Facing the Truth about Ourslves

"And though the LORD warned Israel and Judah by every prophet and seer, 'Give up your evil ways and  keep my commandments and statutes,'... they did not listen" 2 Kgs 17: 13.14

When we are full of ourselves, we somehow believe that our lives are immune from error and even suffering, and what a mistake this is. Arrogant, argumentative and patronizing, especially towards those we consider beneath us socially, we can be racist and elitist without even knowing it, and although the Lord warns against these attitudes, we rarely listen as long as our lives appear happy and successful to others.

When the Jewish people felt it was no longer necessary to observe the statutes and laws the Lord had given them for their own protection and safety, they rejected the Covenant and decided to walk a path of their own choosing. Forgetting the great gifts of God given to their ancestors, they built two molten calves, worshiped Baal, and dared God to reject and punish them.

Upon reflection, most of us realize that, like the Jews, it is our pride and apparent success that gets us in more trouble than anything else. We want what we want when we want it, and too often blame others for the problems we have created ourselves. Gratefully, God's direction to us is simple but not always easy. If we put aside our self centeredness and turn to God again, God will accept us into his heart.

Today, examine your conscience with openness of spirit.

What is your biggest fault or sin?

Corpus Christi

"Do not forget the LORD, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt,...and fed you in the desert with manna, a food unknown to your fathers." Dt 8: 14b, 15

Nourishing food is as necessary for the spirit as it is for the body. When we do not have access to good and fresh food, our bodies become more vulnerable to illness and our souls have little to satisfy them. How insightful and natural for Jesus to give himself to us as food that recognizes the importance of our bodies and our souls.

The feast of Corpus Christi further reminds us that we are the Body of Christ, living food for all, and while none of us has to be the entire body, we must cooperate with all the members of Christ's body to help create a world where all eat and all have the freedom to pray and worship. Whether we are called to be an eye, a foot or an ear, each of us has a particular role, and when we live it well, everyone benefits. Corpus Christi is a good day to remember never to take food for granted and to celebrate the great gift of God's invitation to be his body in the world.

Today, be food for someone who is hungry.

Have you had the privilege of feeding others with food and/or faith?

St Aloysius Gonzaga

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them." Mt 6: 25=26

Worry rarely gets us anywhere, but we often can't stop obsessing about things that we know are not important but concern us nonetheless. Whether because our pride gets in the way or our self image is threatened, we find ourselves unsettled and perturbed over matters that we can't control.

Jesus warns his disciples and us about this. The leaders of the Jewish community, like so many people with a little bit of power, cling stubbornly to their interpretation of the law for fear they will lose their influence over their people. Forgetting that the Law's purpose is to remind Jews of God's largess, they argue among themselves about how to maintain control of the community. When Jesus' followers argued about who was the greatest, he challenged them to be like children and take the lowest place. Only in this way would they be able to demonstrate that they were his disciples.

Today, ask for the gift of true humility.

What do you think are the qualities of a Christian leader?

The Gift of Our Bodies

“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?