tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43371658864313340662024-03-05T20:24:47.257-08:00The Woman At The WellAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-23549199848551803412015-07-08T09:51:00.000-07:002015-07-08T09:51:11.114-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
Image this!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Creating man, God has given man a mind, a heart, a soul, a
will to seek Him out, thereby knowing and loving Him. He has granted man an image of himself in
Jesus Christ whereby man may learn the way to God, His Father.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Humans, especially men and boys, seem to grasp the concept
of image first in tools and their uses.
Their brains see the tool, watch it act and soon they are engrossed in
discovering what they would like the tool to do for them. Going from concrete into the mind, seeing the
possibilities, the tool has been transformed into something unique for them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Reading sacred scripture evokes imaging. No one who reads “The angel showed me the
river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming forth from the throne of
God… ”(Rev22:1) cannot but see images- river, ever-flowing, always moving
forward, life-giving, clear, so one can
see the object is love, mercy, grace, peace,- all supernatural gifts God gives
to man. The longer one images, more
thoughts come forth, until prayerful meditation is granted.<o:p></o:p><br />
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There are ways ”imaging”
seem to occur; reading a passage, seeing a picture or photograph,
listening to music, touching something with closed eyes, smelling flowers or
perfume. Our senses are attuned to
memories, experiences, hopes, desires and are brought forth by imaging. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus used imaging as he taught; he goes from what is seen
and understood into the thoughts of God; he goes from what is known to truth of
God. Faith in Jesus and his word is our
basis in reading scripture. Jesus wants
to reach our hearts through his word and spirit. His power of grace in directing our reading
motivates one to dig deeper so that it becomes more than a story, or a history
of a person. Scripture is God’s way of speaking
to us- judgement, focus, thoughts, are illuminated by His truth.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Image Jesus and his disciples on a boat with Jesus. The image may remind a priest of his church
with Jesus guiding it; to someone in the depths of suffering, the same image
may speak to the peace and calmness Jesus brings in the midst of trials; to a
young person wrestling with his vocation, it may bring to mind the adventure a
journey with Christ brings. Each one
wants communion with the Trinity, a visualization of otherness, so the
projection of an image each holds dear brings joy and hope in God’s eternal
love. <o:p></o:p><br />
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The image from scripture I see for myself is “Feed my
sheep.” Each time I go to Mas and hear,
”Do this in remembrance of me”, my image is affirmed. It is Jesus’ command to me-it speaks to me directly;
it is my calling, my consecrated duty, the reason for my creation, the driving
force I must follow for eternal salvation.
It is my work on this earth, to follow the work Jesus began, in order for
me to become his disciple. Stirring in
my psyche, it has taken many forms, some of which I did not recognize until
much later. The journey has had many
winding paths, yet my faith and trust in Jesus’ command to me has been
unwavering because of the image, “Feed my sheep” Christ has imprinted on my
mind and heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-33302238964462447032015-07-08T09:48:00.004-07:002015-07-08T09:48:51.289-07:00<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Wonder,
attentiveness, the Beginning of Contemplation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I am not a learned
philosopher or thinker- just an ordinary human being who hopes for union with
God. Like a child I must begin with love
and trust and move forward as God permits.
I begin with the things I see, the place where I am rooted, in my desire
to please God. I look around and see the
beauty of creation; I see with eyes given by the Creator. My human intelligence tells me it is good; my
will acknowledges creation does not come forth from me, is to be used not for
my personal benefit, but for the good of all.
Most days this is as far as I am able to go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Yet I wonder. Having a questing spirit, I move from the
reality of sight and sound into the recesses of the intellect where I begin to
“see” the reality of God and how He perceives people and thoughts. Wonder explores faith and truth, not losing
the reality of earth. Wonder moves one
closer to God and away from earthly places and thoughts. It is like being in two places at one time-
your hands and feet are in one place, your mind and heart in another
place. As the water washes away the
thoughts drawn in the sand by a stick, I wonder, “Is this how God washes away the sins I have
committed?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Simone Weil calls the next
step attention-“concentrated attention” that leads one to truth and fulfillment.
One has to long for truth and perpetually concentrate all his attention upon
its attainment. It is suspending our thoughts,
relaxing our muscles laying all prejudices, distractions aside, “waiting with
expectancy.” That is easier said than
done and requires one to focus only on Him, the Christ, the Teacher, the
Beloved. She says this is the heart of
prayer. Is this not what one does
during Adoration? Isn’t this our
focus? Is not adoration placing our
entire being with Him and listening to Him with prayerful love?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Practice begins with our
“active listening” (my concept) to another.
Really listening is an art that is learned. It begins with children listening to parents
with love and trust. Only 20 percent of
what we hear do we retain and absorb. At
Mills Institute in the 60’s experiments tried to see how this number could be
increased. Retention through listening
alone is highest immediately after listening to instruction. Children listen to instruction by a parent
and immediately comply; yet soon forget. Instruction must be given again and
yet again for full compliance. As adults
we listen to homilies by a priest whom we know is believable. Soon we forget
and truths must be told again and yet again.
Only by practicing truths can our cognition be improved and retained.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Another technique is
touch-like writing on sand which has texture, especially against sensitive
areas of fingertips. Pencil on paper
does not have the same effect. When we touch, meditate on rosary beads in a
quiet setting, we find we understand the mysteries of the rosary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Active listening applies
to our relationship with others. Simone
Weil expands; she says one must give full attention to each one’s unique
personality. By spending time
understanding where the other person is coming from, one is able to fully and
truly hear the other. It is speaking to
someone without “ourself” being seen.
Most talk to each other as if there is a mirror between them, reflecting
back my thoughts, my prejudices. Truly listening to another-this is true
charity, truly a miracle, as it is seldom done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Contemplation is the
fulfillment of all the prep work which has gone on in one’s life; it is a
glimpse of something ethereal; it lasts only momentarily, though one wishes it
would last longer. It cannot be recaptured by my will; it is a gift. It is a journey with a happy ending. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-68378629580821477022015-07-08T09:44:00.002-07:002015-07-08T09:44:52.421-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<b>Holy Spirit, the
Third Person of the Blessed d Trinity</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Holy Spirit, the Anointer of Jesus Christ, the Advocate of
man to ask; the Revealer of Wisdom, Truth to all, the Consoler, the Finger of
God, the Breath of Heaven, the Fire of God’s love. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So many titles, yet
sometimes called the forgotten person of the Trinity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Teens receive a year of study before being confirmed;
congregations wear red along with the presider on Pentecost; bonfires are lit
to announce His coming; readings are read in different languages, yet most
Catholics seldom pray to Him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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To the disciples, Jesus tells them, ”I have much more to
tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.”
