First Christians

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 11:19-26 ~~~ Psalm 87 ~~~

~~~ John 10:22-30 ~~~

...it was in Antioch that the disciples

were first called Christians.

What does it mean to you to be called a Christian?

The disciples knew that they were doing the work of Christ,

the Anointed One...Jesus.

Being a Christian means you have a direct 

connection with Jesus.

Having this connection means we too must 

act in accordance with his message of love and mercy.

As a Christian we profess the teachings of Jesus.

Being a Christian today holds us to the same teachings 

of Jesus as when the disciples were first labeled.

Just because one goes to church 

does not imply that they are a Christian.

Being a Christian is more about how you live your life.

A true Christian embraces others with the love of Jesus.

A true Christian loves the Word given to us in the Scriptures.

A true Christian puts their trust in Jesus.

We certainly have Barnabas and Paul to thank

 for us being called Christian today.

Together they preached intensely for a year in Antioch.

A great number came to believe.

A great number came to follow the Lord.

We want to be known as Christians by our love.

We have many situations where we can live our Christian 

commitment in how we love and treat others. 

My sheep hear my voice;

I know them, and they follow me. 

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. 

Let us rejoice in being called 

to live a Christian life to the fullest.

By your love...

They will know you are Christian.

Blessings and Peace!

The Get Out of Jail Card

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 16:22-34 ~~~ Psalm 138 ~~~ 

~~~ John 16:5-11 ~~~

On the third day Jesus was raised from the dead...
he broke the chains of darkness and death.
We believe this to be true even though we have
no personal experience.

...the foundations of the jail shook;
all the doors flew open, and the chains of all were pulled loose.

Paul and his companions, while wrongfully imprisoned,
had the experience of their physical chains being broken open.

Jesus freed us from the evils of sin.
Jesus gave us our salvation by his death.
Paul and Silas were freed from the confines of their prison cell.
They did not flee; instead they remained.
Because they remained the Holy spirit used them
 to save the guard and his entire family.

The Holy Spirit led his early Christians to every kind of peoples.
Building up Jesus' church was all inclusive.
He welcomed everyone...Jew Gentile...
man woman...rich poor...young old.
There was no discrimination.

So many came to believe after the Resurrection
 that we share in his church today.

We are the believers of this time in history,
just as those who have gone before us
were the believers of their time.

 ...they spoke the word of the Lord to him...

The Holy Spirit is coming to each of us,
just as he came to the early believers.
Our challenge is to courageously speak the words of the Lord.

If the church is to continue to grow in numbers
we must do our part.
It is not up to our clergy or consecrated religious,
it is up to each one of us.

If you cannot find the words to speak
 then at least let your intentions come forth from his words.

Paul and Silas did not use scare tactics or coerce anyone
 to believe in what they were saying.

They simply followed the lead of the Spirit.

Are you prepared to live a Spirit led life?
Even if you are somewhat hesitant
take the plunge.
The Spirit does not lead you where
you do not belong.

Whatever shackles are holding you back
the Spirit can release them.
Trust in the Spirit.
He holds the get out of jail card.
Keep your eyes focused on God.

Blessing in being released.
~~~Peace~~~

Personal...Private

~~~ Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles ~~~

~~~Acts of the Apostles 12:1-11 ~~Psalm 34~~~ 

~~~ 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18 ~~~ Matthew 16:13-19 ~~~

Wrongfully imprisoned, rescued by an angel of the Lord,
committed to spreading the words of God's mercy and love.

Saints Peter and Paul had much in common,
yet they were two very different men.
Peter was blessed to walk along side of Jesus, to share
the breaking of the bread with him.

Peter loved Jesus tremendously and still crumbled
 into a state of denial. He could not admit even knowing Jesus.

Peter was released from his prison cell
when the angel came along with the bright light.
He even had time to grab his cloak before fleeing.

By contrast, when Paul was in prison and his chains fell to the ground,
he remained. He was to convert the prison guard and his family.

I have competed well; I have finished the race;
I have kept the faith.

If it were not for the lives and actions of Peter and Paul
the whole life of the message of Jesus
might not have survived into the future...now today.

These two men were among the most influential people;
 we remember with gratitude today.

The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat
and will bring me safe to his heavenly Kingdom.

The Lord did indeed rescue them
from the snares of the evil one, even as they faced death.

He brought them into his kingdom to remain with him forever.
They were good and faithful servants of the Lord.
They ran the good race. They are now able to be advocates for all of us.

They were confident of the answer to Jesus' question,
 “But who do you say that I am?”

They knew who Jesus was with every fiber of their being.
They were willing to endure great trials
 and tribulations for their conviction.

We do not need to be like Peter or Paul to be convicted in our faith.
We must, however, know how to answer
this question posed by Jesus.
We need to know who Jesus is, not only to us
 but for the whole world.

How can we complete the good race if we cannot answer the question?
This question is not rhetorical it does require an answer.
Our answer, not the answer of Peter or Paul
or the answer of our friends and family.

No one can speak on your behalf
in response to who YOU say Jesus is...
this is personal and private.

Saints Peter and Paul we thank you
 for believing in Jesus and his message.

