Archive for September, 2011

And as for you, Springfield…?

Church over the house of Petrus

Church over the house of Petrus (Capernaum)

Gift: Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe) – With the gift of wonder and awe (fear of the lord), we are aware of the glory and majesty of God. A person with wonder and awe knows that God is the perfection of all we desire: perfect knowledge, perfect goodness, perfect power, and perfect love.

Reading:  And as for you, Capernaum, ‘Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.’” Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”  (Luke 10:15-16)

Observation:  The first reading from the book of Baruch and the responsorial for today’s Mass are quite dark in tone.  So, it is not surprising that I would feel led to question the response of the town, where my family lives, to the preaching and the prophets that are working in our midst today.  It is similar to the question that Jesus asked to Capernaum, but I don’t already know the response of the people in my town, like Jesus knew what the response would be in Capernaum.  I know the majority of people in my town will not hear the question, but I am hoping that enough will hear that it will be possible to feel some sense of brotherhood here in Springfield, OR, as I continue my mission to preach the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Personification: Generosity  It is only by grace that I can give of myself to others.  I must try to remember today that it is not about monetary gifts, but rather the gift of my time and love that will be remembered.  It is my hope that it is remembered by the ones that I am able to give it to, so that they will pass on the gift to others, and ultimately that my gift bring glory to God in heaven.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.  I ask this, as always, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit.  Amen.

2011
09/30
CATEGORY
Journal entries
TAGS







Leave a comment

With God and his angels on our side, how can we not have courage?

St Michael the archangel, dressed somewhat lik...

Image via Wikipedia

Gift: Fortitude (Courage) – With the gift of courage, we overcome our fear and are willing to take risk as a follower of Jesus. A person with courage is willing to stand up for what is right in the sight of God, even if it means accepting rejection, verbal abuse, or even physical harm and death.

Reading:  Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have salvation and power come, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed. For the accuser* of our brothers is cast out, who accuses them before our God day and night.  (Revelation 12:10)

Observation:  I am hearing today that God’s angels in heaven have already won the victory against the evil one.  Unfortunately, they have cast down the evil one and his angels on us here on earth.  I must remember that my faith tells me that I have recourse to the same angels that cast the devil out of heaven, to ask them to keep him away from me and those that I love.  It doesn’t mean that I won’t suffer persecution and pain for being a follower of Christ, but it does mean that his blood has assured victory once in heaven and has assured the final victory for us on earth as well.

Personification:  Self-Control  It is only by the power of the grace of God that I can display the fruit of self-control in my life.  I believe that it is only when I remind myself of my humanity and the tendency that I have towards sin, that I can rely on the grace of God, and the protection of his angels, to save me.

Prayer:  Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle.  Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil.  May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you, O Prince of the Heavenly Host by the power of God cast into hell, satan and the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.  I ask this, as always, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Spirit.  Amen.

2011
09/29
CATEGORY
Journal entries
TAGS







1 comment

What is our excuse for not following Jesus today?

Gift: Understanding – With the gift of understanding, we comprehend how we need to live as a follower of Jesus Christ. A person with understanding is not confused by all the conflicting messages in our culture about the right way to live.

Reading:  “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him,”Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests,but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” And to another he said, “Follow me.” But he replied, Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.” And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” Jesus answered him, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.”  (Luke 9:58-62)

Observation:  For those of us who have said those words to Jesus before, “I will follow you”; this gospel today is pointing out the reasons we have all given for not really following him completely.  Nehemiah, in the first reading, stood up to the king because of his calling and asked him to be able to restore the temple in Jerusalem.  Most of us will never have to stand up to a king and ask him to support us in restoring the kingdom of God, but there is something that God is calling us to that may require us to leave our family behind and forget about those that died, and just follow Jesus.  I don’t believe this means that we have to forget about our obligations to our families or not honor those that have died, but only as it relates to following Jesus and spreading the good news of his salvation to the whole world.

Personification: Kindness  Today, I am feeling called to display the fruit of kindness to everyone I meet.  I am usually kind enough to the people I meet, but I am going to make an extra effort today to ask about and look after the needs of others today.

Prayer:  Lord, lead me to do the things that you would have me do to prepare this world for your return.  Come, Lord Jesus.  I ask this, as always, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit.  Amen.

 

Related articles
2011
09/28
CATEGORY
Journal entries
TAGS







1 comment

Dios está contigo…

fresco at the Karlskirche in vienna (by Johann...

Image via Wikipedia

Gift:  Piety (Reverence) – With the gift of reverence, sometimes called piety, we have a deep sense of respect for God and the Church. A person with reverence recognizes our total reliance on God and comes before God with humility, trust, and love.

