Of Taxes and God

PAYING TRIBUTE

I find the idea of an angry Jesus intriguing. For me it I see God's only son as quite human and in the case of the disciples of the Pharisees and Herodians deceitfully questioning Jesus about taxes his reaction demonstrates that. And of course what can incite a heated conversation in our nation, but that of taxes, or most recently symbols.

But understanding that the coin that Jesus refers to was a tribute to Cesar is important. The coin was part of a financial system that was part of the Roman Empire, and Jesus does not dispute that. So in a manner his lack of an answer is quite typical of Christ, that is asking to examine one's motives of such a question.  Where does one most important tribute reside?

OF SYMBOLS

In our nation symbols have come front and center to the public arena and rightfully so as debate can draw on a healthy conversation about justice. However, I am not going to even try to address that, but instead focus on our most important tribute, that of God.

It is quite easy to become to be embroiled in the various debates that inundate our daily life, but in I think Jesus response , “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” pretty much sums up the idea that we should focus on the things of God most importantly (MT 22:21). This becomes a question of loyalty in a way. Are we focusing on how we can best serve God or are we focusing more on worldly things. 

DISTRACTIONS

I believe that if we take a close look at what is going on in our nation with the controversy over the national anthem, the flag and taxes, and then actually listen to the Gospel readings, Jesus is talking to us. Amidst all of these debates where do our loyalties lie? Do we spend as much time reading, watching, talking about or listening to these issues as we do with God?  A quick inventory is always helpful. 

Do I find myself becoming exceedingly focused on any of these issues in comparison to the amount of time that I pray? Do I find myself gravitating compulsively to the latest news story about the issue (my answer is yes at times)? Have I made these controversies a god in themselves by allowing them to dictate my actions. Do I bow to every comment made by a pundit and find myself angry and resentful?

Being it a weekend in the United States of course there is football and the Fall Classic, the WorldSeries. Perhaps an inventory of how much time one spends following these sports in comparison to time in prayer or even confession and Mass is in order as well. All this being said I believe that Jesus is issuing a challenge to us. The question is are we listening?

An Open Invitation

BANQUET RECOLLECTION

Much has been written about today's Gospel verse about the banquet from preparing for Mass to making ourselves ready for the ultimate eternal banquet, heaven. From childhood banquets meant either sports or Boy Scouts.  The food wasn't very good (remember that banquet chicken and mashed potatoes) but it was a chance to celebrate with teammates or fellow Scouts accomplishments over the past year.  There was never a thought of turning down an invitation to the banquet as it was a big occasion.

Parenthood brought more banquets as my children were good athletes and students. Once again it was an occasion to dress nicely and to mingle. And yes the food usually was bland, but that was not the focus. It was about celebrating successes both as team and individual performances.  An invitation to the banquet meant making sure that all other events were put aside.

MASS INVITATION

Every Sunday we receive an invitation to join in the most important banquet. The question lies in whether we are ready to participate. In many Third World nations going to Mass is quite a festive occasion where the congregants dress in their true Sunday best. Masses are not the customary one hour celebration that are the norm in the United States, but in some African parishes a three hour event. This brings me to the question of how ready are we? Are we hungry for the Eternal Word and Eucharist? My point in this piece is not a condemnation, but of a reflection on how one can become a fully engaged participant in the eternal banquet.

I would like to think that I am ready when I enter the doors of the Church. Over the years I have become more conscious of how I dress as living in Southern California it is quite easy to fall into the trap of dressing quite casual when going to Mass. I have to remind myself that I have been given an invitation to celebrate with hundreds of others in the banquet of life and the least I can do is dress nicely. 

I also have taken a page from Matthew Kelly's book Rediscovering Catholicism in which he makes it clear that we have to spiritually prepare before going to Mass. Reading the Scriptures before actually stepping foot into Church allows for the word to take root especially if one takes time to talk or even write about it. Kelly also promotes the idea of taking a Mass journal into church and taking notes as the celebration takes place.  I have actually done this quite often and find it rewarding as it allows for me to then write later. It is much like a class and I am the student looking for ways to apply the experience in my own life. 

For me it is important to make sure I am not distracted during the time in Mass. I always find it interesting how people use their cell phones to text during Mass. I liken this to a Simpson episode to when Homer in listening to a football game during church suddenly yells out "they scored!" I once heard a priest quite poignantly say that unless God is calling on your phone, you should stay focused on the Mass. 

THE BANQUET OF LIFE

What takes place on Sunday as well as daily Mass is not just contained with in the doors of church.When we receive the dismissal we are told to "Go out and proclaim the good news." Life itself is a feast of its own and we are extended the full invitation to live it out. The very fact that we have been given life is an invitation by God. In a way we are asked to dress up in the form of how we carry ourselves exteriorly.  We are provided with the choice wines and rich food (IS 25:6) to nourish us so that we do not hunger by the way of our daily experiences with our fellow invitees. Given strength by this food we attempt to life to the fullest, much like one would fully participate in a banquet feast with dancing, food, and fellowship. We may have both experience of living in abundance and of being in need (PHIL 4:12). Whatever our circumstances may be we will fully supplied as Paul states. 

The key is not to reject this invitation on Sunday even though we labored during the work week and we may be tired, but to prepare along with host for this celebration. What can we bring to the celebration? What can we wear?  There should be an excitement in attending such an event. After all it is ultimate celebration of life and we as a the Body of Christ should be joyous that we are among those chosen (MT 22:13).

The Risen Christ

The Living Jesus

St Louis of France Church

La Puente CA

Traditions Bring Reflection

Yesterday I attended a quinceneara with my wife for her cousins daughter. For those of you not familiar with this custom in Hispanic culture it is a coming out party for a fifteen year-old daughter and it is a customary to have a Mass and then a party afterwards.  These typically are quite elaborate events with the daughter having a court of her male and female friends that precede her in coming in the church and the daughter then is escorted by her parents to the altar. The parties that follow sometimes run into over ten thousand dollars, with bands of mariachis or even famous people. This one fortunately was not one of those. All this being said, my focus is not on the beautiful ceremony, but on the crucifix above the altar.

Viewing Jesus on the Cross

I am quite used to seeing the Jesus on the cross with his head bowed in death. This is a quite typical scene in churches in the United States, at least the one's I have attended.  However, this church in the Los Angeles area displayed a Jesus that had me awestruck (see the title picture). This Jesus was robust in body and was alive on the cross. His arms extended with life, his face was full of vibrancy. This was not the Jesus that I was accustomed to encountering in church.

Needless to say this got me thinking. What was my view of Jesus when I am in Mass. In my typical manner it is sorrowful. My savior on the cross, his body and spirit broken from the beatings and insults bearing my sins and the sins of the world. Sometimes I am ashamed to even peer at the cross for I wallow in my sinfulness.

The Risen Jesus

This cross displayed in St Louis of France church brings on a whole different meaning. The background of the crucifix is a bright blue and white. Jesus seems to leaping from the cross as if to be saying, "Look, I am alive!" Yes, He is alive in the eucharist, in the word, and in the people assembled before him.

In reflection I came to these conclusions.  Jesus is prompting those in attendance to be alive as well. He is asking us to become fully engaged in the Mass, singing, praising, and carrying the message to those seated next to us by reaching out during the Our Father and grasping the hands of others, to extend hour hands to our neighbors during the proclamation of peace and joyfully exclaim, "Peace be with you!" When the celebrant concludes the Mass with the dismissal, we are prompted to "Go in peace and glorify the Lord"  or "Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord, " Jesus wants us to be alive, renewed, not just rush out of church to our vehicles, to the coffee and donuts, to the sporting event on television and carrying on our secular life. He wants us to have that spring of energy that promotes his fullness and resurrection that bring life to all.

So maybe the next time you go into Mass, take a look at the cross and see a Jesus that died for our sins, but also conjure up the Jesus that I saw yesterday.

More on Thinking

THINKING

I have always thought of myself as a thinker. I analyze and analyze many of the decisions that I need to make, at times researching possible answers or outcomes to the point of being somewhat obsessed with trying to control the outcome.  Thinking things is good at times especially when being impulsive might be quite harmful to others. I even like to think that I am discerning using a theological term.

Yet despite this I find that most of the time my thoughts are not God's thoughts (IS 55:8).  I take myself to Thomas Merton's famous prayer of seeking God's will in which he says, "Nor do I really know myself, and the fact thatI think I am following Your will does not mean that I am
actually doing so." 

REFLECTING

Recently I have been spending time reading Gerard Hughes' book, "God, Where Are You?" As he describes his journey to the Jesuit priesthood from his childhood days he often finds that what he thought was God's will was actually himself creating his idea of what God wanted. He recounts on numerous occasions plunging into what at the time seemed as service to God in his various activities throughout his life, only to find that it was mostly about him and his desire to feed his ego. Reflecting on these memories was key in his increasing realization that God was not just about the Catholic Church or his own desires, but was universal in ways that he never comprehended.  Encouraged by Hughes' writing I began to take my own journey. 

Yes, God's thoughts are not my thoughts nor or His will necessarily reflective on I think it to be. We hear in not only Isaiah, but also in the Responsorial Psalm and in the Gospel of God's ways.  Just reminiscing on my most recent years, I have found that many of my actions that I considered were holy and at the time might have been, later became more about me being recognized as being a good Catholic and promoting the good of the Church. 

WORKING FOR WHO?

And what about others. I labor hard in the vineyard of life and what to be rewarded with just pay and find myself slighted when others might receive recognition for their hard work. I become envious (MT 20:15) and then resentful. How is this person recognized and not me.  There is always a lesson and find that most of the time it is about humility. Can I serve God in this manner? At times I feel the need to retreat, reflect and pray for the desire to better serve.  

Ultimately it comes down to the fact that I am not God, nor do I know what God's plan is for me or for others. Pretending to do so only causes myself emotional anguish and pain for those around me. However, I take solace in the fact that I am not idly standing in the vineyard waiting for something to happen, as I prefer work. I don't always agree with the outcome or wages that God provides, but there is an acceptance that in the long run, it is better for me. 


Thomas Merton from Thoughts in Solitude 1956

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that
I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am
actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that, if I do this, You will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost
and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for You are ever with me,
and You will never leave me to face my perils alone.

Love thy Neighbor as Yourself

Paul's exhortation in his Letter to the Romans concludes, "You shall love thy neighbor as yourself."  Challenging enough to love thy neighbor whoever it may be, but what about loving thyself? What does that mean?  It is a good spiritual practice to reflect on ones actions at the end of the day. Some people prefer the Examen method which is one that I find useful, others a general overview inviting the Holy Spirit to reveal ones actions throughout the day. What do we see?

THE CHALLENGE OF LOVING THYSELF

I find that loving myself is quite difficult. There are so many imperfections and actions throughout my daily existence that sometimes I feel quite overwhelmed.  I find that in conversations I tend to manipulate the topic so that it fits me or I can take credit for something. Likewise in heated moments I can by quite cynical and abrasive with those close to me as well as those I might be serving during the course of the day. I find myself stewing when things don't go in the direction I would like them or even playing out situations in my cluttered mind so that they best fit my needs. Self-centered is the word. I find myself as standoffish when I feel hurt. Quite a few defects of character.

LORD HAVE MERCY ON ME

The key is not go into the self-flagellation mode of which I have a history of doing. What allows me to carry on? Only through the infinite grace of God can I survive. Realizing that I am human and that the mercy of God can transcend all imperfections that I carry if I allow it to penetrate the walls i have erected as self-defense mechanism. Thus I have a general acceptance of myself as a human.

It is then and only then can I truly love thy neighbor. Being tolerant of others imperfections especially when my own faults seemingly outweigh theirs is important. Not getting that spiteful or judging word in when the temptation is so overwhelmingly strong to do so. Surrendering in the moment of anger to the will of God and refraining from volatile social media post are roads to this commandment. As Pope Francis says quite often, "Words can kill too."  This applies to how I perceive myself as well as others.  I quite often gravitate to favorite prayer of mine during the many times where I want nail someone to the cross. It is one that used quite often to those in recovery as well in popular faith circles as well.

God, give me grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

Reinhold Niebuhr

You Think As Human Beings Do

ME AT THE HELM

Nothing is more true when one finds themselves in trouble due to their own human thinking. Jesus rebuke of Peter as he desperately tries to hold onto a human understanding of God's will is a lesson for us as well. The innate desire to control the outcome of situations that are beyond our control only causes heartache, anger, resentment, and the list goes on. For myself this is a daily challenge as I find myself meandering in the inner recesses of my mind in a fruitless endeavor to manage my own life.

I am human therefore I think. That in itself is quite good. I am thankful that I have the ability to do so. However, if I even attempted to measure my thought process in an hour, where my mind goes and how I try to control situations I become an obstacle to the presence of Holy Spirit much as Jesus tells Peter, "You are an obstacle to me. You are not thinking as God, but as human beings do" (MT 16)

YES THE CROSS

I find that most of the time I don't even pause to allow God into a situation that might be troublesome or challenge. I impulsively dive right into it sometimes with good results, sometimes with marginal results, and sometimes creating more problems than what were originally present.  The cross is not something I want to intentionally carry by  giving up my will and offering my body as a living sacrifice as Paul exhorts us in Romans.   He is quite clear as he enjoins us not conform us to this age, but be transformed by renewal of your mind in order to discern the will of God so that we can be good, pleasing, and perfect.  Much easier to be pleased in this day and age then follow Paul's plea to the Romans.

Carrying a cross in our society is far from this message. The easy way out is offered to us at every corner whether it be real or that which is anchored in the recesses of our minds. Moreover, it is easier to go our own way as the Fleetwood Mac song says and ignore the cross.  I heard about two priest today in the homily given by one of our pastors who detailed each of their roads to the sacramental calling. One was a successful hairdresser in Montreal who had it all; the money, the world travels, the nice house and vehicles, and the other was a successful aerospace engineer who had tremendous success as well as wealth. The hairdresser lost his job, house, and money and subsequently ended up on the streets. The engineer despite his success found emptiness in all that he had and heard the call to the priesthood instead. Thinking that more money, more cars, more everything, is very much the message of American definition of success.  We don't pay attention nor do we hear much of those who carry the cross of the Gospel because our media doesn't find value in this.

THE PURSUIT OF EMPTINESS

I can think of the many times in my desire to become a successful person whether in my profession, coaching, parenting, and just being a person living the "American Dream" that I find myself coming up empty. The platitudes are temporary in my quest and leave me desiring more and coming up with less.  As this occurs I find myself coming back to God over and over again. Yes, Psalm 63 rings true as it says, "My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God. Sometimes this is after failure and fault. Other times it is after relentlessly pursuing a goal that may be self-centered.

FINDING WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR

"What do want from me?" is my cry. Maybe it is time I listen and follow Paul as he talks or renewal and Jesus as tells his disciples, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself and take up his cross." (MT 16:24) Self denial just might be want the answer is. For me this may mean an examination of how I am living and what am I pursuing. Lately I have been faced with the challenge of recovering from neck surgery along with having back problems. Although my surgical recovery is coming along fine, I want God to fix my back and I want it right now. The question is posed am I asking God to come into each event in my life and denying myself the right to control the situation? Most of the time the answer is no as I prefer to think as humans do. However, when this is done I find myself more at peace with outcomes and at peace with myself in general.

As I continue my life journey despite my desire to control situations I am constantly reminded whether in Scripture or just the events of life that thinking like a human usually doesn't get me anywhere. Inviting God into the challenges of my life and having acceptance of the outcome no matter what the cost is a cross I must carry if I want true life.

Add your favorite link from August to The Convert Journal New  Evangelist Monthly

Giving in or Giving up

As I listened to the guided meditation podcast from the Jesuits in Britain today, I was struck by the contrast of the message from today's Gospel from Mark. We read of John the Baptist who is put in prison by Herod and eventually executed. John gave up his life so that Jesus could live and proclaim the word of God. Conversely we also read of Herod who gives into the demands of his wife who he unlawfully married and eventually kills John.

GIVING UP OR NOT

And where do I fit in this story? As I wrote in a previous post I believe there are no coincidences in Scripture. It speaks to us if our hearts and minds are open to it. In looking at John one finds a person who is willing to sacrifice his own life and was unwavering in his message, not compromising himself to the whims of society nor to the very threats to his existence. "He must increase; I must decrease," was his words to his followers. John's words about repentance were very clear even to those who might harm him, yet he carried on.

Here I find myself hesitantly desiring to please God. I want God in my life, but am I willing to go the extra yard and let others know no matter what the consequence? Am I willing to turn my life unconditionally over to God and repent in all my ways. Giving up myself and those things that I hold onto in times of difficulty such as resentment and judgement. Not yet.  Yes, let God increase in my life, but I want this done conditionally. I don't want God prompting me to speak out when people unfairly criticize my faith because I don't want to offend anyone. I like my comfort zone. But John makes one thing clear as he lays the path for Christ teachings, being a believer can and will be uncomfortable. It may even require a very personal sacrifice, but after all this is an example of what Christ did on the cross as well.

GIVING IN

I find it much easier to give in. Herod was perplexed by John and liked listening to him. Perhaps he even considered giving up his marriage as he was drawn to this radical man who preached without fear. Herod even feared John as he knew John was holy as stated in Mark. However, when faced with the decision of sparing John's life, Herod falls to the desires of his vengeful wife. 

Giving into desires and temptation is something we always be faced with. Do I follow my desires and verbally blow someone up on Facebook because I know it will please others? Do I engage in gossip because everyone else is? Do I allow myself to be controlled by what others think of me and therefore take actions that are contrary to my faith? The list goes on and on. I can trace the numerous times where I have given in to all of the above. No I did not kill anyone, but certainly my words or actions were not constructive. There is a Herod in me. The people pleaser, the person who desires that everyone like him, the person who can compromise my values when it seems convenient. This is the easy way out. Being like John is difficult and requires unwavering faith. But I am not taking on this challenge alone.

THE CROSS

Over and over again the Scripture remind us we are in God's hand. Psalm 118 gives us hope as the Lord is called upon despite insurmountable odds and provides refuge. Psalm 34 provides us reassurance that the Lord will answer our call even though we may be burdened. Both the Old Testament and New Testament have various passages that encourage us to take upon the challenge of living out the word of God. The book of Maccabees presents us with the mother and seven sons who were not willing to compromise their beliefs even in the light of a torturous death knowing full well of the consequences.  Leaning on these and many other passages should be reminder that we don't have to compromise our beliefs no matter how difficult the situation can be. The cross of truth may seem heavy as we carry it but we have help in the One that has preceded us.