Do You Have a Heart of Stone?

~~~ James 1: 12-18 ~~~~  Mark 8: 14- 21 ~~~

"Do you not yet understand or comprehend?" I can hear the frustration in the voice of Jesus. The disciples are still missing the point of his words. "Do you have eyes and not see, ears and not hear?" We are in chapter eight and Jesus has been performing miracles. Everywhere he went people were crowding around him so he is loosing patience with his disciples lack of understanding.

James sums it up in the very first chapter "...all good giving and perfect gift is from above..."

In other words everything good comes first through the goodness of our hearts. If we persevere in temptation we will receive the"crown of life"

It seems the disciples were also forgetful. They had forgotten to bring the bread. I guess they were so excited to be on the go with Jesus they were not thinking clearly. Actually they just have a misunderstanding with Jesus. He tells them to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod; the rules and the rulers. The disciples are thinking only on the literal level thus being out in left field, which causes Jesus to start his litany of questions. He does not even give them a chance to answer, which does happen when you are trying to communicate with someone who just does not get it. At this point Jesus is about to throw up his hands and walk away, but instead he reminds them of his earlier miracle of the seven loaves. It is as if Jesus is trying to communicate with a group of young children, but they are not children they have been with him days if not weeks now.

The disciples are only able to answer simple questions like how many baskets of fragments they collected after the second multiplication miracle feeding the four thousand. Here we begin to really notice that even the disciples were not quite sure Jesus was the messiah. They too were sort of anticipating an earthly king to make all things better. They were expecting more than a soup kitchen for the hungry. Perhaps they had something a little grander in mind for serving their king than collecting leftover scraps. You probably have seen the mess left behind after a large crowd has been 'picnicing' together in the same space. There is a pile of trash and garbage...not what they signed up for... So basically everyone was confused except Jesus. He knew he was sent to serve those in need.

Jesus cuts with the harshest  question of all, "Are your hearts hardened?" Which is a very good uestion for us to end with as Lent quickly approaches. Jesus is asking us the same question today, "Are your hearts hardened?" What does it mean for you today? What is keeping you from having the heart God needs? What causes the heart to harden? Is it like clay once exposed to the air?

Psalm 94

When I say, "My foot is slipping," your mercy, O Lord, sustains me.

When cares abound within me, your comfort gladdens my soul.

This original picture is of a red glass heart cradled in the hands of a person.
During life our hearts can become hard before we even realize what has happened.
God is always holding our heart even if it grows cold and turns to stone.
This kaliedoscope image I captured reminds me of the light that available to soften my heart. This light can dispel the root of hardness within my heart.

Happy Valentine's Day!
May your heart be filled with unending love.

  

Are You Able to See Joy in All Things?

~~~~ James 1: 1-11 ~~~~   Mark 8: 11-13 ~~~~

"Consider it all joy..."

Today's reading from St. James is probably one of the most beautiful passages to hold in your heart. If we just look at those four words and not even read further into the following ten verses we have much to think about.

The word 'consider' has a kindness and gentleness about it to me. It is not a commanding word. It does not conjure up visions of a parent shaking a pointed finger at you. It is more of a suggestion... Have you ever tried to look at your life from this point of view? Certainly in our daily lives we can find many reasons to focus on the disappointments and frustrations that present themselves. We can focus much time on how we would like things to be different. But James is simply asking us to consider an alternative view.

Yesterday scripture told us to do everything for the glory of God. Today we hear, oh and by the way, while you are doing all for the glory of God you might as well see it as "all joy". James goes on with his inspiring and encouraging words..."...when you encounter various trials...". He is acknowledging that life can bring some situations that seem far removed from Joy. I am sure you could name several things happening today in your life which do not make you feel joyful.

So we are offered this challenge...Can we persevere when our faith is being tested? Can we look for the 'joy' in spite of what it seems? The verses go on speaking of being 'perfect and complete' in our perseverance 'lacking in nothing' and seeking wisdom from God if necessary.

