There is Enough for Everyone

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will prepare for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines. –Isaiah 25:6

There is Enough for Everyone

Reflection. Advent is a time to identify our hungers and go to the right place to have them satisfied.

I suggest that the right place is the Word of God and the Table of the Eucharist. Few of us are physically hungary but we have many spiritual hungers.

Prayer. St Joseph, we pray that our hungers may be satisfied by the Living Word and the Bread of Life.

--from Day by Day with St. Joseph, Catholic Book Publishing

Reflection - Evangelization

I may have spoken on this topic before but I have some new thoughts that I would like to express. We may never travel to a distant country where evangelization is most needed, we are not “professionals,” we have not studied for a couple of years on the topic, and we have not spent time delving into a particular culture, but nevertheless we are called by our Franciscan identity, our being Catholic, to evangelize. But, if you look around you, you will see a great need to evangelize - just where we are. There are so many broken people, so many lacking faith, so many un-churched. We have a lot of work before us.

In fact, in many ways, we can do a better job than our religions brothers and sisters, because of our secular life. We are more close to them, we are more visible. But we ourselves may be broken, lacking faith, sinners. To evangelize, we first must evangelize ourselves. That is why was are called to the Gospel constantly.

I’ve been reading articles in Salt and Life: A Journal of Contemporary Franciscanism, the Mission in the Franciscan Tradition volume.  One article is by Hilaire Valiquette, OFM, entitled Reflections on the Franciscan Missionary Charism. I would like to quote one paragraph that I found meaningful:

“At times, there has been a false dichotomy between ministry and fraternity, as if we had to choose between one or the other. Francis saw them as two sides of the same reality; without the work of evangelizing, fraternity becomes a self-serving elite; without fraternity (even full of conflict and contradiction), evangelization is the activity of self-righteous individuals. The danger (especially, it seems, in crossed cultural mission work) of the "lone wolf" mentality, with its self- righteousness, bitterness, and lack of accountability, is always present. We have a corporate responsibility to constantly call one another to conversion, to understanding and living the gospel we promised, and to bring forgiveness and healing to one another. We are accountable to one another and to the local church.…”

Although this is written with the first order in mind, I believe it applies to us as well. To be in fraternity as Franciscans and not be involved in evangelization is not who we should be. To evangelize without our brothers and sisters – the “lone wolf” mentality, is also wrong, for we are fed, formed and encouraged by them.

St. Francis, in his first Rule, taught us how to do it - his two ways. First, to simply be with the people we need to evangelize – get to know them and they us.  Living our Franciscanism and our faith is enough. He also advised to take nothing with us – we don’t need a lot of resources, we only need to be ourselves; he advised to be subject to everyone, that is, not to put on an air of superiority because we are people of faith – we can express our faith without being overly pious, which may turn others off. Once we have done this, at our best discretion, we can go to the second way – to proselytize our faith, to get the Bible out, to invite them to Mass. Will we be successful? Only God knows. But imagine if we brought just one person to faith, to believe, to think of their relationship with God.

Jesus often hung around with sinners – we need to go to them as well. He came for the poor, disenfranchised, not the  ”in” people. He came for the sick (in all its manifestations), the geeks, the unloved, the overweight, those lacking aesthetic appeal. He came for others like us.

Facing the Storm

Deacon Ken of my parish had this article in today’s bulletin. A good lesson – thought I would share it.

Tom

FACING THE STORM

When I was going through my chemo treatments two years ago I was feeling quite down, so my Pastor friend from Hayward Wisconsin told me a little story to get my spirits up and I would like to share that with you here. A Wyoming cowboy was once asked, what was the greatest lesson he'd learned from his experiences of ranching? “The Herefords taught me one of life's most important lessons,” he replied. “We used to breed cattle for a living, but the winter storms would come and kill 'em off. It would take a terrible toll on the herd. “Time and time again, after a cold winter storm, we'd find most of our cattle piled up against the fences, dead as doornails. They would turn their backs to the icy wind, and slowly drift downward until the fences stopped them. There, they just piled up and died.” “But the Herefords were different than that,” he continued. “They would head straight into the wind and slowly walk the other way until they came to the upper boundary fence where they stood, facing the storm. “We always found our Herefords alive and well. They saved their hides by facing the storm.” When the storms of life are raging, our natural inclination is to duck and hide. It is easier to turn our backs on reality than to face the brutal facts. The path of least resistance, however, is a deadly course. Instead, we must face the storm head-on. When a problem arises in your life, you have to face it before you can fix it. Facing life's storms brings renewed strength, hope and power for living:

