golf every Saturday and Sunday morning over the past three years to take these theology sessions and go to church on Sunday morning is be on me. The Holy Spirit gave me a gift that day when I was baptized 60 years ago. However it came alive again the day we buried my mother.

Now I can be part of Christ and His work as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians. I can be fed the body of Christ in community with others in my faith. My reconciliation has been very exciting. I have fire in my heart for my faith journey. The basis of Paul’s integrity is his love for individuals, whatever their religious or social situation. I hope and pray that I can follow the footsteps of Paul in my lay ministry to love those who need love, to help bring others back home to our faith, and to humbly continue my faith journey with the same enthusiasm and drive that I have had over the past seven years.

Paul ends his letter talking about our victory over death due to Jesus Christ. I still struggle with mortality issues as others do, however; I am preparing the groundwork for the most exciting journey of all. God’s salvation plan for me was re-written seven years ago, I trust He knows what he is doing.

Luke’s Gospel - Very Instrumental In My Life

Luke’s Gospel has a particular appeal to me because of his balance. It appears to be written to all, including men, women, rich, poor, lonely, Greeks, Roman, and Gentiles, as well as, sinners and the socially outcasts. Some say Luke was not an eye witness as a third generation Christian but I believe he had better writing skills to include beautiful language, grammar, and vocabulary. In my opinion Luke introduced the gospel with more joy, compassion, and love, because Luke’s Jesus’ was very compassionate and forgiving. His focus on the poor and outcasts explain why some call it the social workers gospel. Luke shows much more healing and forgiveness from Jesus then the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. He also makes it very clear that salvation and the kingdom of God are for the asking. Luke wants his readers to plenty of the joy, trust, faith, hope, endurance, expectation, and exultation of those who respond to the faithful God’s actions in their life.

Most theologians say, Luke’s sources were Mark, Q, and L. I am a great fan of his writings that include the Parables of Jesus. Although his writing depended on earlier accounts, Luke re-worked them with better literary structure and put them a more orderly fashion.

Luke’s Gospel has been very instrumental in my life thus far. I can relate to the Parables and often put myself in the place of the prodigal son, the blind man, or anyone of his characters. The lessons have opened my mind and heart and brought my on-going conversion to new heights. Each and every parable teaches me that you must be genuine in your faith and repent for forgiveness of your sins to seek the salvation of Jesus Christ. Luke talked about the faithful servants in 12:35-45, that we must safeguard what has been entrusted to us to care for until His second coming. In other words, Jesus expects us to carry on the tradition of compassion, love and charity to our neighbors.

My spiritual life is useless unless I expose to the world that 20,000 to 25,000 children a day are dying of starvation, numerous children are being kidnapped each day as slaves to armies and as sex slaves in Africa and other countries. Every 6 seconds a child in this world is dying of starvation. This insanity must stop. This is not the way the world is supposed to be.

Luke‘s Gospel is compassionate and loving in today’s world. In my lay ministry, I would find it the most helpful to use his stories to ease the pain of those that I am in contact with. He shows such compassion, joy and love from Jesus that most people who are suffering would believe his stories as I have.

God must know that each and every one of us is responsible to take part in this journey to help the starving and oppressed. Hopefully, He will use us in an extraordinary way to get this message out to the world that we have a responsibility to feed the children and the oppressed.

Almsgiving makes one clean before God. We cannot earn our way to heaven. However, we do have a responsibility to serve our neighbor and follow the law of loving our neighbor as ourselves. My spiritual life is to include the poor, helpless, and the outcasts. I am from that group as a child and I will always have a place in my heart and soul for the needy. I pray that God will never let me forget where I came from and that He will give me the strength to help my fellow man and women.

This Gospel begins and ends with the holy city and the Temple. Isn’t that what happens to us? I pray that each day we as Christians learn that the gospel is intended to teach us that God intends on us to pay attention to our social sin for what we fail to do, in addition to the sin we commit each day. Our world needs compassion, love, and charity to fulfill the kingdom of God.

When Mother Theresa was asked what we can do to help the problem in Calcutta, she responded that your Calcutta is down the street from where you live in your home town. Go do something in your own Calcutta. As I discern, I pray that God will guide me in the right direction to help my neighbors in this world.

The Book of Kings and Today's Society

The culture, religious, and political history that is included throughout the life of David and Solomon were very intriguing to me in many ways. I can see where God called these leaders along with several other characters to create the foundation of the faith I have today. This must be the faith truths of the Hebrew Scriptures. As I read through the various scriptures I am at awe that these individuals can claim to be Gods people with the killings, orgies, conniving, and idol worshipping that took place. However they really are not much different then we are today, with war, abortion, sin, oppression, idols etc.

I am also amazed that God has chosen this group. However, as I read between the lines I realize that David had a mission to build a nation for God. Solomon had a mission to build a temple where Gods people could come to worship and receive forgiveness. Regardless of the character defects these individuals had, they must have pleased God in many ways to have these responsibilities and blessings. They both show that I have a forgiving Father who will accept me for my flaws as well as bless me with my gifts, As long as I use them wisely.