He makes a strong statement about faith...comparing those who doubt as one being tossed about like a wave on the high seas. 'Driven and tossed about by the wind' without perseverance in faith. As we go through life it is good to have little reminders that God has a plan. We can embrace it or we can resist and make ourselves miserable. The more we resist, I find in my own life, the less likely we are able to 'consider it all joy'.

In the gospel of Mark we have another account of the Pharisees creating their own irritating exchange with Jesus. Jesus is frustrated with these unhappy men who wanted proof for everything. When you want proof you are not acting in faith, because part of you is still doubting. I am certainly one who has asked God for a sign as an answer to a personal decision. Heck, I have gone so far as saying to God, 'If you want me to do this, then I need a huge billboard.' And you know one time he did give me a sign.

A tiny penny was lying on the ground right by the car door. Months before I had used the penny to symbolize trusting in God. After all it does have the words, 'In God we trust' inscribed upon it. The penny; the smallest denomination of currency we have carrying the message we most need to be reminded of.

We certainly cannot expect to receive signs of affirmation from God. And sometimes we just flat miss the signs he does send, because we cannot see as He sees. James knew in his wisdom that seeing joy in all things would require great faith. A challenge that would require a lifetime of perseverance.

I would suggest taking a small penny and placing it where you can see it everyday as a reminder that even if God does not give us a 'sign', through faith we can "Consider it all Joy".

I took this picture of the statue of the Blessed Mother, Mary in the Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral in Houston, Texas. I believe Mary is a beautiful example to us. In her life she persevered through her deep faith. She endured much sorrow in her life and yet was able to 'consider it all joy' through her immense love.

I chose this kaleidoscope image because the blue and the gold seem to be supporting one another. Through faith we can see all things in our life as Joy.

May we continue to persevere so in the end we can say we have run the good race filled with Joy.

The Glory Within

1 Cor. 10: 31- 11:1

"Brothers and sisters:

Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do,

do everything for the glory of God."

Today's reflection is taken from a prayer service I wrote a few weeks ago for this scripture verse from 1 Corinthians. St. Paul's writings are rich with meaning for us years after they were written. This is proof to me that scripture is the 'Living Word' of God. Living because it is ever changing in it's ability to speak to whom ever is reading...in whatever language...in whatever era.

(Written January 2012)

Paul asks, in his letter to the Corinthians, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s spirit dwells in you?” 1Cor. 3:16

The Glory of God lives inside of you. At the time of your conception God looked upon you and gave you the precious gift of life. From that day forward the world would be changed. There could be no other life like yours. You would be the one God would use to touch another’s life. If it were not for you then things would not be the same.

At your baptism you were given the light of Christ. You were called then to live in that light. You were brought into the company of Jesus. You were given the light of Christ in preparation for the day when you would be the bearer of this light for all to see.

Along with this gift of light came glory, the Glory of God himself. Even as a baby we reflect God’s glory. I am sure you would agree that a baby gives glory to God, whether he or she is laughing, crying, eating or sleeping. A baby’s smile is truly a reflection of God’s glory. The bright sparkle in their eyes reminds us of God’s glory.

The glory of God was never meant to stay contained within your heart. It was always his plan for you to make visible his glory in all that you do. It was always his plan for you to show this glory to others. He may not call us to be a great leader of the nation. He may not ask us to become the next Mother Teresa. He does ask us to reflect his Glory.

As we grow older this internal glory gets shrouded and covered by life until eventually it is just a tiny glimmer. A glimmer that we cannot believe has ever been brighter. Look deep inside for this glory and start to let it shine forth. Allow it to warm you and fill you...extend it out to others.

God asks us to find his glory within and reflect it back to him. Reflect his glory back in all ways great and small. In fact he invites us in 'whatever we do to do it all for his glory even eating and drinking'. Thus, reflecting back to him; in all the ways that he too reflected the glory of the Father while he walked this earth.