1. Facing the storm strengthens character. People who have never experienced any hardship tend to go all to pieces whenever troubles arise. “Oh no. The sky is falling.” If the sky falls on you a few times, and you're still kicking, you realize that you can make it. You are too big of a person to let the little problems get you. One day, when I was in a jam, a good friend remarked, “Not to worry - Your ship was made to sail in seas like these.”

2. Facing the storm sweetens the spirit. The sweetest people I've ever met are those who have endured much hardship.

3. Facing the storm deepens compassion. When we suffer, we are more able to identify with others who are hurting.

4. Facing the storm broadens the horizon. Hardship helps us to look forward to better days. It makes us realize that our current situation isn't forever, this world is not our home, and the best is yet to come. I hope this helps some of you who are facing some difficult situations.

The Pietà

I prayed the Way of the Cross tonight, St. Alphonsus’ method (the best Way, in my opinion).  I was amazed my focus fell on Jesus being taken down from the cross into His mother’s arms, the thirteenth station. Usually this station does not get any more attention than the others. But tonight it hit me. You have to read between the Gospel lines; we know Mary was there and the Gospel accounts say that she followed Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus to the sepulcher, it is only the station that tells us Jesus was placed in His mother’s arms.

And so my visualization expanded. We don’t like to think about it, but Jesus was naked. Some will insist that Jesus was covered by a cloth, but this is not the way the Romans worked. A crucifixion took away every ounce of dignity. I’m sure He was immediately covered as Mary’s arms received Him. And what her anguish must have been holding her son’s lifeless, torn and bloody body. She had witnessed the torment helplessly. I can hear her moan of anguish. I can see the expression on her face. She is not aware of those who surround her, Mary Magdalene, the other Mary, Salome, and others in feeble attempt to comfort. She trembles as her love emanates from her to her son.

After a while He was taken from her, carried/carted to the sepulcher as she followed. How could she even walk supported by the other women, though not far, as Calvary and the holy sepulcher are both within the Church of the Holy Sepulcher? And we know that Mary, assisted by the others anointed Jesus’s body, placed his arms, and arranged the shroud. She left, the tomb was closed.

 And once again, as at the Nativity, I’m sure she pondered these things in her heart.

RCIA Notes

Last night I was preparing for an RCIA class I will be helping with this morning. I thought I would share these thoughts with my Franciscan family and other friends as well. These notes are my thoughts in response to the topic “Saying Yes to Jesus”