(Jn 16:12) What before was incomprehensible, now the Spirit gives
understanding- understanding of Jesus and the Father’s truth- the truth that
Jesus is the Son of God and the Spirit reveals only the truth which he receives
from the Father. Love makes one reveal
his secrets of invisible things. ( Aquinas)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fear, visible within the minds and hearts of the disciples
is changed into joy, hope, unity with all who believe in Jesus. Indeed fire has burned away all former
prejudices, misunderstandings, mistrust, division, hatred and a river of living
water from the Spirit consecrate the disciples with grace to begin anew the
work of Christ through the Church,
forgiving sins, distributing sacraments to the one Body of Christ,
spreading His message of love. It is a gift of new life, new hope, new promise,
even a new language of love.<o:p></o:p></div>
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All men today are also anointed, consecrated, given a role
to continue the kingdom of God. Is man unwilling
to participate with the graces given in Confirmation? This is the love and glory we give back to
God as we grow in wisdom and grace- God the creator of man and of the seas and
earth. Man makes himself the prime recipient
of Jesus’ sacrifice of love though we pray, ”Renew the face of the earth.” Is the earth man’s private bounty- reaping
the goods of the earth for his own personal profit? Is not the earth part of God’s created
plan? Does not the earth have intended
ways of action that man is to foster?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus says, ”Rise, let us be on our way.”(Mark14:42) Man, on his way to carry out the intended
work for which he was created, must pray to the Holy Spirit to strengthen man’s
resolve to follow where He leads, to love what He loves, to become true
children of God.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-79592097447968474442015-07-08T09:44:00.000-07:002015-07-08T09:44:09.786-07:00<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The Sin-Eater<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Along the banks of the
Great Lakes are historical sites attesting to immigrants who settled here.
Immigrants brought from their homeland customs, culture, and religious
practices. Scandinavians, Germans, French,
English, Czechs believed they were entering their own Promised Land. Isolated by long cold winters and back
breaking labor to grow crops for survival, religious practices from long ago
came about as many had no ministers or priests for liturgy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">One custom from Scotland and
Wales caught my attention. It was the
sin-eater, one chosen by lots to be set aside to receive the transgressions of
the dead. He was called by bell ringing
to come back into the community and led to the dead body where food and drink
were laid on the chest of the departed.
The sin-eater was obligated to eat the food and drink thereby ingesting
the sins of the person who died. The
burial could go forward and the loved one was able to come before the judge of
heaven with an unblemished spirit. Someone
had to be the living sacrifice; it was important work ensuring safety for one
to welcome the family of mourners at their appointed time of judgement. Grief and sorrow could be washed away like a
river flowing over rocks in a creek bed.
Joy and hope came forth into the community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Missionaries arrived
explaining Jesus Christ himself could be the only one to wash away the sins of
man by his death on the cross. Only
Christ was without sin; only he was the unblemished lamb. Only Christ could carry man’s transgressions
on his merciful shoulders. Christ was
not forced to carry man’s sins as was the sin-eater; he chose to do it. The burden of sin could be carried by love-
the love of Christ for man and through him alone could man be saved. A relief, a joy, a hope resounded throughout
the community as they listened and responded to the word of life and love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We too need someone from
above to watch over us; someone who pours out refreshing water of living life;
someone who recognizes our sinfulness, yet still loves us and will welcome us into
eternal life. That someone is Jesus
Christ who raises us up into his arms of forgiving, merciful love so we may
enter ”into the praise of his glory.” (Ep1:14)
We too breathe a sigh of relief, joy, and hope as we drink the streams of
living water springing from his eternal love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-46974236185082433852015-06-10T16:49:00.002-07:002015-06-10T16:49:46.823-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Loving the Person
of Jesus Christ<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shuffling along the Green
Cabrini Projects of Chicago travels one of the unseen, the one avoided, the one unclean,
the one unloved.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He/she, glimpsed from the train window, is passed by every
day by you and me on our way to self-important work.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He/she reads the
streets for pennies, drugs, leftovers from the night before.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We continue to peruse our Tribune, perhaps even a Magnificat
meditation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And we have passed Him by.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A miracle, we fantasize, would strengthen our faith.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yet the wonder our hands, our hearts could render lies just
outside.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Separated from each other by a solid pane of glass we have
constructed for protection against “such people”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We have missed the person of Jesus Christ,<o:p></o:p></div>
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The miracle of His precious body has called us<o:p></o:p></div>
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And we have not answered His call.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mary
Rivers<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-60974937541914248322015-06-10T16:40:00.001-07:002015-06-10T16:40:58.749-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
INTEGRITY<o:p></o:p></div>
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Seeing the
wholeness of God’s words of truth<o:p></o:p></div>
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The summation of
the fruits of the Holy Spirit implanted within us at Confirmation<o:p></o:p></div>
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The fullness of
the relationship between God and man<o:p></o:p></div>
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Expressive action
of man’s gifts for which he was to live, for which he was created<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ultimate example
of oneness with God <o:p></o:p></div>
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Visible sign of
unity of man and God’s words of truth and life<o:p></o:p></div>
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Integrity is like
mercy, requiring a process of prayer, meditation, dialogue, reading God’s words
in order to incorporate integrity into one’s life. Some call the process intuition, a process of
seeking not through reason, but acquiring a sense of what God intended man to
become after Christ’s Ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit at
Pentecost. Some call it becoming fully
human and some call it following the will of God for man.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I first
encountered integrity from a CFO of a multi-conglomerate food processing
company. Integrity was what he was called at his retirement party; he had the
ability to lead many different divisions because he could see the intent of the
whole entire company- to feed the world with healthy, nutritious, sustainable
food. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I
first knew this man as a man of prayer; he would ask me for what could he pray
for me that day or he would ask me to pray for him on a decision he had to make