May we be blessed with the courage and strength to continue each day.
May we be able to say at the end of our life...
we did run the good race...
we kept the faith...
we were rescued from every evil threat.
~~~Peace~~~

The Doors Flew Open...

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 16:22-34 ~~~ Psalm 138 ~~~ John 16:5-11 ~~~

Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown in jail.

Apparently they were part of God's plan 

to bring the guard and his family into the circle of believers.

The voices of Paul and Silas 

filled the entire space of the prison all night long.

The guard fell asleep leaving them alone, locked and chained.

He, of course, had no idea what was about to happen to him.

God arranges for the paths of certain people to cross

 for a reason...his reason.

Paul and Silas sang and prayed 

with such fervor that the Holy Spirit 

shook the prison with earthquake force.

The ground shook, walls tumbled, and the doors flew open.

Peter and Silas could have escaped, but that was not God's plan.

They remained in order to convert the guard and his whole family.

“Believe in the Lord Jesus

and you and your household will be saved.”

Had Paul and Silas not been put into this particular jail at this precise time,

the guard might never have been saved.

Not only was the guard himself saved but his salvation

 was also extended to his wife and to his children.

God reached out to his children...his offspring.

The salvation was now a part of his inheritance and his legacy.

The Spirit of God frees us from our chains.

The Spirit of God opens the locked doors.

The Spirit of God goes beyond the present generation.

The Spirit of God in with and in each of us just as it was in Paul and Silas.

It frees you so that you can share this love with others.

Believing reaches out to the entire household.

We are all part of the family of God.

He gives us freedom from sin.

He opens the doors of our heart to greater love.

He shakes us to the core through his mercy.

Leave the chains behind...walk through the door...

freedom from your fears and doubts

is there for you.

Blessed with freedom through the Holy Spirit.

~~~Peace~~~

Saved by the Light

 

The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

 

~~Acts of the Apostles 12:1-11 ~~Psalm 34~~2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18~~Matthew 16:13-19~~

'...prayer by the Church was fervently being made
to God on his behalf.'

 

Peter and Paul both saw the light...one was freed from physical chains

the other was physically blinded by the light.

 

Peter was imprisoned, shackled and guarded by soldiers on each side. 

There were additional guards outside.

 

There is no way Peter was going to escape from this prison.

Only by the grace of God and his angels is Peter released from his chains.

 

Even though the presence of the angels filled the cell

with light Peter did not wake up.

How many times have I 'slept' through a situation 

that was filling the space with light?

God's light streams into my soul and yet I still can miss it.

 

Prayer has power...

keep prayer on your lips and in your heart. 

 

Why is it that I am not able to identify the source of the light?

 

The angel of the Lord actually tapped Peter on the shoulder an told him to get up.

How I long for the angel of the Lord to come and tap me on the shoulder

with a direct message from God.

 

 

 

The gates opened so Peter could safely escape to safety.

Paul's eyes were opened so that he could see his new calling in life.

 

Both Peter and Paul give us beautiful and strong examples

of how much they loved the Lord.

 

Paul changes from persecuting Christians to being 

 a fervent proclaimer of the way of the Lord.  

Peter openly confesses his love for Jesus;

with all of his human short comings.

 

These two saints made the ultimate sacrifice

for their love of Jesus.

 

'...who do you say that I am?'

 

They answered the question with the pouring out of their blood.

They both finished the race and kept the faith.

They kept the faith for us.

 

Ultimately we each must answer the same question.

At the end of my life

 I want to be able to look into the eyes of Our Lord

 and hear the words,

'...my beloved daughter, you have

finished the race...you have kept the faith well.'

 

Blessings come in light from God.

Compromise, Acceptance. or Politically Correct

 

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 18:9-18 ~~~ Psalm 47 ~~~ John 16:20-23 ~~~

 

'...he (Paul) had shaved his head because he had taken a vow...'

 

Has this verse ever puzzled you? Have you had a question to the reference

of head shaving and a vow?

It has never been wise to throw out the baby with the bath water.

Is this such a situation?

Was Paul trying to accept the Jews with some of their long held beliefs?

Paul, in his own way, may have been trying to be 'politically correct'

 as he went about preaching.

 

I think, Paul finds himself in a awkward situation.

Does he reach the Jews by throwing out everything

they hold true from the Torah or does he compromise?

 

Usually when a major change is taking place it is better to compromise

 or at least gradually institute changes.

Perhaps Paul was indicating that to become a follower of Jesus

did not necessarily that one would be expected to abandon

every part of the Jewish Torah.

 

He wanted the people to grasp the concept that following the letter of the law

was not the path to eternal salvation. 

Jesus came with a promise much farther than the letter of the law could reach.

 

 

The Jews were not called to reject the Torah, but to move beyond it.

The Gentiles were called to reject their idolatry;

to follow the Spirit, learn from the scriptures and change their lives.

 

We are given no lead up or explanation as to the shaving of Paul's head.

It was a Nazrite Vow.

It is for sure that there was some reason

why this was recorded by the gospel writers.

This was a vow that Paul made voluntarily.

It was not a Jewish requirement.

 

I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice,
and no one will take your joy away from you.
On that day you will not question me about anything.

 

Today as Christians we value the Old Testament

equally as important as the New Testament.

