In our low points in life we may be tempted to ask ourselves what the point of life is--we are born, get old and die. So, we may be temped to ask ourselves, why do anything? On the other hand, he may also be tempted to throw ourselves into work and focus on that to provide for our families, as we should, but are sometimes tempted to prefer spending more time at work when given the opportunity, away from those we love. Presented are two extremes: hopelessness and love of busy work.
St. Peter today tells us in our first reading (1 Pt 1:18-25) that Jesus has come to ransom us from our "futile works." As humans we get so caught up in what we are doing and our routines, bad ways of thinking, and we miss the bigger picture. James and John in today's Gospel enjoy what they do with and for the Lord. They are caught-up in it. They want to be rewarded for it, so they ask Jesus, the Son of Man, if they can sit at his right and left when he comes into his Kingdom. They still don't get that Jesus is King of the Eternal Kingdom, not some temporal realm. They were missing the big picture. They were just like us.
Jesus gently admonishes them. The key to seeing the bigger picture, for holding the Kingdom in our vision and not this temporal world, is by focusing our attention on loving those in need, serving those who need to be served.
Showing posts with label kingdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kingdom. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Monday, April 18, 2016
John 10:1-10 You must enter through the gate
It is amazing that all it takes if faith in Christ to enter through the gates of Heaven. God has blessed those who are faithful, and makes them holy, and so they can enter through the gate. Jesus gives us a parable about entering into the sheepfold through the gate. Those who try to climb over are like robbers. They have not had the needed conversion of heart and soul that comes through Christ: the repentance and salvation that he preached, that the Church preaches now at his command.
There is a story, The Dangerous Journey, a retelling of Pilgrim's Progress written for children, that emphasizes how difficult the life of a Christian, the temptations and challenges that befall us on our path. The main character, Christian, has several friends on his journey that help him. Toward the end of his journey he comes across a fellow sojourner who has crossed the field and climbed a fence and walks with Christian the rest of the way to the castle. When they reach it, the man is not allowed in because he came as a deceptive untrustworthy stranger across the field and over the wall. Christian's heart has been true though and though he's been tempted and strayed from the path, he was always found the right path again that led him to Kingdom, to the gate, to the place of his salvation. And it is his example that will lead the other members of his family. Jesus is trying to impart this to us. Life can and will be difficult, but the only way to the Kingdom is through him. He is our shepherd, and so too are those he has appointed in his place: our pope, our cardinals, our bishops, our priests, and our deacons. Theirs is to help us follow the course so that we come to the gate not as strangers, but as friends and brothers and sisters of Christ.
There is a story, The Dangerous Journey, a retelling of Pilgrim's Progress written for children, that emphasizes how difficult the life of a Christian, the temptations and challenges that befall us on our path. The main character, Christian, has several friends on his journey that help him. Toward the end of his journey he comes across a fellow sojourner who has crossed the field and climbed a fence and walks with Christian the rest of the way to the castle. When they reach it, the man is not allowed in because he came as a deceptive untrustworthy stranger across the field and over the wall. Christian's heart has been true though and though he's been tempted and strayed from the path, he was always found the right path again that led him to Kingdom, to the gate, to the place of his salvation. And it is his example that will lead the other members of his family. Jesus is trying to impart this to us. Life can and will be difficult, but the only way to the Kingdom is through him. He is our shepherd, and so too are those he has appointed in his place: our pope, our cardinals, our bishops, our priests, and our deacons. Theirs is to help us follow the course so that we come to the gate not as strangers, but as friends and brothers and sisters of Christ.
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Lk 15:1-3, 11-32 The Prodigal Son
For today's readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022716.cfm
Children are a parents' joy. No matter how old parents and children get, there tends to be a joy of being together as they once were. Holidays tend to be when families get together again. In America they can be tense times as grown children are thrust back into old roles that they had as young children and sibling jealousies pop-up. This happens just like it happened in the parable of the prodigal son.
The one is jealous of his brother who has gone and squandered his money while he stayed with his father. He did the right thing, yet feels that his brother got the better end of the deal. The father is trying to welcome his other son though, letting him know that no matter what he has suffered or gone through, he is loved, honored and respected for who he is, not the externalities. There is hope for each of us in the Father's kingdom.
Children are a parents' joy. No matter how old parents and children get, there tends to be a joy of being together as they once were. Holidays tend to be when families get together again. In America they can be tense times as grown children are thrust back into old roles that they had as young children and sibling jealousies pop-up. This happens just like it happened in the parable of the prodigal son.
The one is jealous of his brother who has gone and squandered his money while he stayed with his father. He did the right thing, yet feels that his brother got the better end of the deal. The father is trying to welcome his other son though, letting him know that no matter what he has suffered or gone through, he is loved, honored and respected for who he is, not the externalities. There is hope for each of us in the Father's kingdom.
Monday, January 4, 2016
Mt 4:12-17, 23-25
Jesus Christ was manifested to us. We are called to acknowledge Christ in all we do. St. John helps us ask the question, "How do we know where Jesus Christ is manifest?" We need to discern the Spirit and what Jesus calls us to do by what he says and does.
