The Visit of Grace

 

Feast of the Visitation: Mary visits Elizabeth

 

~~~ Zephaniah 3:14-18a ~~~ Psalm Is 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 ~~~Luke 1:39-56 ~~~

 

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!

The LORD, your God, is in your midst...

 

Mary was eager to share her joy with her cousin Elizabeth.

Both women were pregnant with special children.

Neither woman anticipated being pregnant

at that moment in time.

Mary was only betrothed to Joseph

and Elizabeth was past the usual child bearing age.

God surprised and blessed them both.

 

They were two women filled with the joy of new life.

They were allowing God to use their bodies for his glory.

 

Mary stayed with Elizabeth during her first trimester.

Typically the first three months are the most difficult time of the pregnancy.

The woman's body is adjusting to nourishing another human being.

The babies are growing rapidly.

 

Elizabeth could be a source of comfort and counsel for Mary.

I like to contemplate the joy on the faces of each of these holy women.

So often when you see a mother to be they appear to be glowing.

 

 

They probably spent hours just talking about how unworthy they felt

that God had chosen them as his vessels.

 

God blesses us at every age, in many varied ways.

All things are possible with God.

He gave both of these holy women the courage and strength

 they needed to accept their situation.

 

When we find ourselves in unpredictable situations

we should remember to trust that God is there with us.

It can be helpful to seek the company of someone whom you trust;

someone whom you can confide is.

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months.

When she headed back home she was more at peace.

Her body, mind, and heart were joined together as never before.

 

And Mary said:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.

Mary's visit that day confirmed God had indeed chosen her for his own...

he had chosen her to be the earthly mother for his only son, Jesus.

 

For many reasons the Visitation is very dear to my heart.

Two woman bonding and sharing their joys and fears with each other.

Women need the companionship of women of all ages.

In the presence of other women we are blessed with wisdom and grace.

Where is You Blindness?

 

~~~ Sirach 42:15-25 ~~~ Psalm 33 ~~~ Mark 10:46-52 ~~~

 

 

Yesterday we heard two of the apostles asking Jesus to do whatever the wanted.

‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”

 

Today we hear from Bartimaeus...calling out to Jesus,

 crouched beside the road.

Being blind, he is intently listening for Jesus to be near

his lowly position on the ground.

When Jesus walks closer he begins to loudly call out...

 

“Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.”

 

Blind, waiting, and determined to get the attention of Jesus.

The people are crowded around Jesus, moving him along,

 yet he does hear the cry of this blind man.

 

Of course the apostles see and hear this man a nuisance,

 but Jesus hears and sees him as a person in need of healing.

 

The apostles call the man to come before Jesus, as requested.

“Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.”

 

The apostles are telling this poor blind man to take courage.

When Jesus calls you it often does require courage.

When Jesus calls you it is always a call to change.

You cannot truly hear the call from Jesus unless you are willing to change.

 

Initially the blind man thought Jesus might take pity on him

 because he of his blindness;

but instead he was called to be courageous.

Once Bartimaeus could see his life in courage he springs forth from the dirt.

He throws his cloak of hiding off and stands up to meet Jesus.

This vision inspires me to have higher aspirations.

 

 

 Once Jesus hears; he directs his attention to Bartimaeus saying,

 “What do you want me to do for you?” 

 

 Jesus restores sight to Bartimaeus following his own display of courage.

Bartimaeus was willing to stand up and come to Jesus.

 

We too suffer from blindness in our life;

perhaps it is not physical blindness, but we do not see clearly.

 I dare say we may even choose blindness in some cases.

We do not want to see much that is around us.

 

Bartimaeus was not a person of importance;

he was not one of those followers of Jesus.

 Bartimaeus was a man who had faith.

It was his faith that ultimately saved him 

 

Bartimaeus states his request for healing directly, clearly, and precisely.

Sometimes I think our prayers may be too vague.

We should speak in prayer of our precise desires,

knowing of course that we surrender to the will of God.

 

The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.”
Jesus told him, ‘Go your way; your faith has saved you.”
Immediately he received his sight
and followed him on the way.  

 

Lord, show me where I am blind so that I may seek your healing presence.

Blessings waiting for us in our darkness.

The Real Reward

~~~ Sirach 36:1, 4-5a, 10-17 ~~~ Psalm 79 ~~~ Mark10:32-45 ~~~

 

Reward those who have hoped in you,
and let your prophets be proved true.

 

Jesus is sharing with his apostles the future things that will happen to him.

As they listened intently, James and John seemed

 disconnected from the gravity of his words.

 

They were more concerned with having their wishes heard and met by Jesus.

If they were amazed they were more

 interested in looking out for themselves.

 

‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.”

 

 

They were looking for their reward for being two of his followers.

It usually does not work well to try and bargain with God.

Yes, Jesus may have needed them as his followers, but

he did not 'need' these two men.

 

Sometimes when we are faced with a tragedy, such as a terrible accident or death,

our brain gets confused. We may even laugh even though it is not appropriate.

I have experienced this first hand in the workplace.

 

Maybe these two apostles were so overwhelmed

 with all that Jesus was telling them that

they reacted inappropriately without intending to.

Maybe they really did not know how they should react.
So theses words just came tumbling out of their mouths.

Have you ever said something only to later regret having said it?
I have. Our initial reaction is often not the best reaction.

Clearly they were looking for their reward while the others... 

They were amazed,
those who followed were afraid.

When we are fully present to what Jesus told the apostles that day;
being afraid would have been a normal reaction.

...condemn him to death...
...will mock him,
spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death,
but after three days he will rise.”

We are the Resurrection peoples.
We know that after three days Jesus was indeed raised from the dead.
Today we have no reason to be afraid.

We have every reason to be joyful.
The real reward comes in the serving of others,
just as Jesus modeled for us.
The ultimate reward is everlasting life in heaven.

Blessings are all around you.

What is Enough?