Jesus was a Jew and he lived as a loyal Jew even while he was

modeling that he had a higher way in which to practice

loving God.

 

Every time we celebrate the sacred liturgy in the Mass

we draw inspiration from both the Old and the New Testament scriptures.

 

The Easter Blessing of appreciation for the old and the new.

Meeting people and accepting them where they are is the quickest way

 to bring them to a new realization.

Shaken...Emptied...Guiltless

 

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 18:1-8 ~~~ Psalm 98 ~~~ John 16:16-20 ~~~

 

While this is traditionally known as Ascension Thursday,

in most areas this feast has been moved to the following Sunday.

On Sunday I will write about the Ascension of Our Lord.

 

When Paul was rejected and opposed he

...shook out his garments...

Shaken and emptied...Paul was symbolically removing these comments and feelings.

Leaving them behind...freeing himself from their negative energy.

 

Those who reject God are in effect shaking him off their hearts.

We are fooling ourselves if we believe that we can keep God out of our lives.

It is more difficult to keep God out of our heart

 than to love his presence within.

 

Paul goes on to tell these non-believers

 that he is no longer responsible for their attitude.

It is their choice to believe or to not believe.

He does not stay and try to give them more convincing arguments...

more reasons to believe.

Paul has another incentive to preach to the Gentiles.

The Jews are more resistant...

The Gentiles are hungry for this refreshing message of love.

Their hearts are emptied of resistance.

They are excited by the words Paul is preaching to them.

They are hopeful that this Jesus person also came to save them.

 

 

Paul tells these potential believers that he is without blame.

He came in good will and they rejected him.

They assume guilt for their own actions.

 

To shake something off of your person requires some effort on your part.

Shaking requires forceful action.

Paul knew he could not carry this rejection forward.

He knew he needed to move on proclaiming what he knew was true.

Paul did not intend to return to this group.

 

Sometimes in our life we let an opportunity pass us by

only later to realize what we missed.

 

In the Acts of the Apostles we see so many, many people hungry

 for the words Paul and the others were delivering.

 

The Easter Blessing for today is to allow the Spirit to guide our hearts

to recognize when the Lord is trying to get our attention.

For who knows if we will get another chance to hear his message later.

Refreshed Hearts

~~~ Philemon 7:20 ~~~ Psalm 146 ~~~ Luke 17:20-15 ~~~

 

Paul speaks to his friend Philemon with words of inspiration.

Wouldn't you want a close friend to tell you

that because of you their heart was refreshed?

 

"...I have experienced much joy and encouragement from your love,
because the hearts of the holy ones
have been refreshed by you, brother."

 

This is so much more than plugging in an air freshener

 you bought from the store.

What does it mean to have your heart refreshed?

Is it like adding a freshener sheet to the dryer?

 

Perhaps the love of a child or a grandchild is sufficient to refresh your heart.

Paul is writing about his fondness for Onesimus.

Onesimus was a slave to Philemon at one time.

Paul has the occasion to meet him while in prison

through the slave's father.

Onesimus had not been the best person while under Philemon;

in fact he had stolen from him.

His conversion takes place through his contact with Paul,

who was in prison.

 

God can use you for good no matter where you are or what you are doing.

The name Onesimus means "useful".

By sending Onesimus to Philemon he is in fact asking him

to forgive his former slave and to see him with fresh eyes.

Possibly Paul has even given this former slave

a new name reflective of his appointed mission.

He is now being sent to be 'useful' to the mission of Philemon.

 

Paul considers Onesimus to be like a son to him.

Living the gospel message should make us a better person each day.

Once Onesimus was 'useless' to Philemon,

but now by his conversion he becomes 'useful'.

 

Not only are you transformed internally through your relationship with God,

but your relationships with others

must also be evidence to this change of heart.

 

Returning to Philemon also requires a certain degree of humility

on the part of Onesimus.

He must present himself to Philemon

as one who has been changed by God.

He must have also experienced a certain amount of fear

at the idea of returning to his former master.

 

Onesimus was anxious to get Paul's letter into the hands

of his former master right away.

Paul in his old age is almost forcing Philemon

into a situation of reconciliation with this former slave.

Paul too is willing to assume whatever debt Onesimus owes to Philemon.

Paul loves Onesimus just as God loves us.

Jesus assumed the debt for our sinfulness out of his love for us.

 

 

As a sinner we can sometimes experience similar apprehension

 as we contemplate returning to God.

Repentance for previous offenses is not always

an easy proposition to entertain.

 

We should be able to put ourselves somewhere in this story.

We have all been is a situation where another has clearly wronged against us.

Today the message of God's forgiveness is being passed on to us

through Paul's letter to Philemon.

 

You may have been wronged in the past....

you may have committed offenses in the past...

but the fact remains that God forgives you...

he sent his son, Jesus, to make atonement for your offenses.

 

Forgiveness encourages change for all involved parties.

 

Forgiveness can Refresh the Heart!

 

With Thanksgiving just a week away,

now may be the perfect time to consider

who needs your forgiveness just within your family unit.

 

Forgiveness Refreshes the Heart!

Being Open to Goodness

~~~ Titus 3:1-7 ~~~ Psalm 23 ~~~ Luke 17:11-19 ~~~

 

"...be obedient...be open to every good enterprise..."

