Staying in the Churh

  "A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?' Mk 4: 37-38

Though we know that sudden squalls were common on the Sea of Galilee, this passage, like so many others, is not simply about a storm at sea. Jesus knew that all kinds of violence would visit his disciples and he wanted them to be ready for them. He and his followers would be laughed at, ridiculed and threatened. Would his disciples run away from the struggle and from him? Would they posture about being unafraid and try to convince the Lord and themselves that they would follow him everywhere?

Little has changed for Christians, especially for those who want to grow in discipleship. There are innumerable reasons to turn  away from a life of faith and especially from the Catholic church. As Pope Francis has reminded us recently, we have sometimes been so focused on a few key issues, especially about sex and sexuality, that we can lose sight of the larger Gospel picture that Jesus paints, and when this happens we open ourselves to hurtful and challenging criticism. Tempted at times like this to seek a different path, we need to pray not to forget all that people of faith and our church does and promotes.

Today, face the squalls in your life head on and work together with others for the common good.

Why do you stay in the Catholic church?

Two Masters

  "No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other." Lk 16:13

Determined to remind his listeners that too many religious leaders have divided hearts, Luke insists that living the Gospel is about making choices which bind us to the good despite the cost. If Jesus' followers were too concerned with the traditional signs of God's love, if they were overly worried about money, property, family and health, they could not follow Jesus with full hearts.

These days we seem tempted to have not two but many, many masters. Whether it is money, our reputation or our influence upon or over others, there are multiple concerns that distract us from living the Good News with the power Jesus offers us as gift. Unless we learn to let go of that which divides our hearts, we will be running in four directions at once, not even knowing that we are lost. Taking time each day for reflection and quiet prayer not only alerts us to the competing voices within us, it can steady us on the Gospel path and be a compass that directs us into the heart of God.

Today, examine your conscience carefully about matters which divide your heart.

What fears most distract you from a full Gospel life?

St Aloysius Gonzaga

 “The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light." Mt 6:22

It is easy to take our bodies for granted. Young people are especially vulnerable to this fault, and sometimes even take risks that are foolish and dangerous. Who doesn't remember climbing in a car and driving too fast just for the fun of it, never thinking about our own safety or the threat to others. Feeling invulnerable as young people, we take chances that, as we age, we put aside as crazy.

Jesus focuses on our senses to help us realize what great gifts our bodies and our faith are. Our eyes for instance, when used properly, allow us to see and appreciate the glory of God in so many ways. Who does not love a sunset or a double rainbow? Who is not touched when we see kindness between and among people, especially when it is shown to the most vulnerable. To those willing to see, the entire world is aflame with the glory of God.

All our senses can help us grow in faith. When we offer or receive a simple touch of affirmation, we experience the goodness of God in the other and know that people are basically good. How important it is to develop positive attitudes towards others, especially those who are different from us.

Today, take a moment to breathe deeply and thank God for the gift of your body.

When have been most grateful for the gift of sight?

The Gift of Faith

 "During his lifetime Elijah feared no one, nor was any man able to intimidate his will." Sir 48:13

The strength we have as believers is not our own. It is a gift from God, and though it usually is a fuller expression of the gifts we have naturally, faith gives us the courage to live in a way that highlights the work of God is us. Faith becomes not something we possess but a way of life, and when it does, wonderful things are possible.

Elijah is a powerful example of a faith filled man. A prophet who seemed to come out of nowhere, his faith was so strong that his life and ministry were compared to a flaming furnace and a fire that scorched the earth. More important, his faith was so deep that he feared no one because he knew that God was the source of his power and would be his voice.

Faith is not something that we should ever take for granted. Rather, we need to work everyday to build it up and practice it, otherwise we will forget its power and possibility. Some form of daily prayer and reflection, the weekly Eucharist and regular service to those in need help us both to grow in faith and spread it by the witness of our lives.

Today, ask God to deepen your faith.

What practices most help you live your faith?

Avoiding the Spotlight

 "Elisha asked, 'May I receive a double portion of your spirit.” 2 Kgs 2:9

Being seen is often important for celebrities. Living in the New York area, there are always reports about actors, business people and athletes at this or that event, with photographers recording their every move and word. Although many claim not to enjoy this part of celebrity, I am not so sure. Without all the photos, radio and TV appearances, their name and image would slip from public consciousness and their fame, which is already fleeting, might disappear completely. Celebrities need a kind of notoriety to get work and demand high salaries.

This is not the way Jesus envisions the lives of his disciples. In fact, he is clear: Do not let your right hand know what your left is doing. Don't prance about in public in order to be noticed. Do the right thing for the right reason, not to be seen but to promote God's reign.

Elisha remembered to wear the mantle of Elijah because it was Elijah's spirit that empowered him. When we remember that we are to wear the mantle of Jesus Christ, we will not worry about how we appear. Rather, we will live the gospel transparently, not for personal gain or even our salvation, but so that all might see in us the power of Jesus Christ. 

Today, avoid the spotlight.

Whose life of simple, transparent faith most moves you to live the Gospel without concern for personal gain?

Loving Our Enemies

   “You have heard that it was said, you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you." Mt 5:43

Loving our enemies is hard work. It means turning our world upside down, letting go of hurt and beginning again. It does not mean we should be soft or weak. In fact, loving our enemies can make us very strong if only we have the courage to ask God to show us a path towards authentic reconciliation, especially if our enemies are in our own family.

Jesus made many enemies because he continually challenged the power of the Jewish leaders of his day. More upsetting to some, he also demanded that everyone study and reinterpret the Torah. The Law, as Jesus lived it, was intended to lead people closer to God and the service of God's people, not into vengeance against their enemies. The Gospel does the same thing.

Today, ask for the strength to love one enemy.

What stops you from loving your enemies?

Stealing

 "Have you seen that Ahab has humbled himself before me? Since he has humbled himself before me,I will not bring the evil in his time." I Kgs 21:29

Jezebel's vulgarity stuns us. Wanting to please her husband, King Ahab, who is wild with anger because Naboth will not sell him his vineyard, Jezebel has Naboth proclaimed head of his people and then gets two "scoundrels" to accuse him of cursing God and her husband. Soon afterwards, the people drag Naboth out of the city and stone him to death allowing Ahab to take possession of Naboth's vineyard.

Initially, it seems that Jezebel's vengeance against Ahab will go unpunished, but God sends Elijah the prophet to confront Ahab about his sinful role in Naboth's death. Almost immediately, Ahab tears his clothes, dresses in sackcloth and fasts. God accepts Ahab's humble actions and decides not to punish him personally but promises to punish his son.

Unfortunately, most of us can identify with Jezebel. Hurt, angry or frustrated, we undermine the character of another by saying nothing when praise is called for, or too much when we would do better to be silent. Subtly but surely, we steal the power of others who need our support. More important, the life of the community, which is our life blood as a church, is damaged by our sin.

Today, ask to be free of anger.

How have you stolen the good name of another?