~~~ Sirach 35:1-12 ~~~ Psalm 50 ~~ Mark 10:28-31 ~~~

 

Peter began to say to Jesus,
‘We have given up everything and followed you.”

 

For most of us this is a difficult verse to reflect upon.

We gloss over it quickly because we are picky about what we are willing to give up.

 

The idea of giving up everything is overwhelming and scary.

 

Peter and the others did give up pretty much everything.

They left their fishing business.

They left their homes.

They left their families.

 

They followed Jesus and he was always on the move.

Jesus never really set down roots in one place.

He was a missionary and they joined him.

 

How do you know how much is enough to give up?

Is it really something to be measured?

Is it possible to measure how much someone is giving up?

 

Everything for one may not be much for another.

 

Some believe giving from their wealth is sufficient;

but I wonder if that is truly giving anything up.

 

Some give up all of their material belongings to enter religious life;

but I wonder if that is truly necessary.

 

Where is the happy medium?

Where is the middle?

 

It may have been necessary for Peter and the others to give up everything 

to follow Jesus,

they had a great task before them.

 

 

So where does that leave us today?

I think what you give up can only be determined

by the person making the sacrifice.

 

If what you give up is imposed upon you then your attitude

 may deteriorate into something

far less then Jesus intended.

 

If you do not have the right spirit of the heart in what you sacrifice,

is it a sacrifice at all?

 

Was Peter just whining?

Did he just want to make Jesus aware of the sacrifice they had made?

 

Jesus says whatever you give up you

will get a hundred times more in return...

...and eternal life in the age to come...

 

Honestly it makes me a little uncomfortable to reflect on exactly

what I am 'giving up' to follow Jesus.

 

I may never be able to truthfully determine if it is enough.

I may never be able to admit just how selfish I really am.

 

All I can do is make the decision daily to follow Jesus accepting

what that decision encompasses.

I place my trust in where he leads me.

I pray to have the strength needed to sacrifice what is asked of me.

Perhaps I should consider adding a day of fasting each week to my prayer life.

Giving up food for a day pales in comparison

to what some have given up.

 

'...Appear not before the LORD empty-handed...'

We Remember Our Fallen Heros

~~~ Memorial Day ~~~

 

~~~ Sirach 17:20-24 ~~~ Psalm 32 ~~~ Mark 10:17-27 ~~~

 

'...All things are possible for God.'

 

This should be our daily mantra.

Whenever we begin to feel discouraged and out of sync

 we need to remind ourselves that

with God all things really are possible.

 

We tend to think that everything lies squarely upon our shoulders.

We make ourselves a little crazy when

WE cannot get things accomplished in our own way.

 

It is from God that we receive the grace and strength to move forward

on our journey of salvation.

God never said that we must walk this path alone.

He is always with us.

If we believe this then it follows that we trust in his guidance.

 

Yesterday we heard from Paul's letter to the Romans about hope.

Hope is about believing in those things we cannot see.

 

We cannot see God's hand leading us...guiding us...

but he is with us.

 

Whatever we are faced with in our life God is the one who will help us persevere.

 

 

 

We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice serving in our armed forces today.

I cannot help but think of how many times these brave

men and women had to rely on God.

How many times have they were faced with seemingly impossible situations?

How many times it was truly by God's intervention that they survived.

 

 To the penitent God provides a way back,
he encourages those who are losing hope...

...Return to him...

...pray to the LORD...

...Turn again to the Most High...

 

May the souls of all those who died for our freedom rest in peace.

May their families find comfort in knowing their loved ones

 are appreciated by the rest of us.

 

'...All things are possible for God.'

 

We give thanks for your sacrifice.

We pray for the protection of our military who serve our country.