 

Paul shares his personal indiscretions prior to his conversion.

How he was living in the throes of physical pleasures.

 

The kindness and generous love of God

grabbed him all the way to his soul.

Paul acknowledges the mercy God extended to him,

admitting he was undeserving.

 

He describes his conversion as a 'bath of rebirth'

 and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

It is only through this great mercy and love

that we too become heirs in hope of eternal life.

 

It is only through being open to the goodness of God

that we can come to our salvation.

We must believe in a God who only wants good for us.

We must believe in a God who like the shepherd cares for each

and every one of his flock.

 

If the lepers in today's gospel had not opened their hearts to the

remote possibility that they could be cured then they might have

remained in the shadows.

These lepers might have never found the courage to approach

Jesus and ask for healing.

 

 

Being open to every good enterprise means you are able to

experience the green pastures and the restful waters.

It means that even when you walk in the valley of darkness

you hold on to the vision of Jesus walking beside you.

 

Being open you can see the banquet and feel the oil

as it drips from your forehead.

 

Being open to every good enterprise...

you desire to stay close to him...

you want to dwell in his house all the days of your life.

 

Have you closed off parts of your life?

Have you closed off parts of your heart?

 

Being open to the possibility of God's goodness places

us in the state to also receive it.

 

I invite you to be open today and witness

what happens.

Caught Between Two Worlds

~~~ Philippians 1:18b-26 ~~~ Psalm 42 ~~~ Luke 14:1, 7-11 ~~~

 

My soul is thirsting for the living God.

When shall I go and behold the face of God?

 

These two verses from the psalm accurately reflect the sentiments

about which Paul is writing in his letter to the Philippians.

Paul is torn between wanting to die and be joined with God in heaven

and passionately preaching the word of God.

 

The psalmist too is thirsting to experience the living God

in his daily life while

desiring to see the face of God in heaven.

 

I think as believers we have the same challenges in our lives.

We want to spread the word of the Lord.

We want to be used by God to carry the message of his love to others.

We want to know that God is truly alive in our individual lives.

We live the daily goal of our life being a witness for the Lord.

 

All goes well as long as we are not met with those who

would ridicule us for our beliefs.

We are able to keep moving forward as long as we keep

ourselves surrounded by those who already share similar beliefs as we do.

 

But is that how we are to practice our faith?

 

Paul was not always so lucky.

He was on ground breaking quests more often than not.

Perhaps the real challenge comes when we must boldly

speak up for what we believe.

 

I think of those who are missionaries

in particularly hostile environments.

I ask myself,

would I have a strong enough conviction

to stand firm in my faith.

As I sit here today I can only hope

that I would be granted the necessary grace.

 

 

Paul writes with such confidence as seen in his words today...

 

"...Christ will be magnified in my body,
whether by life or by death.
For to me life is Christ, and death is gain."

 

Sounds like the sentiments of those who were martyred

for their unparalleled faith in God.

 

Paul is caught between the two...

living in the flesh and living in the spirit..

the ultimate communion with God.

 

The spirit of the Lord led Paul throughout his life.

This same spirit is working in us today.

This same spirit will lead us as well if we cooperate.

St. Paul cooperated with God as soon as God grabbed hold of him.

Once surrendering to God there was no stopping Paul.

He was extravagant in his preaching and love for the Lord.

 

Are you willing to let God grab hold of you?

Are you willing to be bold and extravagant in the Lord?

 

God will always bring about goodness in your lives...

pass it on...

let others know what he has done for you.

A Bare Kernel

~~~ 1 Cor 15: 35-37, 42-49 ~~~ Psalm 56 ~~~ Luke 8: 4-15 ~~~

 

 

The gospel today is the familiar paarable of the seeds..

...some seeds fell on the path and were trampled...

...some seeds fell on rocky ground it withered for lack of moisture...

...some fell among thorns and were choked...

 

Jesus goes on to explain the meaning if the seeds.

You are probably well aware of the interpretation of this gospel.

 

With that being said I want to draw your attention to Paul's letter to the Corinthians.

If you follow my writings you know how inspiring I find his words to be for me.

 

 

"...What you sow is not brought to life unless it dies.
And what you sow is not the body that is to be
but a bare kernel of wheat, perhaps, or of some other kind.

So also is the resurrection of the dead.
It is sown corruptible; it is raised incorruptible.
It is sown dishonorable; it is raised glorious.
It is sown weak; it is raised powerful.
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.
If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual one..."

 

This passage was not familiar to me.

 I do not beleive it is part of the Sunday readings.

 

We are first of all spiritual beings.

Paul confirms here that if we have a natural body

we also have a spiritual one.

 

The green leaves, the flowers, and the fruit cannot be seen

within the bare little seed.

So it is with us.

We look into the mirror and only see the seed...the kernel of wheat.

Hidden within is our own spiritual body.

 

Our spirit it what will live on for all eternity.

Our spirit will not need the bodily 'seed covering or kernel'.

When the plant bursts forth from the seed, it is no longer needed.

It has served its purpose.

When we die our spiritual self contained within, will be set free.

 

In our resurrection the coruptible body will no longer be useful.