for the company. At 6:30 am on a snowy
Mn winter-asking for prayer- that stayed in my mind and heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Years
later I hear integrity spoken in regard to the late Cardinal George, “ a man
with authority to speak for the church and get his fellow bishops to bracket
their differences and act as one for the good of the church. He could do it because of who he is; his
character and insight made him the reference point when things were very
serious.” (George Weigel)<o:p></o:p></div>
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One
who follows God’s plan for his life in humble, thoughtful ways; one who knows
the truth which is Christ; one who seeks oneness in all to become whole,
complete with God; this is one whom man can say, “he has integrity.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-46233615160470126092015-05-25T09:01:00.003-07:002015-05-25T09:01:09.276-07:00<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>“I am the gate; I am the Good Shepherd. I am the way, the truth, the life”</b></span> (Jn6:9, 10, Jn14:6)<br /><br />Before Jesus, the Son of God, entered the world as man who was also God, the world, its inhabitants, its resources, its very life was dead in sin. Sin brought about by man thinking he was God, brought by the false reasoning of Adam, committed man to a life of darkness and error.<br /> <br /> Jesus Christ came, putting man back into right relationship with God by His loving forgiveness. Mankind through Christ's message, actions, grace, was now able to become fully human as God had intended.<br /> <br /> Before Jesus, man put up barriers (fences) designed by reason and self-seeking interests to keep the sheep (man) aloof from other men-men who were not like the other sheep (men). The hired man and the wolf cared not for all the sheep; therefore they disrupted the sheep (man) from their intended purpose, which God had intended. Man was prevented from truly understanding God and the purpose for which man had been created. God's plan for man, His intended purpose for man was unable to unfold. Jesus is the gate; He is the Good Shepherd which opens the gate for man to return (repent) and follow the Father's intended purpose for man. Old prejudices, old ways of thought, old barriers to an open heart to hear the Good Shepherd with His message from God His Father must die, be forgotten, to attain for man new life, new hearts full of God's love and His words of attaining eternal life.<br /> <br /> Christ says turn away from your past misconceptions; listen carefully to my words and see my acts of love for you. If you love and believe in me, you know I want you to follow my Father's will on this earth- I want you to begin here on this earth to eternalize life, to begin to have eternal life here on earth and join me and the Father in eternal life. If you love me your life will be open to receiving my love and you will open your hearts to loving one another in all your actions. Your love for me will then be extended to all you meet and by this love all will come together in loving and eternal life. You will understand your role in my plan and by your love surrender animosity, hatred, anger, malice. (Ep4:31-32) Our lives replace darkness with compassion, forgiveness, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience. (Col3:12) There will be no rest because when one does all things in love, ”He rests in me and I in Him.”<br /><br />”The Good Shepherd recognizes us by name as individuals; He gives everything one needs to fulfill the work He has given ;He gives us grace and sacraments; He gives one peace and strength to continue Christ’s mission on earth- so that all men may know the Lord and His will and be one flock in mind and heart.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-11767431206878678412015-05-25T08:59:00.004-07:002015-05-25T08:59:54.455-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><b>“Remain in my love.” </b></span><span style="text-align: center;">(Jn15:9)</span><br />
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<br /></div>
Love expresses the tangible presence of Christ; not in words of affection- it is seen in actions, God’s actions and man’s actions. The pinnacle action of love of Christ for man and the Father is shown in His dying on the cross. Man shows his love for God in following His Divine Will.<br /><br />Jesus invites, “Come and see.” (Mt19:21) He respects our freedom; love demands risk; it demands a response, a decision, a choice, an act of our will. It also demands carrying out of actions which are pleasing to Him; a process of letting go of self, committing to Someone greater than ourselves. It is the shedding of parts of self the way a snake sheds an old skin. It is an act of humility- letting go of pride, self-importance and self-reliance, self -righteousness. It is not easy; it is not selective; it is not abstract. It is a question Jesus asks the rich man: “What do you seek?”<br /><br />Little by little the Lord asks us to relinquish “I” the ego of self, until the self is purged. To relinquish her children up to God may be a woman’s largest choice. He asks her to give up her ideas of what SHE would like them to become and instead must let them rest in God’s hands of mercy. A man may be asked to let go of his ambition, of work success. Work, in the eyes of the world, is his status, his identity. Christ asks man to re-examine what drives him in his work- prestige, power, possessions? There is a cost to follow Jesus. Sometimes achievement has a way of blinding one to one’s true destiny; true commitment means following a road not well traveled by the world. When Love has filled all the empty spaces of one’s heart and life, then God becomes top priority. <br /><br />There is a certain spectacular freedom in letting oneself completely love Love. It makes one feel powerful even in surrender; strong, even in weakness; hope, even in suffering- a different person from the person before LOVE. Purifying oneself does mean rebirth, a new mutual love; it is love from a pure heart. (1Peter1:22-24). It means I remain in Him and He remains in me.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-44170264423473189752015-05-25T08:57:00.005-07:002015-05-25T08:57:30.003-07:00<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"So the Lord Jesus after he spoke to them was taken up unto heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. </b></span>(Mark16:18)<br /> <br />The Risen Jesus returns to the Father. He enters into His divine glory, His exalted glory. Hidden from human eyes, he carries in His divine nature the scars of His suffering for man. Thus, man's dignity is raised into being with the Father. Abiding in the Triune God, Jesus gives man the promise he is going ahead to prepare a place for man. He is sending man the Holy Spirit to intensify man's yearning for unity and rest in God.<br /> <br /> One of the worst things about death of a love one whom we will no longer see in this life is not being able to talk things over with them, to have questions asked and answered. We cannot touch our loved one to bring him back into this world. Yet we are not following a dead man but a living Christ. Using human terms to describe the risen glory of Christ is all we humans have until we enter into the mystery of God.<br /> <br /> While He is raised up we touch Him by our surrender of self, denuding ourselves of all that that keeps us from following His will for our lives- to unite ourselves to His truth, His love, to become children of God.<br /> <br /> Love of Christ liberates man, gives joy, sets man free- no longer chained to old ideas, old boxes of self-reliance. The life of God lives in us, our true self is found, our joy complete. The Spirit endows us with the desire to participate with Christ's actions- to bring all men into His love. <br /><br />As Christ sits at the right hand of God, the Messiah’s kingdom is inaugurated, a kingdom foretold by Daniel, a kingdom which will have no end. Christ is the head, we the followers, and this kingdom is our hope and promise; it is the place He prepares for us as He ascends into heaven.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-65397190263964789222015-05-25T08:55:00.002-07:002015-05-25T08:55:58.319-07:00<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Blessed d Trinity</b></span><br /><br />Holy Spirit, the Anointed of Jesus Christ, the Advocate of man to ask; the Reveler of Wisdom, Truth to all, the Consoler, the Finger of God, the Breath of Heaven, the Fire of God’s love. <br /><br /><div>