• Christ has called you. How will you respond?
• Review the events you expect to happen in your life tomorrow. Choose one, examine it.
• I will go to 10 AM Mass. Although not my usual time, I probably will see some of the people I know from St Stephen’s, some who share in the same ministries. For example Barb, perhaps Sue, and others. It is always good to see them, for after spending the week among the seculars, it is good to see others who share my faith. And I will help out with the RCIA class. It is important to me because it is the little thing I do for others, mostly to share my enthusiasm for my faith. We are an Easter people, without being overly confident or presumptuous we should be overjoyed by this as eternity awaits us.
• I could be lazy and not go to church. That does nothing for me, as it would be a lost opportunity to give my creator due praise, worship and thanksgiving with my faith community. Every ministry, no matter how small, or of little impact, has its rewards.
• I will, but first…
• Although I was not born yet when WWII came about, I know from history how so many Americans responded to the call. I’m sure you are aware of the Uncle Sam posters with the words “I want you.” There might be someone in immediate distress, a child for example, falling in a pond. We respond immediately, without hesitation. Likewise, at different times God calls us. Some of us are born into the faith but we do not hear a call until later in life. You, as well, are responding to God’s call in your own way, in God’s time. Do we respond whole heartedly? Or do we go through the motions. Being called is nothing less than a great blessing. It is like our response when a friend asks us to help him move, or an elderly person needing a ride to a doctor.
• When our interest is peaked to join some organization or other, we don’t just “join”. For example, my calling to be a Franciscan. The first step is discernment and education. I thought about having a Franciscan vocation, I learned about it. So you have discerned  becoming a Catholic, or living your faith more fully. I don’t just attend Mass on Sunday’s but I live my faith and my Franciscan vocation. If you decide to become a Boy Scout leader, you don’t just attend meetings, you learn how to become a leader, you share your enthusiasm, you give your time, talent and treasure.
• The more active you are in your faith the more rewarding it is.
• This is a Hard Saying…
• By its nature the Catholic faith is counter-cultural. We are called to lead a life different than many of our neighbors. In many ways we have become indoctrinated in the secular culture in which we live. But following our faith brings unimaginable rewards.
• We are very hedonistic, individualistic, since the sixties we have rejected authority. So at times we find conflict with church teaching.  A lot of Jesus’ sayings are hard: “forgive seventy times seven times?” “love your enemies?” “give aid to the Samaritan – read stranger – someone different?” “Don’t kill babies?” We tend to think we know it all. But church teaching is based on two thousand years’ experience, and in this time there have been many great thinkers and teachers. How can I think my conclusions are better than what the church teaches? We are so lucky to have the teaching authority of the church to guide our lives, so we make the correct decisions that will lead to a happy life and eventually salvation. Humanae Vitae was not crafted to make life for Catholics difficult, it was prophetic. Many didn’t like the changes of Vatican II, but the church has been blessed for it. Even today, the church asks us to look to the Year of Faith and to the new evangelization. And those of us who address these calls are that much more happier for it.
• He went away sad…
• Jesus told the young man to sell all he had, give to the poor and follow him, because he wanted to change the young man’s primary focus. Our primary focus should be on Jesus and our faith, our spiritual well-being.
• I am often dismayed when I see so many others spending so much on their diet, health, and material possessions. They worry about their physical, mental, and emotional health, but spend little or no time looking to their spiritual health – the most important.
• Even a hard working family man with his concerns for his wife and children and job needs to focus on his and their faith. We will drive our children to this and that event, class, sport, shopping, yet we will not read the bible together or have a family night of discussion.

Year of Faith – Reflection II

Year of Faith – Reflection II

Since the Bears are losing and I lost interest in the game, and since I have a new PC after all the aggravations of a vicious virus in both my PC and laptop, since it has been a while, I thought I would take some time to write another reflection based on some current events.

Perhaps you are not aware–and I wonder why you would be with the Catholic news blackout by the mainstream media–there was a Synod of Bishops in October to discuss the many current issues facing the Church. There were 49 Cardinals, 71 Archbishops, 127 Bishops, and 14 Priests. There were also 72 collaborators, included among them many non-Catholics. So if you had not heard of this it shows we need to support the Catholic media and I will add I think our parishes can do a better job keeping us informed.

The theme of this synod was “The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian faith.”  The New Evangelization is not a focus of bringing non-Christians to the faith, as much as it is an outreach to bring back those who have left the church. Especially in this Year of Faith, it also means re-evangelizing ourselves; to read Scripture more, to become familiar with the Vatican II documents and the Catechism. You may say, “Hey, I’m a Catholic. I go to Mass;” or something like it. Well, we are all in need of ongoing formation. Not just as Franciscans, but as Catholics too. “Why” you might ask? Very simply, we are living in a very secular society with a government doing its best to get rid of God in the public forum. Here is a test: Do you feel uncomfortable talking about your faith in public, to family and friends? Aware of it or not, we are affected by the secular society, in the news, in movies, in our acceptance of political correctness.  For many Catholics things that were abhorrent to them 30 years ago, became less so 20 years ago, 10 years ago it was “well if they don’t bother me,” or “keep it in private.” And now, it is acceptance. There is also a lot of indoctrination especially in schools.