Love Times Three

Most Holy Trinity Sunday

 

~~~ Proverbs 8:22-31~~~ Psalm 8 ~~~ Romans 5:1-5 ~~~ John 16:12-15 ~~~

 

The wisdom of God has always been present as we find in the words of Proverbs today.

Wisdom was present before all of the things of earth were created by God.

Wisdom is not physical or tangible; wisdom is of the spirit.

 

We may believe that the Spirit only came into being after the Resurrection,

but if we believe in the Trinity we must see otherwise.

The three persons in one would indicate that all persons of God

are and were in existence for all times.

 

When something is revealed to us it does not mean it was newly created.

The Trinity is so totally united as one that they merge seamlessly together.

Distinct yet one...can anything we know compare?

 

I was his delight day by day,
playing before him all the while,
playing on the surface of his earth;
and I found delight in the human race.

 

Wisdom played with God during creation.

What a joyful scene to picture.

Wisdom found us to be pleasing...delightful.

The entire Trinity loves us and desires us to be happy.

Wisdom was even the delight of God.

Playfulness and humor are part of God.

He passed this same ability on to us; in fact laughter is good for our health.

 

 

It seems that our existence is validated by the Spirit.

God found us to worthy of saving.

Jesus, doing the will of the Father,

 found us worthy of salvation through his death.

The Spirit finds us worthy to remain with us here and now.

 

Paul writes, because we have been justified by faith,

and have peace from God, we have grace.

This grace gives us the strength we need to give glory to God

in good times and bad times.

 

Paul writes to the Romans...

...affliction produces endurance,
and endurance, proven character,
and proven character, hope,
and hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

 

We are the bearers of hope to all of the world because we have been loved.

We have been loved by God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

We are loved uniquely by the Trinity.

Three is stronger than one.

 

Whenever you see something that represents three...a tripod...a tricycle...etc.

remember that you are loved times three...

You are loved by the Mystery of Trinity.

An Inventive Heart

~~~ Sirach 17:1-15 ~~~ Psalm 103 ~~~ Mark 10:13-16 ~~~

 

Today, Saturday, we have some beautiful verses from the book of Sirach.

Most people will not ever read this passage as it is a Saturday.

Often the Saturday readings are connected to Mary,

but today they are about how God created us...

as his children, in his image.

If we were able to create our children I am sure we would choose

to give them many good things.

We would give them perfect health, beauty, many talents,

we would want them to be a compassionate and loving person.

 

This is exactly what God does; he creates us with much of what he sees as good.

God creates us in a beautiful way, knowing he also gives us free will.

What will we do with all he has created in us?

 

At first reading this passage you might think you were reading Genesis.

There are certainly some similarities.

The author is making us aware of our wonderful relationship with our Creator God.

 

As we read about all that is within our being; we can see the love of God for us.

We can also face the fact that our days here on earth are numbered.

 

...He created for them counsel, and a tongue and eyes and ears,
and an inventive heart...

filled them with the discipline of understanding.
He created in them knowledge of the spirit;
With wisdom he fills their heart;
good and evil he shows them.
He put the fear of himself upon their hearts...

 

Can you imagine what your life would be like without your senses?

I have often reflected on which of my five senses I would be willing to delete.

Honestly I could not freely make that decision.

Perhaps it would be the sense of taste,

but that would take most of the pleasure from eating away.

Besides our senses God gives us our heart.

 

God gave us an 'inventive heart'.

He put inside of us a small piece of his vast creativity.

I am always amazed at the creativity of God along with his playfulness.

Just look at the many different birds he created.

Some birds are bright and colorful, their feathers are perfectly placed for ease of flight,

they even court one another with dances.

 

We have been given a share in this inventive...creative ability from God.

 

 

Their ways are ever known to him,
they cannot be hidden from his eyes.

 

Our days here on earth are numbered.

There is nothing we can do that our Creator does not know.

 

I once witnessed a high school catechism teacher put on a huge pair of sunglasses,

proclaiming they were 'God's glasses'.

She was trying to portray to these young people God's vision.

 

God sees all and knows all...and he still loves us.

The real question here;

How do we respond for all that we have received?

Of course ideally it is with wonder and awe for God...

it is by giving him glory and praise...

it is worshipping him.

 

Look around and appreciate the wonder of all that

 has been bestowed on us.

 

Activate your creative heart and give him praise.

Let all that you do

be for his honor and glory.

Treasure...Faithful Friend

~~~ Sirach 6:5-17 ~~~ Psalm 119 ~~~ Mark10:1-12 ~~~

 

A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter;
he who finds one finds a treasure.
A faithful friend is beyond price...

 

If you have been fortunate enough to have developed

 a true lasting friendship in your life;

consider yourself blessed.

 

I can honestly say that I found the treasure of a true friend in my life.

I thank God for the gift of friends in my life.

 

Jesus calls us his friends.

A faithful friend is a pearl of great price.

For where your treasure is there also your heart will be nestled.

 

It is a wonderful blessing to share a real friendship with your spouse as well.

Some people are married but would not consider themselves friends.

If you are friends with your spouse then the marriage

will have the dynamics of friendship and marriage.

 

Jesus wants us to develop a true lasting friendship with him.

He is our treasure.

He is a sturdy shelter.

He never turns against us.

He only wants what is best for us.

He stands by to support us in times of distress. 

 

 

A faithful friend is without price because you cannot but love.

Friendship takes root in your heart.

Friendship expands who you are into someone better.

 

Friendship brings joy into your life.

Friendship embraces without shame or guilt.

Friendship encourages you to be the best you can be.

 

Our earthly friendships pale in comparison to the friendship

offered to us by God.

If you cannot believe that God wants to have a friendship with you

how could you recognize a human friendship? 

  

A kind mouth multiplies friends...
and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings.

 

A friendship begins with kind words, a simple gesture, and love.

 

A faithful friend is beyond price,
no sum can balance his worth. 

 

 Protect and cherish you friends,

because there is nothing else in life than can compare. 

 All the riches and wealth in the world cannot equal even one true friend.

 

A true friend can actually be a life saver.

A true friend can calm the turbulent winds and subdue the waves.

 

God bless and keep my friends.

 They make my life so much more than it would have been

without their presence.

 

When you have a true and faithful friend

your life is profoundly changed forever.

 

 God has given me friends throughout my life

 to show me more about the friendship

he desires to have with me. 

Let your friends know how you feel about them often.

To all who are my friends...

a big hug and thank you for loving me

and encouraging me to reach higher.

 