Without our cumbersome body we too will be glorious as we share

in the resurrection with our spirit.

Unless we die we cannot fully realize our true spiritual self.

Just as the dying of the seed gives way to the young tender leaf sprouts.

The death of the seed also brings forth beautiful blossoms

which later become the juicy fruit.

 

 

 

Dying is not the end of life.

Dying is more likely the transition.

Dying is more likelt the answer to the longing we have inside our soul.

Perhaps the soul is fully aware of this spiritual essence

and has been from our very conception.

 

So rather than fear dying we should rejoice at what lies beyond

human earthly bodies.

Our bodies are only the physical covering of something

incorruptible and glorious.

The resurrection of our body will be the release of our spiritual self.

 

I invite you to take some time today and reflect on Paul's words.

Are we just flesh and blood seed pods?

Enriched in Every Way

~~~ 1 Cor 1:1-9 ~~~Psalm 145 ~~~ Matthew 24: 42-51 ~~~

"Stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come..."

 

If we are to take this verse literally I guess we would never get any rest.

We would always be on the lookout for the coming of the Lord.

So eventually as a result of sleep deprivation we would experience

hallucinations and begin to see the coming of the Lord.

 

When the Lord does come for us it will not be a sleep deprived

induced hallucination.

So if God did not mean for us to take this in the literal context,

what does it mean?

 

If we are awake to the many ways in which God blesses us

we will not be surprised when he comes.

We must stay awake so as to never take things for granted.

It is so easy to be complacent, especially when things are going well.

It is easier to stay awake when you are in troubled or dark times.

Staying awake does not imply that you are in the disposition

to receive the Lord though. They are not one in the same.

 

Paul gives us some insight into why we should stay awake.

Paul helps us to see how it is possible to stay awake.

 

First of all we should stay awake because we

"...have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy..."

 

How can we read those words and then refuse to stay awake.

Paul also reminds us through his letter to the Corinthians that

in him, Jesus, we were enriched in every way.

 

As a former teacher of those children who were gifted and talented,

part of my responsibility was to enrich their educational experience.

We have numerous food products on the market today that are enriched with extra nutrients and vitamins.

We can enrich the soil in our gardens through fertilizers.

Paul says we were enriched in every way.

His words are all inclusive.

How many ways could we be enriched by God?

 

Let's examine the word enrich.

The dictionary:

to make rich or richer especially by the addition or increase

of some desirable quality, attribute, or ingredient.

to add beauty to

to enhance the taste of

improving the nutritive value of food

especially by restoring part of the nutrients lost in precessing

to process so as to add or increase the proportion of a desirable ingredient.

 

Surely through the grace of God which Paul speaks of often

we have been granted access to every desirable quality and attribute.

Jesus modeled for us all of these enriched qualities.

We are capable of seeing the hidden beauty all around us

if we but stay awake.

 

Jesus came to restore us to the fullness

of relationship with our creator.

Jesus is the one who embodies all

of what the word enrich means.

 

Enrich is to make something more full,

more meaningful,

and more rewarding.

Does this not describe the person of Jesus?

The promise of everlasting life makes

everything more meaningful

and more rewarding.

If we stay awake we will appreciate more deeply.

 

Paul further says

"...you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait..."

 

While we may feel inadequate in many ways

let those words of Paul inspire you.

You are not lacking in any spiritual gift.

 So what are you

waiting for?

What are you looking for?

You have been enriched in all things in all ways.

We have every reason to join the psalmist...

"...tell of your wondrous works..."

 

 

We have been called, sanctified, enriched and are not lacking.

When you consider all of this packed into one sentence

you have been prepared to stay awake.

Prepared for your soul to be awake does not mean

your physical eyes are also open.

You can be physically asleep in your bed and still

remain awake in your heart for the coming of the Lord.

 

It is dependent on the disposition of your heart.

If your heart is closed then you cannot be truly awake.

If your heart is clouded with sin

you cannot stay awake;

 it would be far too painful to endure.

 

If you are concerned about 'staying awake'

ask for that new heart to replace your heart of stone.

God is faithful...

It is worth 'staying awake'.

Sufficient Grace

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

~~~ Ezekiel 2: 2-5 ~~~ Psalm 123 ~~~ 2Cor. 12: 7-10 ~~~ Mark 6: 1-6a ~~~

"As the LORD spoke to me, the spirit entered into me
and set me on my feet,
and I heard the one who was speaking say to me..."

Ezekiel is confirming that you are compelled to get on your feet when

the spirit falls upon you. You are to be a person of action.

Jesus never did nothing...when he could act he did whether he was near or far.

When God spoke to the prophets it was not for them alone, but he always had a purpose. He always had an intended recipient. The prophet was not always well received but never the less delivered the message.

So many people are delivering messages today; it is a challenge to discern

those which are inspired by the spirit and those which are only self serving.

Sometimes those you least suspect may be filled with the spirit of the Lord.

Ezekiel goes on to admit when the spirit entered him he heard.

I am reminded of young Samuel who was at first confused,

but finally he was able to humbly say,

"Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."

(1Sam. 3:9)

We have no way of knowing in advance when or who the Lord will choose

to send the spirit upon. What does this mean for us?

I think it means to be open to whatever the Lord may send.