I would say this rejection of Catholic faith, morals, and teachings began with the rejection of Humane Vitae and the Church’s teachings on the Pill. If we can reject that, we have already opened the door; it is easy to reject other teachings. Just like sin. Commit a sin once and it is easier to commit that sin again. I've recently said in a discussion group at my parish that it is not for the Church to conform to our wishes/demands, but for us to accept and conform to the Magisterium’s teachings. This is our Rule, this is our life, and this is our duty.

Is the problem serious? You bet it is. Pew Research learned that 62% of Catholics who attend Mass weekly believe abortion should be illegal. What, only 62%? My God, it should be 100%. Of those who attend Mass less frequently the number drops to only 27% who believe it should be illegal. The same holds true for same-sex “marriage.”

Many Catholics leave the church, I believe, for entertainment and go to mega-churches or just stay at home and watch TV. Sports seems more important to many than Church.

Our house is divided. There are the pro-life Catholics, mostly conservative, believe abortion is the greatest evil of our time; and there are the social-justice Catholics, mostly liberal, who want to help the poor and the marginalized (and from what I’ve seen are mostly pro-abortion). The truth of the matter is that there is no social justice without the right to life. How any Catholic/Christian/humanist/moral person can say it is O.K. to kill babies in the womb is beyond my comprehension? If you reject life you reject the Church, as the Church is nothing if it is not about the dignity of life. I would say a lot of this is ignorance of what the Church teaches. Many form their opinion from the media, from friends and co-workers. They are not hearing it from the pulpit. As Catholics and Franciscans we must embrace both sides of the coin. We must be pro-life and we must be concerned for the poor.

How very blessed we are that we live in a country based on Christian values although we are losing that foundation. Think of being born in a communist country like Russia or other Eastern countries that suppressed the church and taught and indoctrinated there is no god. Now that they have their freedom it is difficult for them as they have lost their faith roots.

I think an answer to this, in part, is the restoration of some of our beautiful traditions; Adoration and the Rosary. How very blessed I am sitting/kneeling face to face with God. How very disheartening it is to attend a Holy Hour and see only a dozen people in church, if that church has a Holy Hour or Adoration at all. Bring on J.M.J., St. Joseph, litanies, novenas, Adoration, Holy Hours, and First Fridays; let’s learn from the saints. Let’s bring back the beauty and awe of the sacred arts. Let’s bring back the Sacred. As we are sent at the end of every Mass, let’s bring the Gospel to others, let’s evangelize and let’s evangelize ourselves. How every blessed we are to have the True Presence, the Eucharist.

Have a happy Advent and Christmas. Let’s Rejoice!

On Sowing and Reaping ...

Here are a few basic principles concerning sowing and reaping:

1. We reap what we sow. You can't sow hatred and reap love. You can't sow unbelief and reap faith. You can't sow bitterness and reap forgiveness. You can't sow selfishness and reap friendship.

2. Sometimes, we reap what others have sown. Somebody paid the price for the things we enjoy and often take for granted. We have electric lights because Thomas Edison worked through the night. Our family values and traditions were passed along from our parents and grandparents. Every building was constructed at a price. Somebody was willing to pay it.

3. Occasionally, we reap the painful consequences from what others have sown. A choice to drive drunk can shatter a stranger's family. A dishonest employee can bring great dishonor to the business owner. An abusive parent can damage and harm the parent for life. A thief can leave the victim penniless.

4. We reap more than we sow. The mighty oak is just a little nut that held his ground. Small, daily investments bring a tremendous harvest in the end. One seed, planted in good soil, produces a thousand seeds. One good deed planted in God's love, produces a thousand deeds.

5. It usually takes a while between the sowing and the reaping. There is no such thing as instant success. It takes a lifetime. Patience is virtue. Do not be weary in well doing. Sooner or later, what you do will catch up to you – both good and bad. If at first you don't see results, remember that the first growth is underground.

6. The more we sow, the more we grow. Don't just sow a little bit and quit. Keep on sowing and you'll keep on reaping! Sow in the unexpected places, and you will discover unexpected results. It's never too early or too late to start sowing.

