"There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves." Lk 21:26
What are the great and wonderful works of God that move you most forcefully to fear or contemplation and transformation?
For some, every earthquake, or hurricane is a sign of God's wrath and they warn anyone who will listen that the end of the world is near. But for others, creation, even when its force is overwhelming, fills them with wonder and awe. St. Francis of Assisi might be the patron saint of these believers. Francis not only praises sun, moon, fire and water, he calls them his sisters and brothers. Gratitude for creation is the ground of Francis' unique spiritual path while disregard of God's creation is the root of sin.
Taking time each day to thank God for all God has done and does can help us grow in the spiritual life. Grateful people exude a joy that both lifts others' spirits and gently challenges them to conversion.
Today, praise God for God's wonderful works.
What most moves you to wonder and awe?
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Commit to the Spirit
"Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking." Lk 21:14
Jesus makes a pretty big promise to his disciples, assuring them, even though they lack education or in many cases the ability to read of write, that the Holy Spirit will teach them what to say. While this might be the occasion for some of us to think we don't have to prepare a homily or a presentation on faith, there is no basis for this kind of thinking. Jesus is referring to those times when we are attacked unexpectedly and without provocation, not to the ordinary diligence we need to use to present our faith clearly and with passion.
Rather, the Lord wants us to trust in the Spirit of God to guide, direct, and challenge us everyday, and to realize that this is an essential dimension of our faith and its practice. Without this trust, we can only rely on ourselves or expert opinion, and no matter how knowledgeable we or our advisors might be, our insight will be insufficient.
Today, consciously commit yourself to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Have you experienced the Holy Spirit's strength and direction in your life?
Jesus makes a pretty big promise to his disciples, assuring them, even though they lack education or in many cases the ability to read of write, that the Holy Spirit will teach them what to say. While this might be the occasion for some of us to think we don't have to prepare a homily or a presentation on faith, there is no basis for this kind of thinking. Jesus is referring to those times when we are attacked unexpectedly and without provocation, not to the ordinary diligence we need to use to present our faith clearly and with passion.
Rather, the Lord wants us to trust in the Spirit of God to guide, direct, and challenge us everyday, and to realize that this is an essential dimension of our faith and its practice. Without this trust, we can only rely on ourselves or expert opinion, and no matter how knowledgeable we or our advisors might be, our insight will be insufficient.
Today, consciously commit yourself to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Have you experienced the Holy Spirit's strength and direction in your life?
Monday, November 26, 2018
Trust the Lord
"See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them!" Lk 21:7
When we are in dark or difficult circumstances, we often look for almost anything or anyone to distract us. We watch too much television or waste time on the computer, hoping for some respite from the ache we feel inside. All of this is natural and understandable, but spiritually unhealthy.
The people portrayed as following Jesus in the gospels might also be falling into this trap. Like people everywhere who have lost their jobs or cannot make sense our of their family's life, they look to Jesus for an escape.
Authentic hope is not rooted in the avoidance of the feelings that can torment us when we are in crisis, but in the letting go of our struggles so that we can know the Lord more deeply and trust in his wisdom more completely. God has promised to be with us in the dark as well as the light, and it is our response to Gods' commitment that can make all the difference.
Today, enter a dark corner of your life and look for God.
What do you do when your life is falling apart?
When we are in dark or difficult circumstances, we often look for almost anything or anyone to distract us. We watch too much television or waste time on the computer, hoping for some respite from the ache we feel inside. All of this is natural and understandable, but spiritually unhealthy.
The people portrayed as following Jesus in the gospels might also be falling into this trap. Like people everywhere who have lost their jobs or cannot make sense our of their family's life, they look to Jesus for an escape.
Authentic hope is not rooted in the avoidance of the feelings that can torment us when we are in crisis, but in the letting go of our struggles so that we can know the Lord more deeply and trust in his wisdom more completely. God has promised to be with us in the dark as well as the light, and it is our response to Gods' commitment that can make all the difference.
Today, enter a dark corner of your life and look for God.
What do you do when your life is falling apart?
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Giving Away God's Luxurious Love
"When Jesus looked up he saw some wealthy people putting their offerings into the treasury." Lk 21:1
That everyone has something to give others is self evident to most of us. What is not obvious, however, is that our gifts, in a gospel context, are not for ourselves. Each of us has been gifted by God for the sake of others. We are part of a community, we are the body of Christ, and as a community of faith we can only be ourselves and function well when all the parts are playing their proper role.
The gospel today reminds us that there is no reason to fear. We should give from our substance, not just our excess. God is with us, will protect us and challenges us to trust no matter how anxious we might be about having enough for ourselves. When we not only share our money and property but our ideas, our creativity, and our lives, we live the fullness of the Gospel.
Today, rejoice in the luxury of God's love. Then give it away to whomever needs it.
Who has shared her or his "wealth" with you when you were most in need?
That everyone has something to give others is self evident to most of us. What is not obvious, however, is that our gifts, in a gospel context, are not for ourselves. Each of us has been gifted by God for the sake of others. We are part of a community, we are the body of Christ, and as a community of faith we can only be ourselves and function well when all the parts are playing their proper role.
The gospel today reminds us that there is no reason to fear. We should give from our substance, not just our excess. God is with us, will protect us and challenges us to trust no matter how anxious we might be about having enough for ourselves. When we not only share our money and property but our ideas, our creativity, and our lives, we live the fullness of the Gospel.
Today, rejoice in the luxury of God's love. Then give it away to whomever needs it.
Who has shared her or his "wealth" with you when you were most in need?
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