It means to pray that you will listen when he does speak to you.

This openness to the spirit of the Lord requires more than we might imagine.

St. Paul reassures us with these words of comfort and strength.

"My grace is sufficient for you,
for power is made perfect in weakness.
....for when I am weak, then I am strong."

God makes us strong in spite of what we preceive as our weakness.

Maybe our weakness is exactly what God uses to make us strong.

In our weakness he is more able to speak to us.

Maybe God uses our weakness to make us that much more aware that it is coming from him. Who else could use our human brokenness to bring about his good?

 When we realize that God is using our weakness,

 we can respond with wonder and awe every time.

 Pray that through grace your faith remain firm so the God may never

be able to say about you that...

"...He was amazed at their lack of faith."

We have so many reasons to believe.

Are you giving them notice?

Are you just taking them for granted?

His grace is sufficient to put you on your feet.

Go Forth!

The Grace Connection

~~~ 2 Peter 3:12-15a, 17-18 ~~~ Psalm 90 ~~~ Mark 12: 13-17 ~~~

"...grow in grace and knowledge

of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ."

How do we grow in grace?

First you would want to have a relationship with one

who bestows grace upon us; God.

How could you grow in grace if you do not know God?

Furthermore if you are not communicating with God,

 how would you know if you were growing in grace?

Growing in grace directly connects with practicing the virtues

we discussed yesterday.

Growing in grace is staying connected to God

through the teachings of Jesus and the gifts and fruit of the Spirit.

Growing in grace is about following the Good Shepherd,

taking up your cross, and living like you believe.

The more you spend time with scripture

the more you will come to appreciate all that has been done for you.

And the more you understand the gifts you have been given

you will naturally come to grow in grace.

When you answer God's call to follow him you will grow in grace.

When you walk with God or the Blessed Mother at your side

you will grow in grace.

When you love others as you love yourself,

you are growing in grace.

St. Paul, St. Peter, and David are examples of what growing in grace

can do for your spiritual life. Paul was converted and became one of the greatest disciples of Jesus. Even though Peter greatly loved Jesus he denied him three times

yet was able to return to support Jesus.

King David allowed power to cloud his better judgement and yet through grace

he seeks a new heart...a clean heart...he seeks the mercy of God.

Grace leads us into greater communion with God..

the father, son, and holy spirit.

Without grace we would be like a fish out of water...

flailing around on the dock

gasping for air...choked by dryness...

at the total mercy of others for life.

As we grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ

we cannot help but to also grow in love and in grace.

But for the Grace of God where would any of us be today?

Grace keeps us desiring to love God more.

If we love God more then we will be a better man or woman...

we will be a true child of God.

Grace is about God's unconditional love for you.

~Be Who You Are~

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

Today's scripture gives us the two strong 'P's'...Paul and Peter.

The first a convert and the later a close follower of Jesus.

They each offer much for us to learn about them but also ourselves.

Paul is put under house arrest where he remained for two full years receiving all who came to him. Chained to his residence nothing stopped Paul from proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about Jesus Christ.

Paul is a wonderful example of perseverance and determination. He did not give up in the face of adversity, false acquisitions, or imprisonment.

How easy it is when we are faced with far less to give up, walk away, and quit.

Paul might have easily been content with his own love and knowledge of God. He could have gone on as a free man with the knowledge of his own salvation.

But instead Paul was so convicted by his beliefs that nothing stood in the way of his inviting others to come into the fold.

Peter is inquisitive about who is to betray Jesus when later it would he who would deny knowing Jesus. Jesus replies with a reprimand, "...What concern is it of yours?"

Ouch! Peter must have felt the blow to his ego without even realizing his ego was asking the question.

Why is it that we measure those around us by our own standards?

We want to know about those with whom we associate.

Peter wanted to know who Jesus was allowing to be in his inner circle knowing he would betray him. I suppose Peter would have been more than willing to remove Judas from their group had he known in advance.

Had Jesus allowed that to happen where would we be today? This betrayal had to be allowed for the fulfillment of the scriptures. Peter could not have been permitted to prevent it from occurring; even though he meant well.

John goes on to write at the end of his Gospel that so numerous were the things that Jesus did, that 'the world could not contain the books that would be written.'

What this inspires in me is that no matter how creative I can be in thinking about all that Jesus did while he walked our earth...it could never be near enough.

We cannot fathom the infinite possibilities of the power of Jesus,

 acting always on behalf of the Father.

Jesus wants us to follow him...he does not want us to constantly compare

ourselves to those around us. We each have been given individual

gifts and they can all be used for good. For God even used the betrayal of his Son to bring about good...a good so profound that we are still reaping the benefits.

Be Blessed in all your works.

How Will YOU Answer?

~~~ Acts 25:13b-21 ~~~Psalm 103 ~~~ John 21:15-19 ~~~

Poor King Agrippa, even when he is on the road traveling he gets presented with the flimsy charges against Paul. Paul's accusers just wanted someone...anyone besides themselves to condemn Paul for his preaching about Jesus' Resurrection.

The King admits he is ill-prepared to rule on the charges made against Paul.

How many times do we find ourselves in situations where we are not prepared to make an important decision? And how many times do we seek counsel? How often do we jump to an incorrect decision?