~~~ Blessings ~~~ 

Seasoned with Salt

~~~ Sirach 5:1-8 ~~~ Psalm 1 ~~~ Mark 9:41-50 ~~~

 

In heaven we will be made whole and complete.

It may be necessary to take grave measures in order to remain steadfast

 on the path of following Jesus.

In the end we have been sent forth to be salt.

Salt a seasoning we find in every cuisine.

Salt is even used in recipes for desserts.

Salt somehow brings about balance in a recipe...

too much or not enough salt can completely change the taste of the dish.

 

So how can we be like salt?

Salt formations are rocks...hard and dense.

We find salt in the oceans, underground, and in the human body.

In fact we cannot survive without salt.

Sodium chloride contains two elements that the body cannot make itself. 

 

We are to be like salt for others.

We are to be strong as the salt found in caves.

We are to be there bearing witness to our faith.

We are to be consistent in our love and compassion for others.

Just as all people need salt to survive;

we all need to have God in our lives to survive also. 

 

 In order to be salt for others we must maintain our  prayer life.

We must develop our relationship with God.

If we become lax and complacent in our prayers and faith practices

it will be like salt that looses its flavor.

 

We must keep God in our hearts just as we must keep certain levels of salt

 for the health of our bodies.

Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another.

 

Which is a greater need salt or God?

One keeps your body in balance,

the other keeps your soul in balance.

 

Once salt is added to the other ingredients it cannot be seen.

It can only be tasted.

Once you have received the grace of God

your actions will reveal his presence.

It is only through the grace of God that you are who you are today.

Be Salt...in some small way every day.

Crushed and Fermented...The Gift of Wisdom

~~~ Sirach 4:11-19 ~~~ Psalm 119 ~~~ Mark 9:38-40 ~~~

 

While I am not an expert on ancient wine pressing;

one thing I do know is that without crushing the grape there will be no wine.

The early wines came from the grapes crushed by human feet.

The grapes were tossed together and trampled upon by people.

 

The earliest known method of wine pressing is some six thousand years old.

 

What appears to be utter destruction of the plump juicy grapes

eventually yields the tasty beverage we appreciate as wine. 

 

The only way to make wine is to exert pressure

from an outside source upon the grapes.

 

Following the crushing of the grapes the juice is then stored

for a period of time to allow for fermentation.

Fermentation requires only two components, sugar and yeast. 

Grapes themselves are full of sugar and their skins harbor wild yeast.

 

Today the process for making wine is a bit more sophisticated.

Now we have commercial wine presses and specific strains of yeast.

The whole process is controlled and consistently reliable.

 

Why, you may be asking am I talking about wine?

 

Today in the Sirach reading we hear about wisdom.

 

...at first she puts him to the test;
Fear and dread she brings upon him
and tries him with her discipline...

 

 

Just as the grapes are crushed we too must submit to the test before

being granted the wisdom.

We must be willing to have our previous beliefs challenged...

...Our old way of thinking crushed.

 

Wisdom sometimes goes against all that we previously held as truth.

 

Then she comes back to bring him happiness
and reveal her secrets to them
and she will heap upon him
treasures of knowledge

 

Later after fermentation we understand where our thinking must be altered.

Wisdom alters the fruit of what we believe.

Wisdom combines the sweetness of God and our human shortcomings.

This new combination creates something very different from what existed before. 

 

When we continue to seek wisdom from the Lord

we are constantly being crushed, fermented,

and re-created as new.

Wisdom gives a new spirit to our heart.

Purified in Humility

~~~ Sirach 2:1-11~~~ Psalm 37 ~~~ Mark 9:30-37 ~~~

 

For in fire gold and silver are tested,
and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation.

 

Precious metals are purified in the fire.

During our trial and tribulations we too are purified.

Our true character comes to the surface much like butter rises to the top

when we are faced with difficulties.

trust in him, and he will direct your way

 

Jesus questions the apostles about their arguments along the way.

Their first reaction was one of embarrassment;

they remained silent.

He sits them down and has a heart to heart talk with them.

 

“If anyone wishes to be first,
he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”

 

 

Persevere in the Lord and you will find peace.

Come to him in humility.

Come to him as a little child.

 

The Lord will envelope you in his arms.

There is no need to argue who will be first.

We have all been chosen to be his own.

 

Commit your life to the Lord, and he will help you.

Seeker of Wisdom

~~~ Sirach 1:1-10 ~~~ Psalm 93 ~~~ Mark 9:14-29 ~~~

 

It seems fitting that immediately following Pentecost we have these readings

 from Sirach on Wisdom.