Reading:   On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem.  (Luke 9:52b-53)

Observation:  The title for my post came from the responsorial psalm and the first reading.  Actually, the response came from the first reading…God is with you!  In the gospel, I hear in the story of Jesus’ final trip to Jerusalem, that it should not matter to me whether I am a part of his plan of salvation or not, I should remember to praise God for sending his son to stay with us until he comes again.

Personification: Generosity  It is my hope that I can display the fruit of generosity in my life today and share the gift of the risen Jesus with everyone that I meet.  I will rely on the holy Spirit to reveal to me the ways that I can show him to different people, but I will take courage in the fact that I know that God wants to have a relationship with all of his children through the redemption of his Son.

Prayer:  Lord, help me to see everyone as a child of God and not judge anyone’s past but only recognize the great future that you have planned for them.  I ask this, as always, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit.  Amen.

2011
09/27
CATEGORY
Journal entries
TAGS







Leave a comment

What do you call him?

Church of the Primacy of St. Peter on the Sea ...

Church of the Primacy of St. Peter

Gift: Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe) – With the gift of wonder and awe (fear of the lord), we are aware of the glory and majesty of God. A person with wonder and awe knows that God is the perfection of all we desire: perfect knowledge, perfect goodness, perfect power, and perfect love.

Reading:  Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Messiah of God.”*  (Luke 9:20)

Observation:  I started to journal on this verse over three days ago.  I put it off because I was going to lunch with the group of guys that meet on Fridays to talk about how the Word of God is working in their lives.  The lunch was pretty much the same, except I brought David with me.  However, I knew Jesus was there with us at lunch, but I did not call on him.  I think we prayed, but I cannot remember the prayer.  The point is, if I really know him as Messiah or Savior, shouldn’t I call on him as the one who saves more often?

Personification: Faithfulness  In order to display the fruit of faithfulness in my life, I must not only be seeking him, but willing to call him what he should be to me.  To display faithfulness, I must be willing to give up my selfishness and give God the glory for saving me by sending his Son, Jesus the Christ.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner…I ask this, as always, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit.  Amen!

Related articles
2011
09/26
CATEGORY
Journal entries
TAGS







Leave a comment

If they are not against us, they are for us…

La vierge aux raisins

Image via Wikipedia

Gift:  Fortitude (Courage) – With the gift of courage, we overcome our fear and are willing to take risk as a follower of Jesus. A person with courage is willing to stand up for what is right in the sight of God, even if it means accepting rejection, verbal abuse, or even physical harm and death.

Reading:   Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”  (Luke 9:49-50)

Observation:  My immediate reaction to this gospel this morning was that the preachers from other Christian denominations are not exactly in line with the fullness of the truth, but most of them are not directly against us.  Instead of letting my mind focus on those that are directly against us, I am hearing the gospel story from Luke’s gospel say that we should not deny their simple preaching, and even when they are evoking the name of Jesus to exorcise demons, we should consider them as part of the same team.

Personification: Peace  It is my hope that I can display the fruit of peace today.  I hope that I can show that peace when dealing with everyone, including my family.  This includes my in-laws, because I know that they won’t be reading this today, I will say that no matter how far they have wandered from the faith, I will accept them for the beautiful creation of God that they are.

Prayer:  Lord, help me to see the beauty in all of your creation, and allow me to live in your peace for the rest of my days.  I ask this, as always, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit.  Amen.

2011
09/26
CATEGORY
Journal entries
TAGS







1 comment

The wicked turn from wickedness…

Prophet Ezekiel, Russian icon from first quart...

Prophet Ezekiel

Gift:Wisdom- With the gift of wisdom, we see God at work in our lives and in the world. For the wise person, the wonders of nature, historical events, and the ups and downs of our lives take on deeper meaning. The matters of judgment about the truth, and being able to see the image of God.

Reading:  But if the wicked turn from the wickedness they did and do what is right and just, they save their lives; since they turned away from all the sins they committed, they shall live; they shall not die.  (Ezekiel 18:27-28)

Observation:  Today’s first reading is a good reminder to me that in order to gain eternal life, I must be turning away from the wickedness I did and do what is right and just.  It is not just for the promise of eternal life, but because the wickedness leads to more wickedness.  I am hearing that we must be in a constant state of turning away from all of our sins, and the grace of God will help us to do that.  However, I must be willing to plug into it at all times, even when it seems impossible.

Personification:  Love  I will display love today that comes as a direct result of being plugged into the source of it, God.  My wife is a great example of selfless love and I will try and follow her example today and be willing to love those who may not love me back.