We are so fortunate because Jesus came to show us the way. We do not have to wonder how to give God glory.  If we but pick up the Bible; look closely at any of the stories through the eyes of glory, we will see what it means to do all for the glory of God. Every time Jesus reached out to another person he was reflecting the glory of God the Father. Often just his presence or the sound of his voice was sufficient to glorify God.

I invite you to take a moment and recall your favorite story about Jesus...

Now think about how in this situation Jesus reflected the Father’s glory.

He is always there beside us...literally inside of us. His light given to us at Baptism is all the confirmation we need to believe that we can do all for the glory of God.

Consider how all of creation gives glory to God through sheer existence, they cannot make the choice. But we are blessed because we have the power to make the conscious decision to give God glory throughout our life.

So I invite you to spend some time identifying how you reflect God’s Glory to those around you. This is not a boastful exercise instead it is an exercise in honesty, for only you know when you are truly reflecting the Glory of God.

It is already inside of you, this Glory of God, let it out...let it stream forth like a beacon from your being. You will not only be a better person you will be a more joyful person if you strive to live your life for the glory of God.

Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Nelson Mandela

"Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." 1 Cor 11:1

The original picture is of a woman's hands splashing water. No matter what you are doing allow the glory of God to permeate your world.

This captured kaleidoscope image to me shows the glory of God pouring forth

from the center reaching to the edge.

Your smile alone can reflect God's glory to another person you meet today.

You Satisfy the Hungry

Honoring the Big Mac?

Jeroboam set up calves for worship to make it more convenient for his people. He used the 'good ole boy' system of picking his high priests not those from the order of priests...Levites. He set up feasts to honor the calves he had made and offered sacrifices before these idols. He went about his ways in total disregard of what had been set forth by God.

Once you head down the path of wrongdoing it is strewn with dangers. The greatest danger is that one thing will lead to the next until you are so lost you cannot see your way back. When you are in a position of leadership you have a responsibility to lead in a righteous way. You have an obligation to seek wisdom in what it means to lead well. Jeroboam was attempting to please his people and not his God and the God of his ancestors.


Jeroboam was misusing his abundance and his his generosity to his friends. He thought ruling was a popularity contest. He wanted to maintain good favor among the people through granting their desires.

I have seen some parents who sadly find themselves in the same situation; trying to win favor with their children instead of being the parent and using good judgment. Sometimes saying 'no' is the best thing for a child. Jeroboam could not say 'no'.

In the gospel Jesus is once again feeding thousands with only a few loaves and fishes. This is such a familiar story that until now I had failed to see this as a generosity story. A story if you will about the abundance of God. Jesus, says, "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd..." The people had been together for three days.

A few times we have been at an outdoor concert and once you get your area 'staked out' you do not want to leave for fear of losing your spot. Not having fast food readily available and no one circulate through the crowd selling cold drinks so leaving for food was the only option. They did not buy an entrance ticket...they did not know this was to be a three day conference. They just did not want to leave. Jesus was amazing them with each teaching. The may not have fully understood the message, but it was Jesus, the healer, who was speaking. They were lucky enough to be present for this event.

The disciples were overwhelmed by the crowd and advised Jesus to send them all home rather than try to feed such a crowd....again. Or just maybe the disciples needed another example of the immense abundance of this person Jesus.

Either way it is a very good lesson for us today; for if God is this generous

with food for the physical body.

How much more generous will he be for our spiritual body.

How generous is he with mercy and forgiveness?

How generous is he with protection?

How generous is he with his presence?

He is generous enough to give us his body and blood in the Eucharist at every Mass.

He is generous enough to say I will be with you until the end of time.

He is generous enough to say 'be not afraid'.

He is generous enough to calm the stormy seas.

He is generous enough to mold us into something for himself.

He is generous enough to sustain our life every day.

Jesus only dismissed the crowd after he had fed all four thousand of them.

On my death bed I hope to be able to pray in thanksgiving

for having been satisfied by the love of the Lord.