So many titles, yet sometimes called the forgotten person of the Trinity.<br /><br />Teens receive a year of study before being confirmed; congregations wear red along with the presider on Pentecost; bonfires are lit to announce His coming; readings are read in different languages, yet most Catholics seldom pray to Him. <br /><br />To the disciples, Jesus tells them, ”I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.” (Jn 16:12) What before was incomprehensible, now the Spirit gives understanding- understanding of Jesus and the Father’s truth- the truth that Jesus is the Son of God and the Spirit reveals only the truth which he receives from the Father. Love makes one reveal his secrets of invisible things.( Acquinas)<br /><br />Fear, visible within the minds and hearts of the disciples is changed into joy, hope, unity with all who believe in Jesus. Indeed fire has burned away all former prejudices, misunderstandings, mistrust, division, hatred and a river of living water from the Spirit consecrate the disciples with grace to begin anew the work of Christ through the Church, forgiving sins, distributing sacraments to the one Body of Christ, spreading His message of love. It is a gift of new life, new hope, new promise, even a new language of love.<br /><br />All men today are also anointed, consecrated, given a role to continue the kingdom of God. Is man unwilling to participate with the graces given in Confirmation? This is the love and glory we give back to God as we grow in wisdom and grace- God the creator of man and of the seas and earth. Man makes himself the prime recipient of Jesus’ sacrifice of love though we pray, ”Renew the face of the earth.” Is the earth man’s private bounty- reaping the goods of the earth for his own personal profit? Is not the earth part of God’s created plan? Does not the earth have intended ways of action that man is to foster?<br /><br />Jesus says, ”Rise, let us be on our way.”(Mark14:42) Man, on his way to carry out the intended work for which he was created, must pray to the Holy Spirit to strengthen man’s resolve to follow where He leads, to love what He loves, to become true children of God.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-86125180176809074882015-05-17T08:53:00.001-07:002015-05-17T08:53:05.155-07:00<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Heading1Char">“He
APPROACHED, GRASPED her hand and HELPED her up.
Then the fever LEFT her</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">d she</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Heading1Char"> anWAITED on</span> them.”
</span>(Mark1:31)<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Jesus has had a busy day- teaching in the synagogue,
expelling unclean spirits, speaking to the crowds. Now his human nature requires rest, aloneness
with his disciples when he may want to alone with his Father. There is no rest for Jesus; his time on earth
is limited and he has much to do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Jesus and his disciples go to Peter’s house where Peter’s
mother-in- law lies ill. Jesus goes to
her, extending his hand with power and love.
Here is a God who can touch one.
Touching, one is able to see, to wonder, to be amazed, to become
open. Here is a new reality. God is present among his people- active in
their lives with the sound of his voice and the touch of his hand. God is personally coming, entering and going
through doors that have been closed- summoning, interacting, granting great
favor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Man too participates.
(“She waited on them”.) Reserves
of energy surface; she is fully there, fully seen. Love begets love; active love begets love to
another, to put their needs before one’s own need. It does no longer matter if one is sick,
weak; there is always work one can do.
To choose means owning the decision.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
One remembers Simeon, who in his old age carries the
precious Jesus to the Tabernacle altar; his gift to God. His small actions show his love, wonder. Touch, one always remembers- our parents
grasping our small fingers, tender and strong at the same time; the final touch
given a loved one bringing closure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Work is “thank you” and praise. Work is being fruitful in the manner He
wishes for one, at this moment in time.
It is Peter’s mother-in- law calling.
It is our calling, our purpose now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When
you find yourself in a position to help someone,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Be
happy and blessed because<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
God is answering<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
THAT PERSON’S PRAYER THROUGH YOU!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
Our purpose on
earth is not to get lost in the dark<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: .5in;">
But to be a light to others,<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
So they may
find God through us.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-75715423563782980662015-05-17T08:45:00.001-07:002015-05-17T08:45:14.609-07:00<span style="font-size: x-large;">Resurrection, the Beginning of New Life for Man</span><br />The Passion and Death of Jesus is the loving forgiveness Christ brings about for all mankind. When He rises from the dead He is bringing about new life or eternalizing life for all mankind. He is giving the command to begin eternal life here on earth and we are to follow the intent of the Father in doing this work. Each person is to find his particular work and then use it to bring all people into the fold of eternalizing the world in a loving manner.<br /><br />Christ had to come to put the world in right relation to the Father, to put away all the old ways of familial ways and prejudices so we would be open to seeing(really seeing) and opening ourselves to ,love, following our potential, and eternalizing life. He had to show the old ways of reasoning did not allow people to realize their potential and hence were unable to follow the Father's intent.<br /><br />New life, new way for the Source to enter, new actions by men, new ways of looking at life, new ways to eternalizing life for all men and the world, new communities of all people to realize their full humanness, full potential. The Resurrection is the impetus for change to happen because His forgiving love has wiped away the old way of looking at life and God.<br /><br />It begins the potential for raising man to new awareness of the world and creation- to eternalize life, beginning with life here on earth.<br /><br />The Father's will is that all see His will and use the gifts He has given each person to fulfill their full potential and therefore becoming truly human. This is done in conjunction with the community whose loving actions bring about oneness to the earth in that each Person. Each one seeks his work to bring about the will of the Father to eternalizing life.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-10130340174566551462015-05-17T08:44:00.002-07:002015-05-17T08:44:14.003-07:00<span style="font-size: x-large;">Resurrection, the Beginning of New Life for Man</span><br /><br />The Passion and Death of Jesus is the loving forgiveness Christ brings about for all mankind. When He rises from the dead He is bringing about new life or eternalizing life for all mankind. He is giving the command to begin eternal life here on earth and we are to follow the intent of the Father in doing this work. Each person is to find his particular work and then use it to bring all people into the fold of eternalizing the world in a loving manner.