I have heard that we should never make hasty decisions. The King was reluctant to give his decision because he knew the charges were not under his authority.

Jesus gives Peter three times to profess his love for him.

"Do you love me?"

Peter's three confident answers of 'Yes' are in stark contrast with

 his three denials of Jesus in the courtyard.

 I have no doubt that Jesus knew how much Peter loved him,

but he still wanted to hear Peter speak the words.

When you hear your own voice speaking it somehow makes the words more real.

You are using your sense of hearing when you speak aloud. When I was teaching reading in elementary school; oral reading was a vital part of my reading class.

When you speak out loud you are focusing your attention

on the words you are saying.

Peter did not once, during this conversation with Jesus, even hesitate with his response.

Peter already had his response in his heart.

It was only when Peter was paralyzed with fear for his own safety

did he waiver with his answer to knowing Jesus.

To Peter's credit he now answers with conviction each time Jesus asks,

 'Do you love me?'

Each answer is followed with an assignment from Jesus

to feed...to tend....to feed again.

Jesus says if indeed you love me as your words indicate then you will take care of those who are in need. You will watch and care for the others who also love me.

Finally Jesus speaks a prophecy to Peter

about his own death where someone else will dress him and

lead him where he does not want to go.

Jesus went to his death because

the Father sent him. He willingly submitted to being led

through the streets humiliated and scorned.

If Jesus stands before you today...

looks into your eyes

and asks the question...

"Do you love me?"

How will you answer?

Will you immediately answer, 'Yes'?

Will you hesitate?

Will you be anxious as to what Jesus might ask you to do?

Will you first need clarification?

Will you question in your heart, 'what will I be asked to do?'

Love is an action word; it requires the lover to do something.

What are you willing to do for Jesus because of your love for him?

How are your actions aligned with your profession of this Love for Jesus?

King Agrippa was not prepared to give an answer...Peter gave an answer that earlier he had not been able to speak aloud.

Freedom in the Spirit

~~~ Acts 16: 22-34 ~~~ Ps. 138 ~~~ John 16: 5-11 ~~~

In Acts today we hear a powerful conversion story of a prison guard.

His job was very important and he took it seriously.

Not only his life depended on how well he did his job,

but his family's well being would have also been in jeopardy

 had he failed in any way.

On this particular occasion all was going as usual...the hymns of praise and worship could be heard from the cell of Paul and Silas...and they were under lock and key.

They even had shackles around their ankles which were staked to the ground.

Suddenly without warning a strong earthquake shook the jail, opened the cell doors, and the chains were all pulled loose.

Now this is the stuff movies like to portray but the guard was in fear for his life that the prisoners had escaped. But to his surprise that was not the plan of God. Instead God wanted to demonstrate his power to the guard which resulted in his conversion.

This conversion story is given to us as one more example of how God went about touching the lives and hearts of the early church. God wants people from all walks of life to come follow him.

The message Jesus came to deliver was for all people not just a chosen few.

We have each been called by name.

In John's Gospel Jesus is addressing the grief of his disciples at just the thought of not having his presence with them. He has revealed to them that he is going to the one who sent him...the Father. Jesus is trying to get them to grasp a very difficult concept...that of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate. He says if I do not leave the Holy Spirit cannot come down upon you.

We know now that the Holy Spirit did come down to the people. We know now that the Holy Spirit is here and will be here for all time. We can no longer see Jesus but his presence is with us through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

As a human person Jesus was limited as to whom he could physically reach, but now all physical limitations are gone. Through the Resurrection the chains of death were broken and the Spirit was sent forth to all.

Just as the earthquake broke the chains of Paul and Silas in the prison.

The movement of the Spirit is free and inspires the hearts of all

who are open to receiving.

True freedom comes from living in the Spirit of God.

True freedom is living in love not in fear.

If there is anything in your life that is keeping you in shackles ask God to intervene. Tell him you must rely on him. Tell him you believe he can free you in mind body and soul. The prison guard had his fears dissolved as soon as he was assured that all was as it should be...they, the prisoners, had not endangered his life

by claiming their own freedom.

Gladness of Heart

~~~ Acts. 14: 5-18 ~~~ Ps. 115 ~~~ John 14: 21-26 ~~~

"The gods have come down to us in human form."

The people of Lystra were confused by Paul's ability to heal...gifted to him through the Holy Spirit. These people were only doing what they thought right and just at the time. even though they were misguided they intended no harm.

Paul and Barnabas immediately  recognized that the people needed

to be evangelized into a new way of thinking.

The disciples educated the people about the living God,

 'who made heaven and earth and sea and all that is in them.'

They go on to proclaim how this living God

'filled them with nourishment and gladness in their hearts.'

Worshipping a golden idol would never have the ability

to fill their hearts with gladness.

Paul and Barnabas were living examples of what it meant to have your heart filled with gladness. They were on fire for the Lord...proclaiming the good news...their healing ability was directly related to their heart full of gladness for the Lord.

when you are filled with gladness for the Lord you want to break out in dance and song. It is not possible to contain true gladness of heart.

Gladness of the heart radiates through your eyes...it is detectable...it is undeniable.