In today's Gospel we learn of Jesus' reaction to the arrest of John the Baptist. What does he do? He does not act rashly or build an army to storm the prison. No. Jesus withdraws. Often when we withdraw from a situation, what does that entail? Often it is deep consideration of where we are in our interior life. Perhaps a reprioritizing of those things that are important.
We are told, "From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand."
This was a huge step forward in Jesus' ministry. He is a light to all nations. People from all around recognized him through his healing message and followed him.
Today is the feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton who like Jesus, reveled in the Kingdom. She is the first saint born a US citizen. She was not a Catholic to begin, but her heart was touched by the fire of Christ's mercy. Despite her family and friends, she became Catholic. She became a bastion of hope and mercy for others. She is our example today of how to prepare our interior life for the kingdom; that it isn't our will that ought to be done, but that our desires should take a back seat to those of God. This is one of her prayers:
O Father, the first rule of Our dear Savior's life was to do Your Will. Let His Will of the present moment be the first rule of our daily life and work, with no other desire but for its most full and complete accomplishment. Help us to follow it faithfully, so that doing what You wish we will be pleasing to You. Amen.
In today's Gospel we learn of Jesus' reaction to the arrest of John the Baptist. What does he do? He does not act rashly or build an army to storm the prison. No. Jesus withdraws. Often when we withdraw from a situation, what does that entail? Often it is deep consideration of where we are in our interior life. Perhaps a reprioritizing of those things that are important.
We are told, "From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand."
This was a huge step forward in Jesus' ministry. He is a light to all nations. People from all around recognized him through his healing message and followed him.
Today is the feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton who like Jesus, reveled in the Kingdom. She is the first saint born a US citizen. She was not a Catholic to begin, but her heart was touched by the fire of Christ's mercy. Despite her family and friends, she became Catholic. She became a bastion of hope and mercy for others. She is our example today of how to prepare our interior life for the kingdom; that it isn't our will that ought to be done, but that our desires should take a back seat to those of God. This is one of her prayers:
O Father, the first rule of Our dear Savior's life was to do Your Will. Let His Will of the present moment be the first rule of our daily life and work, with no other desire but for its most full and complete accomplishment. Help us to follow it faithfully, so that doing what You wish we will be pleasing to You. Amen.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Luke 2:36-40 The Prophetess Anna
In this presentation story following the reception of the Christ Child by Simeon, we meet Anna who also receives the Child and proclaims him to the world. It is argued by some the Simeon and Anna are prophets of the Old Testament representing all of the Jewish people of the Old Covenant waiting for the redeemer. With the reception of the Christ Child, they are accepting and recognizing the Savior and proclaiming him to the world.
Women often enjoy holding babies and seeing the hope and possibility that could come from the child, recognizing the child as a gift from God. Here Anna does not do this. She recognizes not the gift from God, but God himself. How much more the potential this Child in her arms! The One who has been long awaited. How could she not be excited? As one who as received Christ she, like Simeon, cannot but share Him with the world. Isn't it similar to what we are called to do when we receive Christ within the Eucharist? Anna is a Hebrew word that means 'grace'. How fitting then that she is given the grace of God to be his messenger to proclaim Him, to recognize Him, to receive Him, and to love Him?
And the Holy Family? They fulfill the prescriptions of the Law and return home where the child grows in wisdom and strength with "the Lord's favor upon him." It is Jesus' time for quiet growth before the Lord calls him to his vocation. We are each called to a vocation. We see one of Anna's vocations within today's reading. We hear that Joseph and Mary were called to obedience in the Law. What are you being called forth to do today that will grow God's kingdom within and around you?
Women often enjoy holding babies and seeing the hope and possibility that could come from the child, recognizing the child as a gift from God. Here Anna does not do this. She recognizes not the gift from God, but God himself. How much more the potential this Child in her arms! The One who has been long awaited. How could she not be excited? As one who as received Christ she, like Simeon, cannot but share Him with the world. Isn't it similar to what we are called to do when we receive Christ within the Eucharist? Anna is a Hebrew word that means 'grace'. How fitting then that she is given the grace of God to be his messenger to proclaim Him, to recognize Him, to receive Him, and to love Him?
And the Holy Family? They fulfill the prescriptions of the Law and return home where the child grows in wisdom and strength with "the Lord's favor upon him." It is Jesus' time for quiet growth before the Lord calls him to his vocation. We are each called to a vocation. We see one of Anna's vocations within today's reading. We hear that Joseph and Mary were called to obedience in the Law. What are you being called forth to do today that will grow God's kingdom within and around you?
Friday, December 4, 2015
Matthew 9:27-31
In today's Gospel two blind men are following Jesus begging for his mercy and pity. Jesus asks them, "Do you believe that I can do this?"
