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.
Showing posts with label religious. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religious. Show all posts
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Matthew 15:29-37
In today's reading Jesus goes up the mountain where those who are poor in spirit, those who are outcasts such as the blind, the lame, mute, etc. have come for healing. Jesus is touched and says, "My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry." Jesus then takes seven loaves and five fish, blesses them and the feed the crowds with seven baskets left over.
Jesus first goes to the mountain. Mountains have been used as a meeting place with God throughout history. Jesus is man yes, but also the Christ, the door keeper who ushers us through the door to God, so we find it appropriate that he is gathered with those who are humbled, meek, and the poor in spirit. He consoles them, he forgives them their sins, and heals them. Are they just healed in body? No, Christ heals the soul, the spirit, too. As we read today's Gospel we are called to that mountain too, to be healed and made whole, to be purified and ready to meet God.
Ask yourself, What do I need healing in my life? Is there something physically wrong with me, or does it mask a deeper pain? Is there something that I can find healing through in an Anointing of the Sick or through the Sacrament of Reconciliation? In both there is great healing if we are open to it. Perhaps this can be part of our Advent journey?
Jesus first goes to the mountain. Mountains have been used as a meeting place with God throughout history. Jesus is man yes, but also the Christ, the door keeper who ushers us through the door to God, so we find it appropriate that he is gathered with those who are humbled, meek, and the poor in spirit. He consoles them, he forgives them their sins, and heals them. Are they just healed in body? No, Christ heals the soul, the spirit, too. As we read today's Gospel we are called to that mountain too, to be healed and made whole, to be purified and ready to meet God.
Ask yourself, What do I need healing in my life? Is there something physically wrong with me, or does it mask a deeper pain? Is there something that I can find healing through in an Anointing of the Sick or through the Sacrament of Reconciliation? In both there is great healing if we are open to it. Perhaps this can be part of our Advent journey?
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36
Today celebrates the first week of Advent and the lighting the first candle. The candle represents our hope as we await the Light of Christ at Christmas.
In the readings today we are met with cosmic wonders, unsettling images, and the idea that "people will die of fright at the anticipation of what is coming upon the world." Yes, these images were intended to scare the hearer. They were also intended to bring hope. We shouldn't take each day for granted. We should live each day to the best of our ability to do what we know is right and loving. Daily life can take its toll and make us numb to what is important. We should aspire to keep our eye on God always and remember that we are merely journeying through this life to the next. We should be prepared to stand before God.
Carpe Diem means "Seize the Day." The phrase encompasses the meaning of today's message. Don't waste the day, prepare, stay alert. Take care though. For many in the early 20th Century fraught with war and economic depression and for later decades including ours, the phrase takes on a more modern morally relativistic meaning with people who use it to justify lascivious lifestyles, addictions to drugs/alcohol, and the self-centered/'me first" mentality.
We are a people in darkness awaiting our Savior, the Son of Man, for whom we prepare for as the Christ Child at Christmas, and also the one who will come to judge the world at the end of time. Be alert. Look to the Light. He is the response to our hope.
In the readings today we are met with cosmic wonders, unsettling images, and the idea that "people will die of fright at the anticipation of what is coming upon the world." Yes, these images were intended to scare the hearer. They were also intended to bring hope. We shouldn't take each day for granted. We should live each day to the best of our ability to do what we know is right and loving. Daily life can take its toll and make us numb to what is important. We should aspire to keep our eye on God always and remember that we are merely journeying through this life to the next. We should be prepared to stand before God.
Carpe Diem means "Seize the Day." The phrase encompasses the meaning of today's message. Don't waste the day, prepare, stay alert. Take care though. For many in the early 20th Century fraught with war and economic depression and for later decades including ours, the phrase takes on a more modern morally relativistic meaning with people who use it to justify lascivious lifestyles, addictions to drugs/alcohol, and the self-centered/'me first" mentality.
We are a people in darkness awaiting our Savior, the Son of Man, for whom we prepare for as the Christ Child at Christmas, and also the one who will come to judge the world at the end of time. Be alert. Look to the Light. He is the response to our hope.
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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