An article from Pastor Mark O. Wilson, Hayward, Wisconsin.

Thanksgiving Reflection 2012

Thanksgiving Reflection 2012

Alright, let’s face facts. We, looks like the minority, are not happy with the recent elections, at least some of us. More than that, we have a gut feeling things will now get even worse. There are many concerns that we can to little about: violence in the streets, job security, the falling economy and the rising debt, secularization of society, cafeteria and non-practicing Catholics, social engineering, rampant pornography, neck deep in taxes, decline of morals and values, lost kids. I could go on. Have I set the mood?

Thanksgiving is a national holiday, not a religious one. Oh really? It might not be on the church calendar, and other than turkey’s, pilgrims, atheists, and the self-absorbed, many of us, most of us, spend some time in thanking God for everything we have; many tell of their blessings over dinner, some get down on their knees, some go to church. It might be a good idea to make a list–kind of a reverse examination of conscious, recount you blessings, not sins. So yes, I would conclude this is a religious holiday.

Do you have indoor plumbing, HDTV, cable/satellite TV, central air/heating, a cell phone, a car, personal computer, and home? Who will be sitting around the Thanksgiving table– family, friends? O.K., I concede, some of us will be alone, but that can be a personal choice as well. Health? Yes, as we get older that becomes an issue. Many times it is a blessing. It tells us something is wrong that needs attention. Perhaps there is a new baby or grandchild. Perhaps someone did you a kindness, gave or loaned money at a critical time.

What I am getting at is the concept of more and less. I learned a long time ago there will be someone who has more and someone who has less. Some are richer, some are poorer. Some have more health, some less. The sun shines on everyone and it rains on everyone.

Did you make that list? Have you thanked God for all those things?

Gratitude. I saw a picture yesterday of an old woman embracing and kissing a World War II solder sitting in a Jeep when Rome was freed. I can’t think of a better visualization of gratitude. We can’t hug God but we can visit Him in church or before the Blessed Sacrament, we can simply talk to Him.

Right around the corner is another holiday, one that is more or less forgotten. Nativity scenes are banned, Christmas greetings are frowned upon by many business and they will also be open that day. You can’t find religious Christmas card in the store–sorry, I meant holiday cards. Amidst the shopping, wrapping, and decorating, how many remember the reason for the season?

Now that is something to be thankful for! Because, through Jesus’ nativity, abandonment, humiliation, torture, death and resurrection, we have been given salvation. All we need to do is lead a good life, avoid sin. Love God and your neighbor. Wow!

So, those people around the Thanksgiving Day table–be sure to give them a huge hug and take a moment to thank God for sending His Son to us. Let’s display some gratitude!

Mark 7:31-37

 Ephphatha!

In today's readings we see Jesus curing the deaf and mute man. I thought of all those who are indifferent and silent concerning the current political situation and the direction our country is taking. I pray that Jesus will also open the ears of all those, especially Catholics, to hear the truth concerning respect for life, that our religious freedoms are at stake, that we must turn our country around before it is ruined, that we must turn back to God. That they must speak out and proclaim Truth, be vocal for the unborn, defend our religious liberties and call others to defend it, to speak out against the socialists, the secularists and the godless.

It is our job to encourage others by our example, our responsibility to heal their deafness and encourage them to speak out.

Did you catch the phrase that Jesus looked to heaven and groaned. Perhaps we need to do the same, a divine sigh, as our mission before us may be difficult, yet it is our mission.

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. (Proverbs 4:18-19 NIV)

Road to Emmaus

There is a walking path very near my house that circles around some wetland. I would guess about ¾ mile in circumference. Recently, I’ve been taking advantage of it when I can, usually in the early morning. It’s a great way to admire God’s creation, the sights of trees, ponds, animals, birds, and geese. Their sounds add to the experience along with the chirping of crickets. Then, of course, the lovely sunrise: the sky, the clouds. It is also a great time to get lost in your thoughts and to pray.

This morning I decided to pray during the first lap; praise, thanksgiving, petitions. The second lap I tried not to think at all. To just enjoy the environment and give God a chance to talk to me if He so desired to do so.