<br /><br />Christ had to come to put the world in right relation to the Father, to put away all the old ways of familial ways and prejudices so we would be open to seeing(really seeing) and opening ourselves to ,love, following our potential, and eternalizing life. He had to show the old ways of reasoning did not allow people to realize their potential and hence were unable to follow the Father's intent.<br /><br />New life, new way for the Source to enter, new actions by men, new ways of looking at life, new ways to eternalizing life for all men and the world, new communities of all people to realize their full humanness, full potential. The Resurrection is the impetus for change to happen because His forgiving love has wiped away the old way of looking at life and God.<br /><br />It begins the potential for raising man to new awareness of the world and creation- to eternalize life, beginning with life here on earth.<br /><br />The Father's will is that all see His will and use the gifts He has given each person to fulfill their full potential and therefore becoming truly human. This is done in conjunction with the community whose loving actions bring about oneness to the earth in that each Person. Each one seeks his work to bring about the will of the Father to eternalizing life.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-35444224884999252242015-05-17T08:43:00.002-07:002015-05-17T08:43:16.893-07:00<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Our New Life in God</span></h2>
<br />Images of new life begun at Easter continue with “I am the vine, you are the branches.” (Jn15- )<br />New life begins with seed, the root forming from a cracked opening in the seed. Growing stronger with water and nutrients, the stem, vine, comes forth, moving upward toward the light of the sun. Soon branches appear, engrafted on the vine. Together the vine and branches become one- one plant emerging from the seed, the root to produce fruit.<div>
<br />Jesus, the Truth, the Vine of life, begotten from the seed of God, shows man the process of new life-“our new life in God.”<br /> <br />This is the plant of love growing deep in man’s new heart of love- man’s new heart open to everything the Person of Truth, Jesus, says to our parched hearts needing to be watered by His love, His words of Truth. His word, His body and blood received on the altar, His grace in the sacraments, continue the new life begun by Christ on Easter.<br /><br /><br />Before Christ gritty self-reliance ruled the heart- man wrapped up in his own affairs using others as a vehicle for his own material advancement, never thinking of others. Afterward a child-like vulnerability created to love others as Christ loved each one came forth into the world. New possibilities, new truths, new paths of interaction, new communities of love were open for man. Man could now live in the peace that Christ brings, could be all that God intended for man, could make the world and man have life eternal.<br /></div>
<div>
Man, tightly rooted to the Source of faith and the Source of Life, become strong branches of faith, love, and life. Tightly rooted to following His will in all things, man becomes one with God. Bringing forth much good fruit, our new life in God continues the work of Jesus- bringing all men into One Body of God.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-38982980125829350952015-05-17T08:39:00.002-07:002015-05-17T08:39:18.089-07:00<h2>
“I am the gate; I am the Good Shepherd. I am the way, the truth, the life” (Jn6:9, 10, Jn14:6)</h2>
<br />
<br />
Before Jesus, the Son of God, entered the world as man who was also God, the world, its inhabitants, its resources, its very life was dead in sin. Sin brought about by man thinking he was God, brought by the false reasoning of Adam, committed man to a life of darkness and error.<br />
<br />
Jesus Christ came, putting man back into right relationship with God by His loving forgiveness. Mankind through Christ's message, actions, grace, was now able to become fully human as God had intended.<br />
<br />
Before Jesus, man put up barriers (fences) designed by reason and self-seeking interests to keep the sheep (man) aloof from other men-men who were not like the other sheep (men). The hired man and the wolf cared not for all the sheep; therefore they disrupted the sheep (man) from their intended purpose, which God had intended. Man was prevented from truly understanding God and the purpose for which man had been created. God's plan for man, His intended purpose for man was unable to unfold. Jesus is the gate; He is the Good Shepherd which opens the gate for man to return (repent) and follow the Father's intended purpose for man. Old prejudices, old ways of thought, old barriers to an open heart to hear the Good Shepherd with His message from God His Father must die, be forgotten, to attain for man new life, new hearts full of God's love and His words of attaining eternal life.<br />
<br />
Christ says turn away from your past misconceptions; listen carefully to my words and see my acts of love for you. If you love and believe in me, you know I want you to follow my Father's will on this earth- I want you to begin here on this earth to eternalize life, to begin to have eternal life here on earth and join me and the Father in eternal life. If you love me your life will be open to receiving my love and you will open your hearts to loving one another in all your actions. Your love for me will then be extended to all you meet and by this love all will come together in loving and eternal life. You will understand your role in my plan and by your love surrender animosity, hatred, anger, malice. (Ep4:31-32) Our lives replace darkness with compassion, forgiveness, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience. (Col3:12) There will be no rest because when one does all things in love, ”He rests in me and I in Him.”<br />
<br />
”The Good Shepherd recognizes us by name as individuals; He gives everything one needs to fulfill the work He has given ;He gives us grace and sacraments; He gives one peace and strength to continue Christ’s mission on earth- so that all men may know the Lord and His will and be one flock in mind and heart.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-68485870480706313492015-05-17T08:38:00.001-07:002015-05-17T08:38:11.845-07:00<h2>
"So the Lord Jesus after he spoke to them was taken up unto heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. (Mark16:18)</h2>
<br />
The Risen Jesus returns to the Father. He enters into His divine glory, His exalted glory. Hidden from human eyes, he carries in His divine nature the scars of His suffering for man. Thus, man's dignity is raised into being with the Father. Abiding in the Triune God, Jesus gives man the promise he is going ahead to prepare a place for man. He is sending man the Holy Spirit to intensify man's yearning for unity and rest in God.<br />
One of the worst things about death of a love one whom we will no longer see in this life is not being able to talk things over with them, to have questions asked and answered. We cannot touch our loved one to bring him back into this world. Yet we are not following a dead man but a living Christ. Using human terms to describe the risen glory of Christ is all we humans have until we enter into the mystery of God.<br />
While He is raised up we touch Him by our surrender of self, denuding ourselves of all that that keeps us from following His will for our lives- to unite ourselves to His truth, His love, to become children of God.<br />
Love of Christ liberates man, gives joy, sets man free- no longer chained to old ideas, old boxes of self-reliance. The life of God lives in us, our true self is found, our joy complete. The Spirit endows us with the desire to participate with Christ's actions- to bring all men into His love.<br />
<br />
As Christ sits at the right hand of God, the Messiah’s kingdom is inaugurated, a kingdom foretold by Daniel, a kingdom which will have no end. Christ is the head, we the followers, and this kingdom is our hope and promise; it is the place He prepares for us as He ascends into heaven.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-54854235243966960442015-03-25T12:37:00.000-07:002015-03-25T12:37:10.308-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Mary’s Lifetime
of Hours<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am His Mother.