Prayer:  Our Father, who is in heaven.  Holy is your name.  Your kingdom come.  Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil.  I ask this, as always, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Spirit.  Amen.

Related articles
2011
09/25
CATEGORY
Journal entries
TAGS







Leave a comment

Why does the church say young man today instead of official?

Santa Maria della Concezione

Saint Michael, the Archangel

Gift: Understanding – With the gift of understanding, we comprehend how we need to live as a follower of Jesus Christ. A person with understanding is not confused by all the conflicting messages in our culture about the right way to live.

Reading:  Then the angel who spoke with me advanced as another angel came out to meet him and he said to the latter, “Run, speak to that official:* Jerusalem will be unwalled, because of the abundance of people and beasts in its midst.  (Zechariah 2:7-8)

Observation:  This is the latest translation from the New American Bible, revised edition.  It says official, and not young man, as it does in the earlier edition.  Same verses in today’s readings read;

Then the angel who spoke with me advanced,
and another angel came out to meet him and said to him,
“Run, tell this to that young man:
People will live in Jerusalem as though in open country,
because of the multitude of men and beasts in her midst.

So after a little research, a well-timed question from my son about why does the Bible online say “official”, and a quick look at my earlier edition Bible that I still have, I realized that the question should be why does the new edition say “official” when the previous one said “young man”.  The message that I shared with my son is that the unwalled Jerusalem that I see in the world today is the church.  The message for me is that I need to consider the return of the Lord to be imminent, to be able to continue repenting of my sinful nature.

Personification: Self-Control  Today, I am going to be able to display the fruit of self-control because I know that I must rely on the grace that comes from God through his angels who protect us, even from ourselves.  I had not prayed the prayer I am about to pray, because I felt like I was protected this morning from evil.  The truth is that I may have been protected from evil outside, but I must remember that there is an evil that can be just as harmful inside that I have to fight against as well.

Prayer:  Saint Michael, the Archangel.  Defend us in battle.  Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil.  May God rebuke him, we humbly pray.  And do you, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, cast into hell satan and the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.  I ask this, as always, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit.  Amen.

Related articles
2011
09/24
CATEGORY
Journal entries
TAGS







Leave a comment

Are we trying to see him?

John the Baptist
Image by Lone Primate via Flickr

Gift: Understanding – With the gift of understanding, we comprehend how we need to live as a follower of Jesus Christ. A person with understanding is not confused by all the conflicting messages in our culture about the right way to live.

Reading:  And he kept trying to see him.  (Luke 9:9b)

Observation:  I am hearing this morning that I need to be constantly trying to see Jesus.  If Herod, who beheaded John the Baptist, was seeking to see him than how much more should I, who knows fully who he is, be seeking to see him in everyone I meet.  This is probably not the way that Herod is seeking to see Jesus, but his quest is a great reminder to us to be thankful for the gift that Jesus gave us in the Eucharist and we should long to spend time with him.

Personification:  Faithfulness  I have heard so many stories of people who have found the devotion to adoration of the blessed sacrament to be a game changer in their lives, that I should not be surprised by the Lord’s reminder to me to spend more time in his presence.

Prayer:  Lord, I want to be faithful to you and I know that being in your presence will make this easier to do.  Please help me to make time to rest in your presence more today and everyday for the rest of my life.  I ask this, as always, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit.  Amen.

2011
09/22
CATEGORY
Journal entries
TAGS









Leave a comment

But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Photo of Christ in Hagia Sofia.

Image via Wikipedia

Gift:  Knowledge – With the gift of knowledge, we understand the meaning of God’s Revelation, especially as expressed in the life and words of Jesus Christ. A person with knowledge is always learning more about the scriptures and Tradition.

Reading:  And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers,i to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry,* for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,* to the extent of the full stature of Christ.  (Ephesians 4:7,11-13)

Observation:  The title of my post for today is the 7th verse of the 4th chapter of Ephesians.  I am hearing today, after attending our Mass at 8:30am this morning, that I am being given the grace to fulfill the mission that God has given me.  It is because God has a mission for me, and I feel obligated to use this grace to seek the path that he has laid before me, and not be sidetracked by something that would put my focus on something that was not of God.

Personification:  Patience  It is my hope that I will be able to show the fruit of patience in my life today.  I know that God is trying to build up patience in me, but I hope I can start displaying it, so he can stop building it up in me so much.

Prayer:  Lord, help me to display patience in my life, so that you will not have to build it up in me anymore.  I ask this, as always, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit.  Amen.

2011
09/21
CATEGORY
Journal entries
TAGS







Leave a comment
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 249 other followers

%d bloggers like this: