We read in the last line of the gospel today these words:"say we are unprofitable servants, doing what we are obliged to do."
This passage comes from the gospel of Luke 17.
We live in a world where people in general and mostly in particular despise any obligations. In large part because they look upon the word with only one definition in mind. When people hear or read or encounter the word obliged they instantly think negative, they think about force or restraint or constraint. Instantly their minds goes to being forced to do something against one's will or even choice.
This is unfortunate. It is also typical of minds not use to thinking a thought through.
The word obliged has a second and I believe a more practical and applicable meaning. It means to be under a debt of gratitude.
One who is obliged is one who is so deeply appreciative that gratitude becomes to source and motivation for one's actions.
Let's look at the words of Jesus with this attitude and this perspective. The unprofitable servants are not working as to earn something but rather they are living a life of gratitude that shows itself in practical ways of service.
We are all obliged. But do we all understand the debt of gratitude by which our service flows.
Every obligation the Church lays before us does so with the duty of gratitude in mind and in heart. we no how easy it is for us to take things for granted. Thus the obligation is meant to direct our heart and mind and strength to gratitude which is the foundation of our spiritual welfare.
Be obliged today.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Friday, November 8, 2013
REVEAL
Romans 15:14-21; PS 98 The lord has revealed to the nations his saving power; Luke 16:1-8
The Psalm refrain today is quite catchy that it it is meant to catch our attention.
To often in the mass or when we listen tot he readings we fly right past the psalm an drive it little or no attention or value to our life as we live it today.
Think about the refrain: The Lord has revealed to the nation his saving power. The psalm goes on to point out that "all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God."
How does this occur? How is it that the Lord reveals to the nations his saving power?"
Unfortunately when we think about God's saving power we have a tendency to think only within the box. We think about marvelous and astounding things God does, usually our mind goes to things that occur that defy the laws of physics. We think miracles!
Perhaps we think about fire falling, or mountains quaking, earth shaking, darkness flooding, or even the sun standing still. We think about apparitions or visions. We think speaking in tongues, helpings, prophecies and the raising of the dead.
But these things are not the primary way God's salvation is made known.
God's primary way of revealing his saving power to the nations, to the end of the earth is through us, you and me living in the daily grind, saying yes to him and little tasks placed before us.
This is why St. Paul begins today with these words, "I myself am convinced about you, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to admonish one another…"
It is in us.
We got the right stuff, we just have to let out.
We are invited to stop thinking about what we can do but rather what Christ can do with us. Only then will things begin to happen, mountains will quake, earth will shake, and the power of God's saving touch will yeah the ends of the earth.
The Psalm refrain today is quite catchy that it it is meant to catch our attention.
To often in the mass or when we listen tot he readings we fly right past the psalm an drive it little or no attention or value to our life as we live it today.
Think about the refrain: The Lord has revealed to the nation his saving power. The psalm goes on to point out that "all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God."
How does this occur? How is it that the Lord reveals to the nations his saving power?"
Unfortunately when we think about God's saving power we have a tendency to think only within the box. We think about marvelous and astounding things God does, usually our mind goes to things that occur that defy the laws of physics. We think miracles!
Perhaps we think about fire falling, or mountains quaking, earth shaking, darkness flooding, or even the sun standing still. We think about apparitions or visions. We think speaking in tongues, helpings, prophecies and the raising of the dead.
But these things are not the primary way God's salvation is made known.
God's primary way of revealing his saving power to the nations, to the end of the earth is through us, you and me living in the daily grind, saying yes to him and little tasks placed before us.
This is why St. Paul begins today with these words, "I myself am convinced about you, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to admonish one another…"
It is in us.
We got the right stuff, we just have to let out.
We are invited to stop thinking about what we can do but rather what Christ can do with us. Only then will things begin to happen, mountains will quake, earth will shake, and the power of God's saving touch will yeah the ends of the earth.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
PROPRIETARY
Romans 14:7-12; Ps 27 I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living; Luke 15:1-10
Proprietary laws are those that regulate the rights to ownership of a thing, brand, or information. The use of said things always falls back to the discretion of the owner. The Proprietor is the master of his actions and has free disposition in regards to his property.
We see this quite a bit in the marketing world where companies have proprietary over brand names, designs, logos etc. Recently, if you are a Texas A&M fan, Johnny football was copyrighted to belong to current quarterback of Texas A&M.
Any abuse or misuse by others of these names, brands, designs or info can lead to legal liability, lawsuits, infringements and the rest.
It falls back to the owner of a thing to have the rights to do with his property was he so desires and others to respect that right.
St. PAul in today's first reading reminds us of that right which belongs to God has sole proprietor of our lives: "if we live we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then whether we live or die, we are the Lord's."
Why is this because of the death and resurrection of Jesus as St. PAul points out, "For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living."
By his death and resurrection Jesus has purchased the proprietary rights over us. We have been copyrighted as belonging to God. He now has exclusive rights in regarding to our lives.
Before Death reigned large and in charge but now in Christ we have new ownership.
St. Paul lays out the big picture for us, lest we forget what's at stake and whose the boss.
Our lives should reflect the glory of Christ.
Have we infringed on those rights by our choices, actions, lives we lead?
Have we broken the copyright and presented ourselves as belonging to another?
St. Paul reminds us that "each of us shall give an account of himself before God."
Even the issue of giving an account is filled with hope. The accounting we are asked to give points to the reality that life and death give way to "life again."
What's the point go giving an account if it all ends in death?
Which brings us to the gospel.
Why is there rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner?
Why does my confession of sin have such a reach and affect that even heaven experiences the consequences of such a decision?
Repentance is a returning, a returning to the harmony of things in which Jesus reigns as Lord. The infringement of the copyright ha sheen repaired and once again, Jesus has free disposition to use us for his glory and for our own glory.
It is interesting to note that "repentance" is the first note of Jesus' ministry, the first command given; Everything else follows from repentance, and nothing else seems to matter apart from it. Repentance is about changing our thinking about God and God's ways and how God works.
It involves trust. We must let Him have free disposition to use us as he desires.
Proprietary laws are those that regulate the rights to ownership of a thing, brand, or information. The use of said things always falls back to the discretion of the owner. The Proprietor is the master of his actions and has free disposition in regards to his property.
We see this quite a bit in the marketing world where companies have proprietary over brand names, designs, logos etc. Recently, if you are a Texas A&M fan, Johnny football was copyrighted to belong to current quarterback of Texas A&M.
Any abuse or misuse by others of these names, brands, designs or info can lead to legal liability, lawsuits, infringements and the rest.
It falls back to the owner of a thing to have the rights to do with his property was he so desires and others to respect that right.
St. PAul in today's first reading reminds us of that right which belongs to God has sole proprietor of our lives: "if we live we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then whether we live or die, we are the Lord's."
Why is this because of the death and resurrection of Jesus as St. PAul points out, "For this is why Christ died and came to life, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living."
By his death and resurrection Jesus has purchased the proprietary rights over us. We have been copyrighted as belonging to God. He now has exclusive rights in regarding to our lives.
Before Death reigned large and in charge but now in Christ we have new ownership.
St. Paul lays out the big picture for us, lest we forget what's at stake and whose the boss.
Our lives should reflect the glory of Christ.
Have we infringed on those rights by our choices, actions, lives we lead?
Have we broken the copyright and presented ourselves as belonging to another?
St. Paul reminds us that "each of us shall give an account of himself before God."
Even the issue of giving an account is filled with hope. The accounting we are asked to give points to the reality that life and death give way to "life again."
What's the point go giving an account if it all ends in death?
Which brings us to the gospel.
Why is there rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner?
Why does my confession of sin have such a reach and affect that even heaven experiences the consequences of such a decision?
Repentance is a returning, a returning to the harmony of things in which Jesus reigns as Lord. The infringement of the copyright ha sheen repaired and once again, Jesus has free disposition to use us for his glory and for our own glory.
It is interesting to note that "repentance" is the first note of Jesus' ministry, the first command given; Everything else follows from repentance, and nothing else seems to matter apart from it. Repentance is about changing our thinking about God and God's ways and how God works.
It involves trust. We must let Him have free disposition to use us as he desires.
Friday, November 1, 2013
WHY THE SAINTS
Rev 7:2-14; Ps 24 Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face; 1 John 3:1-3; Matt 5:1-12
Why do we bother with the saints? Why do we bother with acknowledging these men and women who have lived heroic and virtuous lives of courage, dedication, faithfulness, charity, service and the list goes on and on?
What's the deal anyway?
Here is a word from former Pope Benedict that might help clear up doubt and confusion,
"Anyone who begins to consider the lives of the saints finds there an inexhaustible richness of histories that are more than homiletic models: the confirmation of the call of Christ through the centuries full of blood and tears. Only when we have rediscovered the saints will we also rediscover the Church and in doing so will likewise rediscover the Lord himself as one who lives amid all the darkness, who will not die again, who will not leave us orphans."
Why do we bother with the saints? Well so that we can recognize the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to the apostles the night before he took the cross to calvary: I will not leave you orphans.
Saints are those who show us that Christ has kept his promise. Christ is alive. Christ has found a home in the human heart through the centuries. He has radiated outward through these men and women and he wants nothing more than find a home in us so that we might continue to reflect his infinite goodness and light to world that has a tendency to grow dark.
We see in the saints what God in Christ desires to do with us!
Why do we bother with the saints? Why do we bother with acknowledging these men and women who have lived heroic and virtuous lives of courage, dedication, faithfulness, charity, service and the list goes on and on?
What's the deal anyway?
Here is a word from former Pope Benedict that might help clear up doubt and confusion,
"Anyone who begins to consider the lives of the saints finds there an inexhaustible richness of histories that are more than homiletic models: the confirmation of the call of Christ through the centuries full of blood and tears. Only when we have rediscovered the saints will we also rediscover the Church and in doing so will likewise rediscover the Lord himself as one who lives amid all the darkness, who will not die again, who will not leave us orphans."
Why do we bother with the saints? Well so that we can recognize the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to the apostles the night before he took the cross to calvary: I will not leave you orphans.
Saints are those who show us that Christ has kept his promise. Christ is alive. Christ has found a home in the human heart through the centuries. He has radiated outward through these men and women and he wants nothing more than find a home in us so that we might continue to reflect his infinite goodness and light to world that has a tendency to grow dark.
We see in the saints what God in Christ desires to do with us!
Thursday, October 31, 2013
SEPARATION ANXIETY
Romans 8:31-39; Ps 109 Save me, O Lord, in your mercy; Luke 13:31-35
The other day I had a parent come up to me to discuss one her children. It seems this particular child is having a hard time adjusting to school. In fact, she has a hard time watching momma leave her at school each morning.
We have several little ones that struggle with their first experience of school.
Instantly many exclaim the child is going through separation anxiety.
Perhaps we grow up and grow out of that anxiety of separation from our parents. We adjust to life and we learn to get on by ourself.
We get use to making decision for ourselves and for our lives. In fact we are masters at thinking of ourselves and taking care of ourselves.
However, should we grow out or grow up in regards to separation from God. One of the temptations we deal with is just that, doing things apart from God's influence, God's law, God's direction and guidance.
Once we taste a little independence we have a tendency to keep going.
As Paul poses the question in today's first reading, "who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword."
Of course St. Paul's response is a bold "NO!"
Yet, my experience is when these things come in the lives of people who are faithful, they waver, they begin to doubt, they often times think that God has left them.
I often wonder why is that?
Maybe its because there is a lack of conviction. We accept God's love on our terms instead of on all terms and through all circumstances.
Perhaps thats the true rub for us a people of faith. We must refuse to set conditions on God's love and we must refuse to let the circumstances of our life determine whether or not God's love is active and present.
When in doubt look to the Cross: "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love ofGod in Christ Jesus our lord."
St. Paul is convinced! Are we?
WE can sense this same conviction in Jesus as he hears of the warning that Herod wants to kill him. Jesus continues to move forward and he stays true to who he is regardless of the gloom that encloses in around him.