Lord, you alone can satisfy the hungry heart.

Hear My Voice, but Tell No One

~~~~ 1 Kings 11: 29-32, 12: 19 ~~~~ Psalm 81 ~~~~  Mark 7:31-37 ~~~

"I am the Lord, your God; hear my voice."

The readings today all focus on hearing... the prophet Ahijah carries the directive to divide the cloak giving away one piece...in the psalm verse it says, 'If only my people would hear me, and Israel walk in my ways...' God is reprimanding us to listen..., and finally in the gospel Jesus restores the physical hearing and speech of a deaf man.

In the first reading Jeroboam, the son of Solomon, is alone when the prophet speaks to him. God speaks to us in various setting. The question we must answer is are we always ready and willing to listen...not just to hear, but to actually listen. In order to listen implies that our hearts are open as well as our ears. If we listen with our hearts we allow the message from God to take root and bear fruit in our life. Bearing fruit for God can be intimidating at times;

perhaps we do not feel worthy or prepared.

"I am the Lord, your God; hear my voice."

This psalm echoes throughout the corridors of my life. It can be frustrating at times trying to hear the voice of God. It often requires patience as we wait for clarification. It has been recorded that the words of the Lord are not our words. He speaks to us in the quiet recesses of our heart. He speaks to us through our friends and family. He speaks to us through our pastor. Sometimes God speaks to us through his silence...in these times only our faith and trust can keep us listening. We know not the time or hour when the Lord will speak to us.

The practice of setting aside time dedicated to listening for the Lord is worthwhile. I try to ask the Lord to speak to me...'Speak Lord, for your servant is listening'.

"I am the Lord, your God; hear my voice."

In the gospel we continue to see multitudes of people coming to Jesus for healing and to hear his teachings. They come to listen to his words and they are amazed. Everyone is talking about this phenomenal person, Jesus. In this story Jesus does not heal from a distance or even in a crowd as he has done previously. "He took (the man) off by himself away from the crowd." Away from the crowd, Jesus can safely look up to heaven and acknowledge his unity with God the Father. Together they open the man's ears and remove his speech impediment.

Not only could this man now hear the words spoken to him he could also go about spreading word of Jesus himself. I can only imagine his excitement...his joy. He must have been bursting at the seams to share about his miraculous healing,

but Jesus ordered him to keep it to himself and tell no one.

"I am the Lord, your God; hear my voice."

When my friends find a good deal or a special coupon it is natural for them to want to share. It was asking a lot for this man to keep his mouth shut. By now the number of those who have heard of healing powers of Jesus has grown tremendously. They were exceedingly astonished and they said,

"He has done all things well."

In spite of what the people felt about Jesus though there were many others who were after him. Many authorities who wanted him out of their way for they felt threatened by his power. They could not comprehend that he was not after their earthly positions of power.

The original image was a beautiful mandala designed to depict faith and wisdom. Those who came to be healed believed in the healing power of Jesus. Jesus had to exercise wisdom in making the request that his healings be kept quiet.

This captured kaleidoscope image repredents the different times when God speaks to us...from a distance in the outer areas...in a small group...or one on one intimately with us.

"I am the Lord, your God; hear my voice."

Scraps for the Dogs

Mark 7: 24-30

Jesus was tired and wanted to rest. He really wanted to put out the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door, but that was not possible. Fame comes with a price; we see it in our society today. Jesus may have wanted to have a break from scrutiny of the Pharisees, who were constantly stalking him. Soon a woman seeks his attention begging for her daughter to be healed of her demons.

Try as he will Jesus was constantly being pursued even by those 'from the other side of the track', those who had heard of him and followed him in hopes of getting heard.  A woman who was a Greek, a Syrophenician by birth took a chance and cried out to Jesus. She somehow believed that he would heal her daughter if she were to just make the request. It did not deter her that she was 'foreigner'; she was a Gentile. Jesus had come primarily to deliver his message to the Jewish people. He crossed the border this night to get away; he thought he would not be recognized.