The third lap I decided to feel God’s presence that he was walking beside me. I entered into a conversation as with a friend. Mostly about current events, my concerns, the economy, the elections, etc.

Then Emmaus came to mind; Jesus walking along the road with His disciples. They too were grappling with the events of their time; seeking to understand, wondering what these events were all about. Jesus, still not recognized, helped them to understand. Then finally they did recognize Him when He broke the bread.

As I walked with Jesus my thoughts continued. The road to Emmaus is a metaphor for the road we walk in life. Along the way, there are various people who walk this road with us; mostly family, relatives, friends, co-workers. Some may walk with us the rest of our lives – spouses, children. Some may be with us for only a brief moment, perhaps only a word or two.

As we walk with God we are provided with many things: first of course, is love, then assistance, advice, encouragement. So too, are these people. Often they provide the same things. Is this not also Jesus walking with us? As the disciples recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread, we too recognize God in others in Communion at Mass. We need to embrace these people in our lives, literally or figuratively. Those who feed us, love, encourage, assist, in whatever way, those that emulate Christ we should stay close to, break bread with them, spend time with them, walk with them.

Reflection - Today's Mass Reading - Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63

Every now and then we run across a Bible passage that we don’t recall reading before, or it didn’t hit us and now it does. This happened to me today when reflecting on today’s Mass readings. And the reflection on it I found in the booklet “Living Faith.” So I thought I would share it.

Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63

The word of the LORD came to me:
Son of man, make known to Jerusalem her abominations.
Thus says the Lord GOD to Jerusalem:
By origin and birth you are of the land of Canaan;
your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite.
As for your birth, the day you were born your navel cord was not cut;
you were neither washed with water nor anointed,
nor were you rubbed with salt, nor swathed in swaddling clothes.
No one looked on you with pity or compassion
to do any of these things for you.
Rather, you were thrown out on the ground as something loathsome,
the day you were born. [Emphases added]

Then I passed by and saw you weltering in your blood.
I said to you: Live in your blood and grow like a plant in the field.
You grew and developed, you came to the age of puberty;
your breasts were formed, your hair had grown,
but you were still stark naked.
Again I passed by you and saw that you were now old enough for love.
So I spread the corner of my cloak over you to cover your nakedness;
I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you;
you became mine, says the Lord GOD.
Then I bathed you with water, washed away your blood,
and anointed you with oil.
I clothed you with an embroidered gown,
put sandals of fine leather on your feet;
I gave you a fine linen sash and silk robes to wear.
I adorned you with jewelry: I put bracelets on your arms,
a necklace about your neck, a ring in your nose,
pendants in your ears, and a glorious diadem upon your head.
Thus you were adorned with gold and silver;
your garments were of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth.
Fine flour, honey, and oil were your food.
You were exceedingly beautiful, with the dignity of a queen.
You were renowned among the nations for your beauty, perfect as it was,
because of my splendor which I had bestowed on you,
says the Lord GOD.

But you were captivated by your own beauty,
you used your renown to make yourself a harlot,
and you lavished your harlotry on every passer-by,
whose own you became.

Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you when you were a girl,
and I will set up an everlasting covenant with you,
that you may remember and be covered with confusion,
and that you may be utterly silenced for shame
when I pardon you for all you have done, says the Lord GOD.

From “Living Faith”

Attention must be paid

Then I painted you with water, washed away your blood, and anointed you with oil. (Ezekiel 16:9)

In Chapter 16 of Ezekiel, God speaks to Jerusalem through an allegory, describing God's loving care for the city from infancy to marriage, given in spite of its unfaithfulness. This beautiful passage of devoted attention reflects the generosity and fidelity of divine love and calls us to bring those same qualities to our own relationships

This is especially required when the other person or persons do not respond as we wish. They may be short – tempered when we desire them to be carefree, silent when we want them to speak, talkative when we wish them to be quiet, self – centered when we need them to give their attention elsewhere. Jesus noted well that it is much easier to love those who love us than it is to reach out to those less pleasing. It is tempting to close our hearts to someone who fails to meet our expectations of a viable relationship, but should love continues to offer a spacious and kind welcome.