The circumstances do not determine his fidelity! Jesus response simple, "Yet, I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day…"
This too can become our response to life's twist and turns, "yet, we must continue on our way, today, tomorrow, and the following day."
The other day I had a parent come up to me to discuss one her children. It seems this particular child is having a hard time adjusting to school. In fact, she has a hard time watching momma leave her at school each morning.
We have several little ones that struggle with their first experience of school.
Instantly many exclaim the child is going through separation anxiety.
Perhaps we grow up and grow out of that anxiety of separation from our parents. We adjust to life and we learn to get on by ourself.
We get use to making decision for ourselves and for our lives. In fact we are masters at thinking of ourselves and taking care of ourselves.
However, should we grow out or grow up in regards to separation from God. One of the temptations we deal with is just that, doing things apart from God's influence, God's law, God's direction and guidance.
Once we taste a little independence we have a tendency to keep going.
As Paul poses the question in today's first reading, "who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword."
Of course St. Paul's response is a bold "NO!"
Yet, my experience is when these things come in the lives of people who are faithful, they waver, they begin to doubt, they often times think that God has left them.
I often wonder why is that?
Maybe its because there is a lack of conviction. We accept God's love on our terms instead of on all terms and through all circumstances.
Perhaps thats the true rub for us a people of faith. We must refuse to set conditions on God's love and we must refuse to let the circumstances of our life determine whether or not God's love is active and present.
When in doubt look to the Cross: "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love ofGod in Christ Jesus our lord."
St. Paul is convinced! Are we?
WE can sense this same conviction in Jesus as he hears of the warning that Herod wants to kill him. Jesus continues to move forward and he stays true to who he is regardless of the gloom that encloses in around him.
The circumstances do not determine his fidelity! Jesus response simple, "Yet, I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day…"
This too can become our response to life's twist and turns, "yet, we must continue on our way, today, tomorrow, and the following day."
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
GROANING
Romans 8:18-25; PS 126 The Lord has done marvels for us; Luke 13:18-21
Ponder these words from St. Paul this morning, "we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies…"
How many groans have we experienced within ourselves as we long for redemption, especially redemption of our bodies?
We drag these bodies around that gain weight, lose weight, get sick, get better, grow wrinkles, get flabby, lose hair only to grow hair in other places not known for it, get broken, and get bruised.
We drag these bodies around that get emotional, depressed, hyper, manic, confused, elated, disturbed, scared, over joyed, overwhelmed, shocked just to name a few.
When it seems too much then we sigh or groan and we unite ourselves to that longing for redemption.
Perhaps we feel what we feel and experience what we experience just for the purpose of reminding us that we aren't there yet; we have been redeemed but we are in need of redemption still.
Even our groans are not wasted!
They too point us to Christ!
As St. Paul continues, "For in hope we are saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance."
We groan and we hope and we wait with endurance.
Sometimes the Kingdom is in the process of rising like dough as Jesus reminds us. Or perhaps it is being kneaded or again maybe baked or at least finally eaten. But somewhere in that process we find ourselves groaning, waiting, enduring and we know we are on our way and that makes all the difference.
Ponder these words from St. Paul this morning, "we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies…"
How many groans have we experienced within ourselves as we long for redemption, especially redemption of our bodies?
We drag these bodies around that gain weight, lose weight, get sick, get better, grow wrinkles, get flabby, lose hair only to grow hair in other places not known for it, get broken, and get bruised.
We drag these bodies around that get emotional, depressed, hyper, manic, confused, elated, disturbed, scared, over joyed, overwhelmed, shocked just to name a few.
When it seems too much then we sigh or groan and we unite ourselves to that longing for redemption.
Perhaps we feel what we feel and experience what we experience just for the purpose of reminding us that we aren't there yet; we have been redeemed but we are in need of redemption still.
Even our groans are not wasted!
They too point us to Christ!
As St. Paul continues, "For in hope we are saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance."
We groan and we hope and we wait with endurance.
Sometimes the Kingdom is in the process of rising like dough as Jesus reminds us. Or perhaps it is being kneaded or again maybe baked or at least finally eaten. But somewhere in that process we find ourselves groaning, waiting, enduring and we know we are on our way and that makes all the difference.
Friday, October 25, 2013
PERFORMANCE
Romans 7:18-25; Ps 119 Lord, teach me your statues; Luke 12:54-59
Every time I go to confession. That's right you read correctly, priest go to confession. Every time I go to confession to a particular priest, i don't go to the same priest every time, but this one priest whom i go to always brings up today's first reading and he will quote St. Paul,
"For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want."
How many of can relate to this passage?
There seems to be a nice big gap between proposal and performance, motivation and maturity into action.
How do we overcome the gap that we experience daily in our life.
I wish it would be as easy as it is in vehicles. In cars if you want better performance, that is if yo want the car to do what you want it to do then you simply change things: you change its oil, you change its fuel, you change its tires, you change its spark plugs and so on and so forth.
You continually tweak the engine though never twerking while tweaking that would be inappropriate.
But how do we increase our performance?
As St. Paul points out, "sin dwells in me. And when I want to do right, evil is at hand...For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self, but I see in my members another principle at war with the law of my mind, taking me captive."
Okay we get. We can all relate. We understand. What's the solution. How do we close the gap between proposal and performance, motivation and mature action?
Paul is speaking of the inadequacies of human resolution. To resolve to do a thing and to do it are different. There is a weakness in our will. think of St. Peter who made a great resolution to Christ, "even if i must die with you, I will not deny you (My 26:35)."
The human will is weak and prone to crack .
So what is the solution, please!
"Thanks be to God through JEsus Christ our lord."
Jesus is the solution. He is the one who crucified the human flesh with its desires so that it might be filed with His life giving spirit.
It is true, that each morning we need to invite Jesus into our life and heart and give him the reigns and let him lead. Each Morning ad through out the day we need to invite the Holy Spirit to strengthen us.
But lets face it, we forget. We start out asking Christ to take over and then we get side tracked. We start to live on our own, trusting our own will or the strength of our own back rather than relying on his strength.
This is the solution that we must carry through all the days of our life: "Come Lord Jesus strengthen me a new, set my heart on fire, fill me with your heavenly dew."
Every time I go to confession. That's right you read correctly, priest go to confession. Every time I go to confession to a particular priest, i don't go to the same priest every time, but this one priest whom i go to always brings up today's first reading and he will quote St. Paul,
"For I do not do the good I want, but I do the evil I do not want."
How many of can relate to this passage?
There seems to be a nice big gap between proposal and performance, motivation and maturity into action.
How do we overcome the gap that we experience daily in our life.
I wish it would be as easy as it is in vehicles. In cars if you want better performance, that is if yo want the car to do what you want it to do then you simply change things: you change its oil, you change its fuel, you change its tires, you change its spark plugs and so on and so forth.
You continually tweak the engine though never twerking while tweaking that would be inappropriate.
But how do we increase our performance?
As St. Paul points out, "sin dwells in me. And when I want to do right, evil is at hand...For I take delight in the law of God, in my inner self, but I see in my members another principle at war with the law of my mind, taking me captive."
Okay we get. We can all relate. We understand. What's the solution. How do we close the gap between proposal and performance, motivation and mature action?
Paul is speaking of the inadequacies of human resolution. To resolve to do a thing and to do it are different. There is a weakness in our will. think of St. Peter who made a great resolution to Christ, "even if i must die with you, I will not deny you (My 26:35)."
The human will is weak and prone to crack .
So what is the solution, please!
"Thanks be to God through JEsus Christ our lord."
Jesus is the solution. He is the one who crucified the human flesh with its desires so that it might be filed with His life giving spirit.
It is true, that each morning we need to invite Jesus into our life and heart and give him the reigns and let him lead. Each Morning ad through out the day we need to invite the Holy Spirit to strengthen us.
But lets face it, we forget. We start out asking Christ to take over and then we get side tracked. We start to live on our own, trusting our own will or the strength of our own back rather than relying on his strength.
This is the solution that we must carry through all the days of our life: "Come Lord Jesus strengthen me a new, set my heart on fire, fill me with your heavenly dew."
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