Every young mother can understand the desire to have some time to herself. Anyone who is well known guards their personal time like a precious gem. We see here the very human side of Jesus. Furthermore when you are tried and hungry you can be a bit nippy with others. Jesus was overwhelmed by the crowds streaming to him for healing.

The initial reaction is almost as if Jesus is prejudiced against this woman. He insults her saying, '...it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs'. What? Can these words be coming from the mouth of Jesus? The Jews it seems often referred to the Gentiles as dogs. Certainly not a very flattering term. Was Jesus just testing her or was he really irritated by her boldness?

For most people that would have been upsetting enough to make them leave thinking they had approached the wrong person. But this woman was convinced that Jesus would listen to her and grant her request for her daughter. It is not that unusual for parents to go out of their way for their children, but she was being rejected. And rejected in a rude manner; being compared with a dog. Dogs then as they still do today are always sniffing around waiting for some scraps to fall from the table.

Understanding the reference to the dogs she musters up her courage and replies, 'Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children's scraps.'  Her comments caused Jesus to stop and reconsider her request to heal her daughter; which he grants.



This original photo containing words of life, love, and wisdom emphasis the importance of well spoken words. Jesus responded to this woman's words.

I chose this kaleidoscope image because it represents how words can cross boundaries and bring people to a common understanding.

Where do your prejudices reside?

What is Within?

Mark 7:14-23

Eat whatever you want. It is not the foods you put into your body that are the problem. Jesus is continuing to inflame the Pharisees with statements like these. Jesus is a little frustrated that they are so narrow minded and naive. What you eat has nothing to do with what comes out of your mouth. Thus Jesus declared all foods clean! Whoa! I am sure the Pharisees were jumping out of their skin by such scandalous comments.

But Jesus, as he often does, goes on to reveal more of what the words really mean.

"But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and defile."

That is a mouthful for such a couple sentences. There is something not stated but implied in this passage. Any sin we commit first begins in our heart and mind. 'Evil thoughts' come prior to any actions either good or evil. Our thoughts really do make a difference. We cannot feed our minds with poison and expect not to be effected. I am not saying we must become saints and only think heavenly thoughts. I am not saying to act as if we live in a perfect world.

I sometimes do not watch the news or certain television programs because they do not feed my thoughts with what I want to be thinking about. I am certainly not a prude and I like to watch television as much as anyone else. I think a steady diet of violence makes us insensitive to reality.

If we just look at how television treats marriage it is no wonder the divorce rate continues to soar. It is no wonder my own children question the permanence of a relationship for life.

We could look at each of the sins Jesus stated and they all begin inside. If we let the darkness thrive in our hearts we will surely perish. Jesus was really saying all the rituals of cleanliness will not be able to cover what is inside.

We cannot hide what is inside because eventually, when we least expect it it overflows into the outside world. What we have inside eventually becomes a blessing to others or a hindrance for them. We cannot have it both ways at the same time. Which do you want?

Queen Sheba brought riches and royal gifts to Solomon seeking to experience his words of wisdom. The queen asked questions to gain wisdom. The Pharisees asked questions attempting to trick Jesus at every opportunity. Jesus freely gave his words of wisdom to all who followed him. But some were unable to hear or see this Divine Wisdom.

We can ask for God's wisdom in all aspects of our lives. The question is, do we? I am as guilty as the next person. Asking for God's wisdom is not part of all aspects of my daily life. With awareness we can change. With awareness we can become more conscious of our thoughts.

I chose this original picture of sand running though the harrow neck of an hourglass because sometimes it's tough allowing only goodness to occupy our thoughts. This kaleidoscope image I captured illustrates to me how the good thoughts pass between, around, through, and under any 'evil thoughts' that may be present.

I invite you to feed on thoughts that lead you to a greater holiness

and deeper relationship with our Lord.

Seek the wisdom of the Lord and it will be granted unto you.

Be a blessing to someone today!