Thirty-four years ago I said “Yes” to the Father’s plan of salvation. I
have been faithful, have loved and nourished my little one, even as I knew I
must suffer. (Luke 2:34-35) And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His
Mother, ”Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in
Israel and for a sign to be opposed… and a sword will pierce even your own soul…
to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Joseph and I thought we had lost
him when he was twelve, but he was teaching in the temple. He knew his mission. “How is it that you
sought me? Did you not know I must be in
my Father’s house?” (Lk2:49) We did not
understand, but you came back with us to Nazareth and I kept all these things
in my heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Learning your earthly father’s carpentry skill
and my Hebrew teaching the lessons of the Torah were sufficient for you until
you were about thirty. At Cana you knew
your hour was not yet; still you changed water into wine so the young couple
being married would not be embarrassed. I
am glad I asked you for this favor; I knew you would do whatever I asked. Jesus always thought of the welfare of
others- especially he wanted them to enjoy eternal life with the Father. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
To see Jesus suffer now is hard.
In silence and prayer we are joined; I walk with him on this final
journey. “At the cross her station
keeping, stood the mournful Mother weeping.
Close to Jesus to the last.” (4th Station of the Cross)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Even on the cross He thinks of
others. Knowing my loss would make me
inconsolable, He gives John to me and me to John. I will be mother to the entire human race, to
continue his work of making the Father known to all.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
For the last time I will wrap my arms
around his lifeless body, yet believing in three days He will rise again. In his death lies the promise of life; in His
Death and Resurrection lies our redemption.
Death is healing; I understand; I believe. Jesus, my Son, I love you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Give your hearts to my Son, all
emptied, thirsting, and turned solely toward him, wholly unoccupied with
yourself. You have met him many times,
but you did not know it, because your anxieties, and thoughts were not
concerned with this unique love. Oh, how
sad it is for my Son to seek with so great a desire a loving look from one who
remains distracted, dreaming, or even laughing with the foolishness and
dissipation of the world.” Mother Marie
des Douleurs <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-20250241118921519432015-03-25T10:39:00.000-07:002015-03-25T10:39:46.007-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
Judas’ Hour of
Betrayal<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My interior voice resounds with my own importance; my own
knowledge is superior as to what the Messiah is to be. I am responsible for the money; money is
power and surely Jesus must realize he is to overthrow the dominance of Rome so
Israel can prosper. I will have a key
role in governing then; worldly glory, power, riches, fame will be mine. He has done other than what I expect; I have
used so much of my energy defending my position here. What does Jesus mean to need him in our hour
of sorrow? Bah on mercy and forgiveness;
Rome is not going to fall for that outlook.
My pride too will not fall for that steel trap.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today the die is cast.
A woman comes and anoints Jesus with precious oil. Why? One could feed many people for what she spent
on oil. She must have spent thirty
pieces of silver, and for what? Love she
says; I anoint him because he is going to suffer and die for my sins.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No, I will go to the authorities; I will make plans to turn
Jesus over to the authorities. We will
see how loving and merciful he is when he is scourged, humiliated, or even
killed. Soon we will go to the Passover Feast.
I will be given a seat of honor next to the Master. He will recline his head on my breast. I am the perfect actor, perfect hypocrite. No one will suspect what I have done. “
Surely, it is not I, Rabbi? (Mt26:25) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well maybe Jesus will know of my betrayal- he always seems
to know the desires of the heart. It will be dark, and there should be little
light to highlight my misdeeds. Let us
see if he is a light to the world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will accept his morsel of bread as his friend, his
companion, not realizing all this is in God’s plan. It was prophesized, “Even
my bosom friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread has lifted his heel against
me. (Ps41:9)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Again and again Jesus offers me his love and mercy. I justify my reasoning; I will offer Jesus to
the authorities. “The man I shall kiss
is the one.” (Mt26:47-50) A kiss, a sign of affection, has turned into a
sign of betrayal. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have chosen my path.