I have witnessed it first hand myself especially

at the end of a retreat weekend experience.

When you love God and he comes to dwell within your very being...gladness of heart keeps you nourished by the Lord.

The Holy Spirit is constantly filling our hearts with gladness for the Lord.

I invite you to share this gladness of heart with those around you...

if not in words then at least in how you look into the face of those you meet today.

Gandhi said, "If you do not find God in the nest person you meet,

it is a waste of time looking further."

"Take Care What You Hear"

Mark 4: 21-25

"For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible...nothing is secret except to come to light. Anyone who has ears ought to hear..." and finally emphasizing..."Take care what you hear."

Yesterday we reflected on seeing in the true sense not only with our physical eyes. Today we have the Gospel of Mark also speaking to us about things becoming visible through the light. Could he be implying through the Light of Christ? For all things are visible with the Divine Light.

Mark, however, continues his instruction concerning our hearing. We were created by God with the gift of our senses. I have a difficult time what my life would be like without one of my senses. I have asked myself, If I had to freely give up one of my senses which one would it be. Well I admit I am selfish because for me the easiest sense to sacrifice would be my sense of taste.

I could not imagine not being able to see all of the wonders God has created for us. I definitely would be devastated to loose my hearing. If I could not hear just music alone I would be a very different person. I always hold in high admiration those who have lost their sight or hearing. Those I know have been given the grace to live full lives in spite of their loss.

Jesus tells his followers, that would be us, to 'take care what you hear'. I wonder how that might apply to us in today's environment? There are so many times I have had the television on and heard something I wish I had not. Until today I was conscious of what was entering into my ears, but now I want to be more discerning about what I choose to listen to. I want to hear about the good things happening in our world, I want to hear words of kindness, love, encouragement, and peace just to list a few.

So if that is what I want to hear I am then compelled to begin with myself. I certainly have the ability to thoughtfully choose my words before I speak. I also realize that I am not perfect and must decide to make this a priority for myself. I invite you to join me. Start with today, speak only kind words to others.

If we take care what we hear, what words are entering into our minds and hearts; we will be giving ourselves an enriched vocabulary from which to draw. You do not need a rich vocabulary to condemn and curse others.

"Take care what you hear" influences daily how you speak.  Words spoken as well as those heard linger within our soul.

Now I have left no time to share with you my thoughts on the lovely letter

Paul writes to his dear friend Timothy...2Tim. 1: 1-8

As I read Paul's words to his friend I was feeling the love he must have had for Timothy. Here are a few phrases that touched my heart...I remember you constantly in my prayers...I yearn to see you again...I recall your sincere faith...stir into flame the gift of God.

So much to contemplate in today's readings.

To you my readers; I give thanks to God and I do remember you in my prayers.



Original image: I chose this photo of a sunset because even though the sun has already set the sky fills with color for several more minutes. I chose this kaleidoscope image because the concentric design reminds me to be aware of what comes into my hears and what comes out of my mouth.

What we hear and speak flow together in continous ripples.

Blinded by the Light

Well as the saying goes...the best laid plans of mice and men...or something along those lines. Just got our power restored after hours without. Yeah!

Acts of the Apostles 22:3-16

Sometimes God does something extraordinary ot get your attention as in the case of St. Paul who's feast we celebrate today. I have always been able to get a picture in my mind of what this event must have been like. It is described so visually well. Paul going about his business of persecuting Christians is riding his horse feeling all pompous about himself. When "bam" out of nowhere he finds himself sprawled on the ground. The space around him is filled with a blinding light, so now he cannot see, followed by a faceless voice. This is a story we can visualize. Funny isn't it? Paul is blinded and we can see clearly.

Today if someone claims to hear voices our medical professionals prescribe drugs, but not in Paul's time. The voice of Jesus is heard by Paul...'Why are you persecuting me?'

Paul has to be shocked in order for God to get his attention. Hmmmm.

Paul has to be knocked down to the ground in order for him to hear the voice of God. Hmmmm.

Paul has to be blinded by light in order for God to lead him out of his darkness. Hmmmm.

Paul has to be led by another to have his sight restored. Hmmmm.

And finally Paul is baptized by water for the forgiveness of his sins. Hmmm.

Any messages here for us? I think so.

We often go about our daily lives as if we are in bumper cars. That is only responding when we are 'bumped' by another person or event in our life. We may not actively be persecuting others as Paul was, but we too need God to get our attention once in a while. It even happens to me occasionally when I am attending Mass. One idea or concept in the readings will 'ping' me right between the eyes.

People can be brought into the light out of their darkness through the support of their family and community. Our faithfulness to the promises of Christ can be the catalyst needed for helping others emerge from their darkness. We need one another.

When you are knocked down to the ground you have two choices; stay there and focus on the ground around you or look up and focus on how to get back on your feet.

Whenever I staff a retreat I pray that I will be open to how the Holy Spirit will use me.

I invite you to sit with the events of Paul's conversion and see how they connect with your life.
Answering the questions of when, where, how, why, and how.

I must close as my power fluctuates again threatening to shut me down.

The original picture: a cut crystal bottle.

I chose this photo because crystal captures and reflects light in a magnificant way.

This kaleidoscope image reflects the many facets of light surrounding us everyday.