- Sister Joyce Rupp, O.S.M.

I couldn’t help but think of the aborted babies while I reflected on the beginning of this Srcipture passage.

Living Faith: Going the Extra Mile

Going the Extra Mile

In the Living Faith booklet I graciously receive each quarter, I made note of today’s reflection:

Psalm Ps 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131

R. (103a) How sweet to my taste is your promise!
In the way of your decrees I rejoice,
as much as in all riches.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
Yes, your decrees are my delight;
they are my counselors.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
The law of your mouth is to me more precious
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
How sweet to my palate are your promises,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
Your decrees are my inheritance forever;
the joy of my heart they are.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!
I gasp with open mouth,
in my yearning for your commands.
R. How sweet to my taste is your promise!

Your decrees are… The joy of my heart… (Psalm 119:111)

I wish I could always say God's decrees are the “joy of my heart." I have a ways to go on that one, especially when they require that I eliminate my desire for a neatly scheduled day and plenty of time for self – satisfying projects. Decrees such as go the extra mile, give them not count the cost, welcome the stranger, visit the sick and imprisoned do not exactly delight my heart when I'm struggling with meeting deadlines of my own making. However, once I have let go of my cherished ones and follow through with action for others I do find joy in my heart.

When I give my carefully guarded time or limited finances to someone in need, I know it is the right thing to do. There is satisfaction in this reality. Psalm 119 notes that God's decrees "are my counselors." These decrees can guide us to live as our best self, nudge us to be the persons of a great love, mirrors of Jesus, our superb teacher.

Sister Joyce Rupp, O. S. M.

The Parable of the Talents - Matthew 25:14-30

Over the years we might read a passage over and over again, and Jesus' message just does not hit us. We may read a chapter at a time and don't isolate our minds to one particular passage. Then one day we have an epiphany, we get it. This happened to me today.

So the master gives a certain amount of talents (read gifts, abilities) to care for until he returns (read until the Son of Man returns). The two use their talents (an interesting play on words in English - talents (money) and talents (abilities)) for the greater glory of their master (God). The one hides his talents. Perhaps he wants to play it safe, doesn't want to be hurt, is involved with his own world.

We are all called to use the gifts that God gives us. We call this today stewardship; time, talent, and treasure. Some of us see God as a harsh master, or think of themselves only, or perhaps they never opened the money bag to determine what their treasure/talents are. While others see themselves part of a community; that they are to share their gifts with others.

The master's responses contrast strongly: "Well done, good and faithful servant!" versus "You wicked, lazy servant!"

One day we will stand before the gates of Heaven. How will be be greeted?

Reflection - Pentecost

Following the recommendation in Rediscovering Catholicism by Mathew Kelly, I’m trying to do a better job of reviewing the readings the night before, and, yes, I’m jotting down notes on the homily. The Gospel tells us that Jesus, when he visited his disciples after his resurrection twice said “Peace be with you.” I wondered why he had to say it twice. Then I realized right after he said it the first time, we are told that the disciples rejoiced. I can imaging them jumping up and down, hugging each other, elated at the sight of Jesus. So Jesus had to say it a second time, in effect saying, “Hey, pipe down. I have something else to say.” The second reading tells us that the Holy Spirit gives, “to each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” Not some, not a majority, but to each. We all are one part of His body, the Church, so we each have a job to do. So I think we need to listen and be open to His promptings. Often, when we think we know what He wants us to do, we find something entirely different. Some jobs are greater, some more humble. Some do their job by raising a family - teaching their children of their faith. Some have slowed down - but if nothing else they can pray. We all can proclaim the Gospel to our family, friends, fellow workers, and neighbors. We should not hide our faith, but proclaim it. I don’t think this calling is only directed to the mission of the Church or spiritual matters, but to secular or societal matters as well. We know the condition our society is in. We need to be that leaven to call ourselves and others to the mission of service to our fellow sojourners and make this a better place for ourselves, our children and the generations to come. He will tell you what to do. Simply find a quiet place and ask. You might not get an immediate answer, but He will answer.