My hour does not end well for me; I cannot acknowledge my sinfulness; I
can only condemn myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Judas is neither a master of evil nor the figure of demoniacal
power of darkness but rather a sycophant who bows down before the anonymous changing
moods and current fashion. But it is
precisely this anonymous voice that cried, “Away with him! Crucify him!” (Pope Benedict XVI)<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-81861656381974442252015-03-24T16:14:00.001-07:002015-05-17T08:49:14.154-07:00<span style="font-size: x-large;">Peter’s Hour of the Cross</span><br /><br />Around the campfire in the courtyard of Caiaphas I sit. Memories surface with each spark of fire; memories are buzzing like angry gnats. Memories disturb my uneasy being; I am quaking with fear of someone discovering who I am. It is something I also ask myself. Who am I? Is this my hour of suffering? I am thinking of self, not the Master, the one I profess to love. I call to mind the words I uttered not so long ago; “To whom can we turn? You have the words of eternal life.” (Jn 6:68) My faith is wavering; the Master needs to see my presence, to feel my support and my love. <br /><br />I remember Jesus coming to the boat to speak to the crowd; to urge me to put out the nets for a catch- of men not fish, he said. Are the guards here in the courtyard the men I am to show the Way to Jesus? I have not kept my eye on Jesus; I struggle again as I did on the water to reach him.<br /><br />Those days were idyllic, simple. It was easy for me to follow Jesus; easy to listen to his words about his Father and him. The boat was on an even keel.<br /><br />Now the waters are turbulent; I am afraid. I want to stop my ears from hearing his words of truth. “You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own but the one who sent me, who you do not know, is true. I know him because I am from him and he sent me. (Jn 7:28) These are words of blasphemy to some; they are words of truth to believers.<br /><br /><div>
Is my human nature in control of my thoughts and actions? I want the Spirit to revive my broken heart. Who is the real me, the real Peter? Is the real Peter the one who attempted to cut off the ear of the soldier in the garden? Is the real me the one only one who followed Jesus after his arrest, albeit at a distance? Is the real Peter the one who has been given a special task- to lead the flock of believers?<br /><br />Will Jesus still love me with all my faults? Will he see what is inside me- see what is to be for me? This is my hope. This is why Jesus is before Caiaphas. This is why he shoulders all my faults as he goes up the hill to Calvary. Three times I will deny him- Jesus whom I love. He forgives me; he loves me. With his support, his grace, I can go forth to fulfill the purpose for which I was created.<br /><br />Strength for the Journey<br /><br />There is a road meant for you to travel. Narrow and steep is the shepherd’s way, and as you say, “Yes,” letting me guide you, I will be strength for the journey.<br /><br />I will be, I will be, I will be strength for the journey . (Repeat chorus.) <br /><br />There is a cross meant for you to carry. There is a cross meant for you alone, and as you bow down in humble surrender, I will be strength for the journey. Chorus<br /><br />How many times have you doubted my word? How many times must I call your name? And as you say, “Yes,” letting me love you, I will be strength for the journey.<br /><br />I will be, I will be, I will be strength for the journey. I will be, I will be, I will be strength for the journey.<br /><br />Michael John Poirrier</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-13103928854825469972015-03-24T16:13:00.001-07:002015-03-24T16:13:38.254-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
“Lifting up” Moses,
Jesus and Man<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Moses lifted the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of
Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes may have eternal life.” (Jn3:14-15)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The initiative for both Moses and Jesus in “lifting up”
comes from God; God gave both men power to restore life to another. The
initiative, the power, was generated by God’s love for man. God himself is love; love is given over to
another.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Moses’ lifting up has time restraints for man. Jesus by His “lifting up” on the cross gives away
power to man. Man is given eternal life-
the very life of God himself. God’s love
for man is from all time until all time. Christ’s lifting up on the cross is the most
visible expression of God’s love for man. “And this is eternal life: that they may know
you, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (Jn17:3)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus’ power, Jesus’ love is one with God- real power, real
love- love becoming powerful, encompassing heaven, earth, time, and eternity. The power, the love, pours forth from the
roots of the cross to lift man up from sin so man may believe and have eternal
life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christ being lifted up on the cross is the radical gift of
himself- the ultimate surrender in which nothing is held back- a total giving
of self- the total self-giving face of God.
It is not a passive role; Christ does not merely bear with man; Christ
identifies himself with man so that our sins belong to him and his entire being
belong to us. He accepts man and lifts
man up so that man can be active with his support in continuing the love and
work which he has shown on earth. Then
Christ is lifted up in His glory!<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-90200392517386113432015-03-24T16:13:00.000-07:002015-03-24T16:13:27.627-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
Jesus Cleanses
the Temple<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whenever a national event is televised, journalists and
psychologists look for the precipitating event- an event which precedes and
greatly motivates an action. Matthew,
Mark and Luke would have concluded driving out the money changers in the temple
was the precipitating event of the Passion and Death of Jesus. When money is taken away, when men are
humiliated, men become angry and seek revenge.
It is the way of the world.
Jewish authorities probe Jesus for a sign of His authority. His zeal they could not understand. After all, this was only an area where
Gentiles could come to pray. Ah, human
nature! If one wants to deter another-
to say they have no standing, selling animals in their sacred space is a way to
discourage them. Yes, Jesus is angry- not
a passing human emotion, but a passion to set things right. His Father’s sacred place has become a mall
where merchandise is exchanged, where love has no meaning.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John’s Gospel is the gospel of the Messiah- the gospel where
one searches deeper to find truth.
John’s Gospel places the cleansing of the temple at the beginning of
Christ’s ministry. Probably Jesus
attended the Passover in Jerusalem more than once; he was a devout Jew. The event could be the precipitating event
for the disciples understanding the meaning of Messiah. His zeal is for His Father’s temple- the
place He is to be found for Jews in the Old Testament; He is the Messiah; His
zeal is that of the Messiah who is love for all men- both Jew and His cleansing
is of the sin of human corruption- avarice, disrespect, hate. The temple He
cleanses is man built; the Temple of His sacred Body is the one that will arise
from the dead on the third day- the greatest event in human history. It is the event the world will remember, whereby
death leads to eternal life. It is the
event where man is able to become the living temple of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fallen human nature is cleansed to become a new creation-the
temple of man’s heart is the place where God’s heart is; the zeal is the fire
of the Holy Spirit entering and enlarging the heart of man, so man may be open
to receiving God. Now the heart can hear
His words, know His love and both Jew and Gentile live in the peace of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
No longer slaves to Egypt, no longer slaves to money,
division, no more sacrifice of sheep and oxen, Christ the Messiah has entered
the temple of the world to become the new Jerusalem, the new perfet high
priest, and man is given the Word of Life.