This Advent season we are preparing ourselves to receive Christ as the hope of the world. Do we believe that he can do this? Faith is a gift of God the Father through the Holy Spirit. Christ Jesus stands knocking at the door of our hearts ready to lead us through the gates of eternal life should we seek him. For those who follow Jesus as the blind men did, seeking to see the eternal Kingdom, the Lord will reveal it "according to your faith." For these men, their eyes were opened.
Jesus warns them, "See that no one knows about this." We are told that "they went our and spread the word of him through all the land." Did they miss the point? When we receive a gift, do we focus solely on the gift, or the giver? Perhaps that is Jesus is really warning of overlooking the One, The Father in Heaven, who has given them the ability to see and to attain the Kingdom and its eternal life, by instead focusing on the fact that Jesus has restored their sight. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let us focus on that as we prepare to meet the coming of Christ this Christmas.
This Advent season we are preparing ourselves to receive Christ as the hope of the world. Do we believe that he can do this? Faith is a gift of God the Father through the Holy Spirit. Christ Jesus stands knocking at the door of our hearts ready to lead us through the gates of eternal life should we seek him. For those who follow Jesus as the blind men did, seeking to see the eternal Kingdom, the Lord will reveal it "according to your faith." For these men, their eyes were opened.
Jesus warns them, "See that no one knows about this." We are told that "they went our and spread the word of him through all the land." Did they miss the point? When we receive a gift, do we focus solely on the gift, or the giver? Perhaps that is Jesus is really warning of overlooking the One, The Father in Heaven, who has given them the ability to see and to attain the Kingdom and its eternal life, by instead focusing on the fact that Jesus has restored their sight. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let us focus on that as we prepare to meet the coming of Christ this Christmas.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Matthew 7:21, 24-27
Today's Gospel surprises us a little because it is a warning that if we do not heed Christ Jesus' words, we will not be able to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. There are those who will cry out to him but do not follow him, and those who listen but do not obey.
It seems really harsh in our current era of political correctness we want everyone to be equal and have a "fair share." That isn't what Jesus is telling us though. Jesus is reminding us to be vigilant and build within ourselves that firm foundation in Him, in the Father through the Holy Spirit. Faith is always accompanied by good works. Upon what does our faith rest? It rests upon the word of God. It is his will that we put before our own in faith. To love God is to desire sincerely to love him. Because we love him, we wish to be instruments of his love and peace for others in doing his will and spreading the Good News. In this end, our faith will save us.
It seems really harsh in our current era of political correctness we want everyone to be equal and have a "fair share." That isn't what Jesus is telling us though. Jesus is reminding us to be vigilant and build within ourselves that firm foundation in Him, in the Father through the Holy Spirit. Faith is always accompanied by good works. Upon what does our faith rest? It rests upon the word of God. It is his will that we put before our own in faith. To love God is to desire sincerely to love him. Because we love him, we wish to be instruments of his love and peace for others in doing his will and spreading the Good News. In this end, our faith will save us.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Luke 10:21-24
In today's Gospel reading Jesus teaches us how to praise God Our Father in the Holy Spirit. Praise is nearly a forgotten form of prayer, but one that is so important. Throughout scripture God is very insistant about praise. Even in the Lord's Prayer we find praise in the words, "Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, thy kingdom come, Thy Will be done..." Within these words and all other prayers of praise we acknowledge God's greatness, and conversely our lowliness. Praise allows us in our humility to find room for God's love and for His will to be done in and through us. Praise is also a thanksgiving. Shouldn't we be grateful? Our Father sent his Son to die for our sins so that we may be given eternal life. Doesn't that deserve our eternal praise and thanksgiving?
Think about a child. Most young children are filled with such awe and reverence toward those they love and admire. They seek to please them by doing what they know is right. And they are grateful for the love shown to them and the gift they receive. We are called to be childlike, to have complete abandon in Him, so that His love and Kingdom will be present to us and not hidden. Praise can lead us to be worthy to receive and see. May we in our humility lovingly turn toward Our Father in praise and thanksgiving with the heart of a child holding nothing back.
Think about a child. Most young children are filled with such awe and reverence toward those they love and admire. They seek to please them by doing what they know is right. And they are grateful for the love shown to them and the gift they receive. We are called to be childlike, to have complete abandon in Him, so that His love and Kingdom will be present to us and not hidden. Praise can lead us to be worthy to receive and see. May we in our humility lovingly turn toward Our Father in praise and thanksgiving with the heart of a child holding nothing back.
Friday, November 27, 2015
Luke 21:29-33
In today's Gospel reading we have the parable of the fig tree in relation to the Kingdom of God. The fig tree is special because it grows fruit twice a year, once in the early spring (tends to be bitter) and once in late summer (with sweet fruit). If the coming summer is recognized by the fruit of the tree, so God's kingdom is recognized by the destruction of the world. Another way to look at it is the fruit of the world is destruction. Yet, as the summer of God's kingdom approaches we are bathed in the glorious warmth and love of our Lord in his eternal sunshine. It is a wonderful thing to think of and the message is one of hope and also reflection. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my word will not pass away." God is forever. In His graciousness through His Son, we have an invitation to live in that eternal sunshine with Him forever.
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