Wisdom is typically referenced in the feminine form.

All wisdom comes from the one all-powerful God.

 

All wisdom comes from the LORD...

It is the LORD; he created her through the Holy Spirit,
has seen her and taken note of her.

 

Wisdom is generated through the Holy Spirit.

Wisdom is a gift we can consistently pray to receive more abundantly.

We can never have too much wisdom or enough wisdom.

Acquiring wisdom is an ongoing process.

We can never possess sufficient wisdom.

Wisdom is a deep understanding of people and things.

It is the Holy Spirit that gives us the grace to see things at a deeper level.

It is the Spirit that gives us insight where before it did not exist.

It is the Spirit that gives a deeper more profound understanding of our existence.

 

In looking back at the many readings from the Acts of the Apostles

it becomes clear that when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples they were changed.

The Spirit gave them courage and conviction like they never had before.

It was the power of the Holy Spirit that gave them healing abilities.

It was the same Holy Spirit that inspired them

 to continue to spread the word about Jesus

when they faced adversity.

 

 

Even though the disciples tried to expel demons from the young boy

they were not successful.

Jesus says...

 Everything is possible to one who has faith.

 

But he goes on to explain that sometimes it actually takes more than faith.

He said to them, “This kind can only come out through prayer.”

 

Jesus indicates that the predisposition to healing is rooted in prayer.

Your heart must be in a place of humble prayer.

It is through wisdom that one would make the connection

between faith and prayer.

They work together to produce positive results.

Jesus had the necessary wisdom to work wonders.

 

 I pray for a deeper understanding that comes through deeper wisdom.

WISDOM

one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Wind Fire Spirit Presence

~~~ Pentecost Sunday ~~~

 

~~Acts of the Apostles 2:1-11~~Psalm 104~~1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13~~John 20:19-23~~

 

And suddenly there came from the sky
a noise like a strong driving wind,
and it filled the entire house in which they were.
Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire,
which parted and came to rest on each one of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit
and began to speak in different tongues,
as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.

For fifty days we have been eagerly awaiting the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit was not born in the closed locked room that day.

The Holy Spirit was officially sent down to us as promised by Jesus.

 

While Jesus was hear on Earth he was the presence of God.

After his Ascension into heaven,

it was necessary for the Holy Spirit to become an integral part of our world.

Once the force of the Holy Spirit became known

it is also evident that God would never leave us alone.

 

When the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus at the time of his baptism,

it was perceived as a peaceful dove.

There was no powerful wind blowing.

There were no tongues of fire.

It was the Father validating the public life of Jesus.

I believe, Jesus was guided in his ministry through the Holy Spirit.

Jesus was doing all that the Father had sent him to do,

but it is hard to believe that the Holy Spirit was not involved as well.

 

Jesus did not need to have the Holy Spirit descend as a powerful being.

 

Those who were huddled together in the upper room that day,

they absolutely needed to see, hear, and feel the power of the Spirit.

There was no doubt that the Spirit had descended upon them.

 

They saw the Spirit coming from the sky.

They heard the sound of the strong wind.

They felt the wind swirling around them passing through the entire house.

They then saw something more vivid than imaginable...

tongues of fire...detached individual flames.

These burning spear of fire rested above their own heads.

This fire did not burn or consume them.

Imagine how speechless and awe struck they all must have been at the same time.

This experience added the huge emotional component.

 

Our brain tends to remember best those events heavily laden in emotions.

This event would forever be remembered;

it was indelibly recorded

in their brains.

 

Even as we read it today we can picture in our mind what it might have been like that day.

We may not be able to capture the emotions first hand, but we can

identify with the sensory details.

 

 

The coming of the Holy Spirit made it possible for all peoples

to hear God's message of love.

They each heard in their native tongue;

which astounded both the speakers and their audience.

 

Perhaps the real message here is that the

 peace and love from God is not language specific.

 

Jesus made visible the attributes of God in flesh and blood.

The Holy Spirit makes possible the essence of

Jesus to remain with us.

The Spirit continues to work in and through us here on Earth today.

The Spirit is the living God among us.

The Spirit bring a whole array of gifts for us to use.

 

The Peace of God is with us until the end of the ages.

Due Diligence

Acts of the Apostles 28:16-20, 30-31~~~ Psalm 11 ~~~ John 21:20-25 ~~~

 

What concern is it of yours?
You follow me.

 

Were those who loved Jesus were concerned about his wellbeing?

Or was their concern rooted somewhere more personal?

Peter became suspicious of everyone, even the disciple Jesus loved the most.

It almost seem ironic since Peter himself would

disassociate himself from Jesus later.

 

Jesus reprimands Peter.

It is of no concern to Peter.

Peter had the responsibility to follow Jesus with all of his energy.

Concerning himself with who was about to betray Jesus

was diverting his energy from the primary place.

 

What might the message be for us today?

If we are truly following Jesus;

our eyes are fixed on him.

We are not capable of understanding the ways of God.

What if I want him to remain until I come?

 

Jesus will take care of every conceivable life situation...

we must trust that he will.

Jesus could have handled Judas differently, but he chose

to allow it to unfold without intervention.

He could have approached Judas and asked him

 to not show up for his last meal with twelve.

 

Jesus, more often than not,

 handles situations very differently than we would expect.

 

 

John tells us in these closing sentences

that the information about Jesus was too much to entirely record.

I do not think the whole world would contain the books
that would be written.

 

What has been preserved in the Bible gives us much information about Jesus.

 If we reflect and study the Bible we can picture how

the presence of Jesus would effect a specific scenario.

 

Not surprisingly, whatever our first reaction to a given situation is

the presence of Jesus would change it.

 

Jesus spared the life of the one who would commit a grave sin against him.

Most of us would not be able to do the same.

 

My prayer is to acquire a mind more like the mind of Jesus. 

 The more often we are conscious of our actions

the more often we might be able to align with Jesus

 

This requires daily diligence.

Always know that God is with you...

supporting you...

guiding you.

Profess Your Love Now

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 25:13b-21 ~~~ Psalm103 ~~~ John 21:15-19 ~~~

 

“Do you love me?”

 

Peter's reaction makes you think the question was almost frivolous.

Peter is saying Jesus, you already know the answer, so why are you asking the question?

Sometimes we ask a question when we know the answer

just so we can get the other person to say the words. 

In Peter's case, this was after he had denied knowing Jesus three times.

If you love someone why would you deny knowing them?

 

First Peter surrenders to Jesus as all knowing;

then he gives his affirmative answer.

Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.

 

As a parent or a spouse we still like to hear the words...

'I love you'.

When an angry child screams, "I hate you"

 that can really hurt your heart for a minute.

 

But then you realize the child was just angry

 and really does not mean what they said.

 

So I truly believe that Jesus knew Peter loved him

in spite of the previous statements of denial.

 

 Jesus knew that Peter spoke out of fear and not out of love.

 

Jesus invites us to 'follow him' in the good times and in the bad times.

When the chips are down.

When the easy way out is looking more attractive.

When everyone else is taking an easier path.

 

Jesus says, "Follow me".

He will be the light for the path.

He will lead the way; as a shepherd leads his flock.

 

 

Paul follows Jesus and finds himself being wrongfully accused;

facing the official leaders.

 

'...lead you where you do not want to go.'

 

Paul like Jesus was led where they did not want to go...

ultimately to their own death.

 

We too are susceptible to being led where we do not want to go...

more often then not due to our own selfishness...

or in response to peer pressure.

Yes, even adults can make poor decisions when in the company of others.

Paul and Jesus were physically being led.

Paul and Jesus submitted to their accusers.

We, however, are in control of our own actions...

we do not have to allow other to lead us astray.

 

 The old saying

'the devil made me do it'

is really nothing more than an excuse.

 

Following Jesus because he loves us gives us reason

to make good decisions.

Our actions reflect the attitude of our heart.

The Easter Blessings close with the greatest gift we have from Jesus;

and that is love.

 

“Do you love me?

When was the last time you told Jesus that you loved him?

Tell him right now, please!

The All Inclusive Prayer

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 22:30; 23:6-11 ~~~ Psalm 16 ~~~ John 17:20-26 ~~~

 

The glorious Easter season is coming to a close.

But rather than an ending it is the beginning of our life in the Spirit.

God will never leave us alone.

 

In the Gospel today Jesus continues his prayer for us.

He can feel the breath of the one who will betray him

 yet he prays for you and me.

He could have spent his last hours isolated calming his fears

anticipating his own painful death,

but instead he chooses to pray for us.

 

He models for us the power of prayer in all circumstances of our life.

 

 This prayer for is so long that the church breaks it into two Gospel readings.

This prayer is so profound that we must take at least two days to reflect on the words.

Perhaps we will not ever truly appreciate the meaning of this prayer.

 

Jesus was on earth and was subject to the restraints of time,

but he is also of heaven where there is no time.

Since he is one with the Father he exists in both dimensions simultaneously.

 

His prayer is for us just as real and timely as if we were

present in that upper room.

We are given the privilege of hearing Jesus

intercede to his Father on our behalf.

 

 Long before our actual existence

Jesus prayed that we could actually be with him.

He almost longs for all of mankind to appear at once as one with him.

 

 Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed saying:
“I pray not only for these,
but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
so that they may all be one...

 

It is both humbling and comforting to reflect on these words of Jesus.

His conversation with the Father raises us up...

gives us his glory.

He longs for us to be united with him for all eternity.

 

I envision Jesus reaching out into the future during this prayer,

 drawing all of us to him;

binding us with himself to the Father.

He wants us to share their intimacy of oneness.

A great surge of humanity being absorbed into this person of Jesus,

because he chose us to be his own.

He wants us to share in the richness of the friendship he has with the Father.

He gives us access to our eternal inheritance...

the unconditional love of the Father.

 

Today we have available all inclusive resort vacations;

through Jesus we have something much more.

Jesus prays the all inclusive prayer,

that we will one day partake in his glory. 

 

He prays that we may be brought to perfection...wholeness.

A perfect wholeness that can only come through uniting ourselves with him.

 

 

Father, they are your gift to me.

 

How can we possibly be a gift to Jesus?

There is nothing that we have to give him

except our frail human existence.

 

This is what he seems content in having;

us just as we are.

God the Father gives us to Jesus and Jesus sees us as gift.

What more could we ask for than to have Jesus intercede on our behalf to the Father?

I can think of nothing else.

So I ask myself, 'how have I packaged myself as gift for Jesus'?

Am I more focused on the ribbons and wrapping paper or the content of my heart?

More for future honest truthful reflection.

Won't you join me in cherishing

each word of this prayer from the lips of Jesus.

You just might no longer feel the need

 to wrap yourself up for Jesus.

Consecrated in the Truth

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 20:28-38 ~~~ Psalm 68 ~~~ John 17:11b-19 ~~~

 

Paul prepares his followers for his certain departure.

He warns them that they will have trials and hardships; that is part of life.

He reminds them to stay strong...

be vigilant

 

Paul gives them over to the Lord for safe keeping.

God has actually always been the one who was providing for them;

it just appeared to them to be coming from Paul.

God was indeed using Paul as his vehicle in spreading his message.

 

I commend you to God
and to that gracious word of his that can build you up
and give you the inheritance among all who are consecrated.

 

Paul is emphasizing the power of the words of Jesus...

words that can inspire, strengthen, heal...

Words they should continue to hold close to their hearts.

Words they should let permeate into the whole being.

If they do as Paul is suggesting,

 they will no longer need him to show the way.

He reminds them of one last important truth...

‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Giving is better than receiving,

 even though we all enjoy receiving occasionally.

 

 

In the Gospel today we see Jesus preparing to leave and praying for the community.

Jesus is praying through the Father for all of us.

This is an intercessory prayer from Jesus for us.

 

Whenever you are plagued with thoughts that you are forgotten;

remember this passage from the Bible.

Jesus prayed for you.

 

In his prayer he states how he protected and cared for the people.

Jesus brought to earth the words of God the Father.

Now he is asking the Father to bless us in a special manner...

to consecrate us...more exactly to consecrate us in truth.

 

Consecrated to be used as God sees fit to use us.

We are no longer here just for ourselves we are here for God's use.

Set apart for truth.

This is overwhelming if we do not allow the words,

his words, to reign in our hearts.

 

'...Consecrate them in the truth.
Your word is truth.'

 

We are given a special consecration

to go forth proclaiming the sacred words of Jesus.

For when we use his words to give to others we are giving him as well.

The Father and the Son are one with the Word.

As you sent me into the world,
so I sent them into the world.

 

Just as God the Father sent forth Jesus to spread the good news,

Jesus now sends us to follow in his footsteps and do likewise.

 

We do not belong to the world;

we belong to God in heaven...Jesus left us the plan to join him there.

 

The Easter Blessing of consecration in the truth.

We have been set apart by Jesus for God the Father.

Let us rejoice and be glad!

Chosen to be Friends with Him

~~~ Feast of Matthias, Apostle ~~~

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 1:15-17, 20-26 ~~~ Psalm 113 ~~~ John 15:9-17 ~~~

Peter leads the discernment meeting to fill the apostle position

left empty after the betrayal by Judas.

'...it is necessary that one of the men
who accompanied us the whole time
the Lord Jesus came and went among us...'

There were some qualifications in order to even be considered

 to join the Apostle circle.

To be considered the potential candidate had to have witnessed

much of Jesus during his public life.

They also had to witness with the others the resurrection of Jesus.

The two possible candidates Barsabbas and Matthias,

were brought forth and the other apostles prayed.

They prayed for guidance...

'You, Lord, who know the hearts of all,
show which one of these two you have chosen
to take the place in this apostolic ministry...'

The lot fell to Matthias and he was included with the other eleven.

You are my friends

Jesus calls us his friends.

How many friends do you have that would compare

with having Jesus as your friend?

How much time do spend with your best friend?

Compare that to how much time you spend with Jesus.

You might be surprised as to what you find.

Friendships can only last with getting to know one another.

Ignored friendships soon become former friendships.

I no longer call you slaves,
because a slave does not know what his master is doing.

Jesus and his relationship with the father is always presented

to us in a very transparent manner.

A master reveals only what the slave needs to know

in order to be a better slave.

A slave does not interact with the master except on a subservient level.

A slave is the property of the master.

A slave has no rights or expectations of behavior on the part of the master.

God wants a relationship with us, even though we could never be his equal.

'It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you...'

 We were each chosen by God just as Jesus chose his apostles.

Even if you believe that you chose Jesus

who do you think put that desire into your heart?

 Yes, God put it there.

The apostles prayed and God chose Matthias to join them.

The Easter Blessing is that you have now also been chosen...

chosen too be a friend to Jesus.

Oh my gosh!



The Moment of 'Aha'

~~~ Acts of the Apostles19:1-8 ~~~ Psalm 68 ~~~ John 16:29-33 ~~~

 

'...when Paul laid his hands on them,
the Holy Spirit came upon them,
and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.'

 

John baptized with water, but now it is the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

It is common for one to leave behind a wonderful keepsake for their loved ones.

You certainly have pictures keeping their memory alive

for future generations even.

 

Jesus goes much farther.

He leaves behind the Holy Spirit for his loved ones.

Jesus leaves behind the living Spirit.

A Spirit that is actually part of himself.

This is truly a gift that keeps on giving.

The gift of the Holy Spirit is with us now.

The gift of the Spirit will be with us until the end of time.

 

Finally the followers of Jesus get it...

Now we realize that you know everything

I wonder how Jesus felt and thought hearing these words

 from those closest to him.

Did he say to himself...

 

'Finally, they get what I have been telling them' ?

Yes, Jesus does know the depths of our heart and soul.

He knows everything about who we are; we are his.

He shares and is one with the Father;

who is all knowing.

 

 

Their eyes and ears have been opened with understanding.

Oddly though they believe that Jesus had changed,

when in reality it was they who had changed.

 

When Jesus ascended into heaven leaving this world behind;

it may have appeared that he was all alone.

 

He assures us all that he was never alone and neither are we

or will we ever be without his presence.

 

"...But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.
In the world you will have trouble,
but take courage, I have conquered the world."

 

Jesus was here as one of us.

He understands all of our emotional needs and our physical wants.

He knows that life can be difficult to accept at times.

He wants us to trust in his triumphs over the world.

He endured pain and suffering for us.

 

He now wants us to have peace in him.

He wants us to draw courage from him.

Every time we hear the scriptures

taking us to the place where Jesus was physically present,

it is another invitation to believe.

 

We are invited to believe that Jesus was never

alone and neither are we.

He is never farther than your next heart beat or your next breath of air.

No one else can be that intimate with your essence.

 

Jesus not only conquered the world he also conquered death.

This world is not where we will ever find our peace;

perfect peace is only found in him.

 

The Easter Blessing of never being left alone or abandoned.

He is with us now and forever.

Blessing Them He Was Taken Up

The Ascension of Our Lord

~~Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11~~Psalm 47~~Hebrews 9:24-28; 10:19-23~~Luke 24:46-53~~

 

Today we commemorate the Ascension of the Lord.

His return to the Father.

His homecoming day.

The day he leaves the Earth for eternity.

The day his public ministry comes to a close.

The day his ministry becomes private.

The day he can send the Holy Spirit to dwell within us.

 

There will no longer be 'seeing and believing'.

There will no longer be visible healings through his touch and words.

 

Jesus has now gone private, as we heard in  the homily today

 while away from home.

 

'Then he led them out as far as Bethany,
raised his hands, and blessed them.
As he blessed them he parted from them
and was taken up to heaven.'

 

Jesus kept all of his promises.

Why would we question his promises today?

 

Even until he was taken up into heaven he was leading his disciples.

Before leaving them he raised his hands up to the Father;

then he blessed them.

 

I have received special blessings from newly ordained priests

 and even special blessings for our marriage.

 

Imagine receiving the final blessing from Jesus himself.

 

 

Rather than leaving this place depressed and sad that Jesus had departed;

those who witnessed the Ascension were filled with great joy.

 

The Ascension was right up there with the day the Lord revealed his true glory

during the Transfiguration.

There had never before been anything like the Ascension,

nor has there been since.

 

He had prepared them for his departure.

In the same breath he had given them something

to hold on to and look forward to...

he would send the Holy Spirit.

 He promised to go before us and prepare a dwelling place for us...

today we celebrate that promise.

The Easter Blessing of the Ascension

 is believing that he goes before us to be reunited with the Father.

Together they prepare a dwelling place for us in heaven.

Today we also celebrate Mother's Day.

May all mother's receive the necessary grace to be the best mother.

What Brings You Joy?

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 18:23-28 ~~~ Psalm 47 ~~~ John 16:23b-28 ~~~

 

"Amen, amen, I say to you,
whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.
Until now you have not asked anything in my name;
ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete..."

Jesus reveals his oneness with God the Father.

Your prayers to the Father can be made in the name of the Son, Jesus.

When you make prayers to the Father they can also be made through the Jesus.

The Father will respond because the Father and the Son are one.

 

Jesus taught his disciples to pray to God the Father,

but now that he is leaving them things will change.

He is encouraging them to pray to himself as well.

 

Answered prayers contribute to our complete joy.

What is your initial thought when you reflect on the word joy?

St. Paul says 'consider it all joy'.

How is that possible within the world we live in today?

Do we need to look for joy?

Do we need to create our own circumstances for joy?

Is your joy the same as my joy?

Do we make up our own definition of joy?

 

What brings you joy?

Is it loved ones...nature...prayer...God?

 

 

 

'...the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me...'

 

This is one of the most wonderful statements made by Jesus.

If you were thinking that the Father was strict and sometimes even cruel;

per some accounts in the Old Testament.

 

Most parents have affection for those who love and care for their children.

Jesus is validating this truth as well as the closeness between

the Father and the Son.

 

This great love between the Father and the Son is what made our salvation a reality.

Without this unfathomable love we would be a very different people.

Jesus also expressed great joy in being reunited with the Father.

 

"...Now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”

 

The love between the Father and the Son

has given us a picture of complete joy.

 

The Easter Blessing of complete joy

given to us in answered prayers.