To Him do all men come to pray, to have sins washed away, to have hearts
become hearts of love whereby He might dwell, for man to continue the work He
has shown to man.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-49341676264201036832015-02-25T14:06:00.001-08:002015-02-25T14:06:02.066-08:00<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Transfiguration of Jesus</b></span><br /><br />To Peter, James and John going up the mountain to pray with Jesus resulting in the transfiguration of Jesus, is a kaleidoscope; snapshots of past, present and future images, flowing before their eyes. Their strong exposure to God begins quietly, prayerfully; it is their journey of faith upward on the mountainous journey toward highest faith, love, and communion. Images implode their human minds; reflection will be needed to assimilate the experience. Seeing their rabbi, teacher, human friend, Jesus luminous; radiating light from within, shining so brightly, engage their senses. There is no haze, no dust mites to distort the image-only clear, crisp unbelievably bright light. It is true- human and divine natures intersect within Jesus. <br /><br />The Apostles are exhilarated, joyful, and fearful of the magnificent vision. It is an Abraham moment of faith. The experience rises with love from their very depth, their heart and souls as they “see,” witness, Jesus in new light. They stop in their tracks, fall to their knees as God’s glory, the Source of light, permeate their bodies. Truth and love merge. Reality is changed before their eyes.<br /><br />The image of the first Adam before the fall is called from their memory. First man, Adam, his light, the bright clothing over his body, is now Jesus, the new Adam. The Apostles look forward to the powerful light of their bodies after earthly death as they rise upward in praise of the Father. <br /><br />Moses and Elijah are with Jesus; they are the Law and the Messianic prophet of the Old Testament. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. Jesus as Savior- His authority, His mission, is heard by the Apostles. This is the Son of Man going forth in His glory to His Passion, Death and Resurrection. The true Messiah has come to earth and His mission will end in glory- glory given by the Father to His Son. The cross and the glory are intertwined by Christ’s love for man; the Messiah triumphs over sin, evil and death and Jesus is given the light of glory by God, His Father. <br /><br />God speaks to the Apostles who will witness, give testimony to Jesus as Son of God with God’s authority and God’s words. God acknowledges His Son by His “sign” of luminous light. Listen, He commands; listen to His words of truth and life. Listen to His love for all men; listen to His obedience to the Father. Listen man, have your heart transformed- become the man I created you to be when I created Adam; become your full potential. Listen to the command Jesus gives- Love the Lord; love one another. (Matt22:36-40)<br /><br />Is it any wonder Peter wanted to build tents here on the mountain where Jesus is transfigured into light? Let us remember this true Festival of Tabernacles; let us honor the Exodus whereby God leads His people out of the Egypt of their sin. Tents of material could never hold Jesus’ supernatural light; only man’s heart could receive the light of love and then pour love out for others; love returning to Love ten-fold- the true sacrifice for man’s sin. <br /><br />How can we receive the vision of Christ’s Transfiguration? How can we overcome the “clouding of the image of God” in today’s world? We can only look inside ourselves, desire and beg Him for His mercy and love to see the true light which Jesus brings to us.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-48636693698099528102015-02-25T10:16:00.004-08:002015-02-25T10:16:52.436-08:00<span style="font-size: large;">“This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mk1:15)</span><br />Wild beasts of evil and sin roam the world today as in earlier times. Evil is not an illusion; God is not superfluous, and man cannot be indifferent. Man is not in control of the earth, himself. Man is not God, no matter how much he sacrifices himself to the reasoning of the wild beasts of the world. Only God is creator; only God can control the floods of destruction. Only God has made a covenant with man through Noah and others; only God has promised man to send One who will enable man to overcome the wild beasts- even the wild beasts within man.<br /><br />God sent His Son- the One He loves, the One who loves us- the One who showed His love on Good Friday and who rose from the dead on Easter Sunday. He did this once, for all men, for all time. We remember, we love, we imitate.<br /><br />Lent is a preparation, an arming of ourselves, a Christian “boot camp”, if you will. Lent is forty days of preparation as Christ prepared for His mission of love and redemption for the world.<br /><br />John and Jesus call sinners to “repent and believe”. Repent is to leave behind something and move toward Someone. Lent is time to leave behind old ways of destruction, old self-attachments -to “die to self” and to live in Christ. It is time to overcome apathy, discouragement, pretension of self-sufficiency and let God enter one’s heart. Now is the time to look carefully inside oneself- to unite one’s body and soul, mind and heart into a living love – to refocus one’s life.<br /><br />Now is the time to reflect and ask oneself:<br /><br />What temptations are most prevalent in me?<br /><br /> In what way have I hurt others and God?<br /><br /> What are the gods in my life?<br /><br />Repentance involves making a decision:<br /><br /> With whom do I want my heart to stay?<br /><br />Now is the time to make a proactive stance that will allow one to grow closer to Christ. It should not be viewed as a problem to solve, rather, “How can my actions be pleasing to God? How can my prayers, charity open hearts to Christ?” Only when I am submissive to Him, can I beg for God’s help and mercy.<br /><br />Lent is the time of fulfillment for man’s response to God’s love.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-39622541633900649202015-02-09T11:44:00.003-08:002015-02-09T11:44:59.567-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1e_3pbzvMhMhXofNZiTphxs_T3yGW9Ct43GZBsAmxUuyfbUzfjH6uso3ODLz2uqY9OQYoFsV4WbD-QsGld_9zB3zvEVTZXYzb4_ZMeGa7-SaSd6AKTpRqdaw00dSIq9Uu4nUwQ-MsrSDW/s1600/heart2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1e_3pbzvMhMhXofNZiTphxs_T3yGW9Ct43GZBsAmxUuyfbUzfjH6uso3ODLz2uqY9OQYoFsV4WbD-QsGld_9zB3zvEVTZXYzb4_ZMeGa7-SaSd6AKTpRqdaw00dSIq9Uu4nUwQ-MsrSDW/s1600/heart2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4337165886431334066.post-22665426438592208072015-02-07T19:48:00.001-08:002015-05-17T08:52:15.281-07:00<span style="font-size: large;">“He APPROACHED, GRASPED her hand and HELPED her up. Then the fever LEFT her and she WAITED on them.”</span> (Mark1:31)<br /><br />Jesus has had a busy day- teaching in the synagogue, expelling unclean spirits, speaking to the crowds. Now his human nature requires rest, aloneness with his disciples when he may want to alone with his Father. There is no rest for Jesus; his time on earth is limited and he has much to do. <br /><br />Jesus and his disciples go to Peter’s house where Peter’s mother-in law lies ill. Jesus goes to her, extending his hand with power and love. Here is a God who can touch one. Touching, one is able to see, to wonder, to be amazed, to become open. Here is a new reality. God is present among his people- active in their lives with the sound of his voice and the touch of his hand. God is personally coming, entering and going through doors that have been closed- summoning, interacting, granting great favor.<br /><br />Man too participates. (“She waited on them”.) Reserves of energy surface; she is fully there, fully seen. Love begets love; active love begets love to another, to put their needs before one’s own need. It does no longer matter if one is sick, weak; there is always work one can do. To choose means owning the decision.<br /><br />One remembers Simeon, who in his old age carries the precious Jesus to the Tabernacle altar; his gift to God. His small actions show his love, wonder. Touch, one always remembers- our parents grasping our small fingers, tender and strong at the same time; the final touch given a loved one bringing closure.<br /><br />Work is “thank you” and praise. Work is being fruitful in the manner He wishes for one, at this moment in time. It is Peter’s mo ther-in law calling. It is our calling, our purpose now.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12334484570549200610noreply@blogger.com0