Solomon’s Prayer of dedication, his wisdom, and David’s Psalms have been helpful to me in many ways over the years. Although most were written for the time David and Solomon were living, the content and context still reach out and relate to my world today.

We still have wars, power struggles, sex and lies in today’s age like never before. We still have the rich and the poor, the leaders and the followers, the evil in the world and the blessings of God. We also share the same feelings these people felt of joy, gratitude, sadness, anger, despair, anguish and frustration.

I could write for hours about the subjects above, however the bottom line is that we are still out there searching for our God who is a mystery. We know He has promised us salvation, forgiveness, and a place with Him in Heaven, provided we keep our end of the bargain. (Covenant)

I was recently doing some readings on promises, forgiveness, and community. It works the same today as it did back then, only with new characters with new gifts from God. I can only hope and pray for a more just society, less war, and a community sharing with all. Our leaders and we who have received certain gifts need to keep working at our journey towards God and a continuous conversion of heart. What do you Think?

Disciples of Christ In The Reign of God, Not An Easy Job!

Jesus had one ministry focused around the reign of God consisting of six aspects. They were healing, exorcism, teaching, reconciling, being a peacemaker, and his liberating ministry. In today’s world I would consider these six separate ministries with considerable overlapping. It would be a challenge for anyone to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and do as an effective job in these areas as he so profoundly illustrated for the world to witness.

As a disciple of Jesus I do not think he would expect me to attempt any of the above without having the gifts to support them. I can participate with my gifts along with the entire community in our role as Disciples of Christ in the reign of God.

As a young man, who was raised a Catholic, attended a Catholic school, studied under the Baltimore Catechism and fell away from the church during a dark period of my life, I was a great candidate for conversion back to my faith about seven years ago. God slowly began working on me about the time my wife joined the Catholic Church and had myself as her sponsor. This forced me to stop back sliding and take my faith more seriously. The RCIA process was a spiritual awakening for me.

When my mother passed away a few years later, our Lord put the petal to the metal and healed my blindness, raised me from the dead, and led me to a book to read called the “Good Enough Catholic” “A Guide for the Perplexed”, by: Paul Wilkes. I picked this book up at the Church the day of my mom’s funeral and finished it within two days. It helped me realize the hunger in my soul, the spirituality that my mother instilled into me as a child, and my obligation to live my renewed baptismal vows that I took when my wife was baptized. My library has grown from Paul Wilkes book to over 200 books that have helped me develop my faith journey over the past few years with fire in my heart. I am sure my mother is working with Saint Peter to keep that fire burning.

The gifts that God gave me in life consist of being a good servant. It was mostly in the secular arena however I have always focused attention toward charity, volunteering and public service. With ongoing conversion in this faith journey I believe Jesus is forming my discipleship and building a loving relationship with me, through discernment that will continue to grow as I become more and more aware of my calling in service.


Jesus’ ministry described in the above basic ministries present a challenge to any lay person or minister of his gospel if they try to be all things to all people. I am always going to be a rookie when it comes to ministry because there is so much to learn and of course I have my secular job, and family that have been my calling. At 60 years old, I can look back with the mistakes I made in life, add the grace mixed into the gifts God gave me, and say today that I have met the challenge. If I follow the plan that God has provided me, utilize the talent in the Catholic community, and continue to discern his expectations, this venture will continue to be no challenge. Instead it will be a joyful experience to share for the balance of my time here on this planet and yours also, if you let God into your life. What do you think?
"Expect the Best" Mike

Thank God for Exodus

The story of Exodus helps me to understand how patient, forgiving, generous, and committed God was to free Israel from bondage, and oppression.

By looking at the path Israel took to freedom, I can relate to it in my own heart and mind. The biggest challenge for me is that they had Moses, Aaron, and the Ark to prove God was going to keep His word. I have to depend on faith. Of course if I mess up I don’t have to worry about Moses putting me to the machete or making me drink down melted gold.

My reflection on the escape from Egypt was rescue from bondage. However, like all good relationships, there has to be provisions, rules, and or covenants to make things work. God picked a man like Moses who was not a ready servant, to do a job for Yahweh. Moses played hard to get, gave plenty of excuses and finally God won the battle. I can relate to this part also and have not had to wait until I was eighty to trust God and become His servant; of course I have no plans to wander around the desert either. It is nice that I can learn from people like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses and all the other characters in the scriptures, along with my own peaks and valleys of life.

The same God, who set Israel free, has set me free from the chains, bondage and imprisonment that I have experienced in poverty, sin, pride and numerous other character defects over my lifetime. Not to say they are gone, like everyone else I still have many faults and always will. I can at least say my God is forgiving. He will also guided me along the right path to salvation, give me the opportunity to be His servant, and provided the right people in my life to help me find my way back home when I do mess up.

So, I have no pillar of cloud or pillar of fire to lead me through the balance of this faith journey, except my faith that God does not abandon his people, He guides and protects them. As I thirst and hunger for more answers and knowledge I believe He will provide those answers. I have also learned that God provided a way to forgiveness through the Ark. (I wondered why they spent so much time on this part of Exodus). I am pleased through our Catholic Tradition that forgiveness was passed on through the sacrament of Reconciliation. As I stubble along the way, I can thank Moses for playing a role in setting our Christian and Jewish ancestors free and giving the modern day Christians a guidebook in Exodus to discern over.
What do you think?

Our Purpose: Love Your Neighbor, Help the Marginalized

“The Judgment of Nations” in Matthew 25:31, is more eschatological (end times) than a parable as sometimes described by theologians and those in ministry. It appears to be describing a real future event that contains the Christology of Jesus’ last judgment of all people. With titles like son of man, shepherd, king, Lord, and terms like sitting on the throne, servant, power and glory, this passage has been interpreted as Christology of Jesus. Using the form criticism and historical method most theologians will agree that this piece of scripture makes for interesting discussion that leads us to loving your neighbor, taking action out of love and understanding our purpose as Christians.

I would like to focus on a few verses and terms of this chapter to illustrate how this affects my daily life and all God’s people in these contemporary times. The sheep and the goat’s metaphor illustrate the good and the evil. The right hand is favored over the left side. And “the least of these” represents people in general. Scholars are somewhat divided on the “all the nations” referred to in this reading. I have taken the side that all nations mean all people.

I have had an opportunity to involve myself in various ministry functions over the past seven years consisting of Charity work, RCIA team, hospital visits, visiting youth shelters, serving at homeless shelters and various other projects. Over this seven year period I have become called to learn more about the areas that Jesus refers to in this gospel, food, drink, welcome, clothing, nursing care and visitation. These six works of mercy are really only illustrative examples of what the passage refers to. The bottom line to me means “love your neighbor”. Whether it’s helping someone change a flat tire or providing basic care for a sick person. The kinds of mercy that Jesus rewards here are within reach of every person.

Reflecting on this gospel has made me aware of the seriousness of the sins of omission. How I have extended love and care for the weakest and most helpless among us is how I have treated Christ. The poor not only include the economically deprived, it also includes all those who suffer oppression and powerlessness. Although, I have a long way to go, I have become an advocate of stewardship as a result of my studies. Parts of my efforts have included small donations to (CRS) Catholic Relief Services. I have also begun writing letters or emails to senators and representatives of Congress on the poor, needy, starving people around the world. Each day I am becoming more motivated and called to take action.

Now as I revisit this passage of the “judgment of nations” I become very uncomfortable about my efforts that I have made thus far. I can do more. I realize that a preferential option of the poor is not an option, it is a mandate. As a disciple of Jesus I need to take action out of love for my neighbors versus worrying about judgment described in this reading. The catch twenty two that most people, including myself get into is how my little contribution can make a difference. I have decided that I can make a difference. Twenty Dollars donated would provide a day’s supply of emergency food for 80-100 malnourished children in Sudan. $500.00 will supply a well for clean drinking water. A visit to a nursing home to offer a reading, the Eucharist or just a friendly smile can help add life to these sometimes forgotten neighbors. Whether I support CRS or my local food bank, visit a hospital or write to my congress Representative, I am standing up for justice and doing something.

I can strengthen the community as a whole by assisting those who are most vulnerable. I need to make it a habit of looking at the world from the perspective of the marginalized. This will require not only continuing to do my little part to share my time, talent, and treasure, (stewardship) with others but to also evangelize my daily contacts with the same enthusiasm and determination that Jesus is promoting in his teaching. Evangelizing and stewardship are the two most misunderstood ministries in the Catholic faith. Maybe my enthusiasm toward these areas will help bring them to the forefront in this blog.

In the developing world 1.2 billion people are living below the international poverty line of earning less than $1.00 per day. It is a sin that 24,000 (plus or minus) people die each day of hunger and hunger related causes. That is one person every 3.6 seconds who was made in the image of God and destroyed by the sin of omission. I must continue to ask, why are people starving around the world? Why is the USA, the richest nation in the world, allowing its people to live in poverty, and to be homeless in this land of opportunity?

Part of the message in Matthew's reading is not just to do each of these acts of mercy, but to preach this gospel message to others until all have heard it. I can never stop questioning an oppressive system that forces billions of our brothers and sisters in our country and around the world to live in poverty. I can never again sit back and accept the fact that literally thousands of defenseless unborn babies are being slaughtered by abortion. Nor can I sit back any longer and live with the fact that over 25 million people have now died of AIDS, which is senseless. Life and dignity of the human person needs to be the moral vision of our society.

My spiritual journey over the past seven years has lead me in various directions and given me a clearer understanding of my obligations and gifts as a disciple of Christ. Regardless of where I land in this journey I will have fire in my heart for those who need to be loved. I pray that through this blog and the efforts of Christians everywhere we can make a difference to stop this insanity. Peace in Christ! Mike