The Challenges of Living out the Gospel

The writer of today's Psalm 69 beckons the Lord to answer him in times of trial as he bears insults for his zeal for the Lord. This provoked me to think about how far I am willing to go to carry the Gospel message. Persecution from friends, acquaintances, even from family members, abound as the author calls on the Lord.  Today's first reading from Jeremiah reveals a similar theme as well, but remains steady in his faith and calling on the Lord. And Jesus message to us in Matthew's Gospel is quite clear: "Fear no one."( MT 10:26-30) Some months back I wrote of the call of John Baptist and the challenge we face to carry the message in our own personal wilderness. I am frequently reminded of those that carry message despite the threat of death especially in churches in the Middle East.  The stories of those people who celebrate Mass despite in face of insurmountable odds of persecution and even eradication such as the Chaldean Christians of Iraq and in Syria. I do think that we here including myself have become too comfortable with being Christian as our faith can be just in name and not always realize the extent of living the Gospel message.

THE EXAMPLE OF ST MARGARET MARY ALACOQUE

Living out faith in today's society is a challenge and
 perhaps it is best addressed by a review of how

this is done at a personal level.  There are plenty of opportunities to do so but the larger question for me comes to this: Am I willing to decrease so that Christ may increase as the message of John the Baptist resonates deep in my soul? I think of the cost that St. Margaret Mary Alacoque was willing to take in order to remain faithful to the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Undergoing insults and beatings from those in her order because of zeal to the call from Jesus She prevailed with her message despite  enduring the opposition for over six years.  Not that I am being asked to be a saint, but I have a difficult time in talking about controversial issues involving questions of faith with those that I work with because I fear the backlash and reputation that might arise.  Yet I am quite aware that the Church is under attack because of its unwavering adherence to teachings that have prevailed for centuries. I am at the best too comfortable with my faith in these instances. It is easy for me to say that I am Catholic, but much harder to proclaim openly my faith and stand up to those controversial issues.

IS GOD TALKING TO ME?

Jesus states that, "Nothing concealed will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known." My interior soul, my unwillingness to be open about the teachings of Church, even to those close to me is on trial here.  I am asked to speak in the light and proclaim the message on the rooftops. I am being appointed a messenger (IS 49:1-6).  The readings from Friday through today are directed at me. The people that have gone before me in scripture and those who live out the message under duress in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia exemplify this.

So what is it that I lack? It comes down to this faith that God will indeed watch over me, for I am worth more than the sparrows. Yet I fall short. Perhaps I am not being asked to proclaim in the public forum, but being guided to serve in other ways. Do my social media postings reveal my faith? I try to take this very seriously steering away from posts that bring on hateful speech and the like. Each temptation to write a response to those I disagree with is met with the question do I really need to do this? Do I openly engage in gossip both at home and work or do I try to find something good in the person being targeted.  Ultimately am I denying Jesus before others? The answer is yes, yes, and yes. Only through the gracious Sacred Heart of Jesus can I continue on.

They Walked in the Desert for Forty Years

DEUTERONOMY TODAY

Walking in the desert without being prepared is a clearly a recipe for disaster, yet the desert has many lessons to offer us. Hearing Deuteronomy today about Moses talking to the people resonated deeply with me.  My own spiritual journey before truly finding the Bread of Life took almost forty years. If one takes a moment to think about their own journey they might find that it was a trek into the dry land of cultural relativism, materialism and the many vices that accompany one along the way.

The author of Deuteronomy states "He therefore let you be afflicted with hunger and then fed you with manna." Realizing what this hunger is may take years thus our journey into the desert may take us the times without water and refreshment.  What may appear to be to refreshing to the soul so desperate to fulfill cravings, desires, and self-centered longings actually takes us deeper into the parched landscape, full of serpents, scorpions and slavery. One may become lost, thus afflicted.

I have always thought of affliction in a negative connotation, but increasingly have come to realize that whatever the hardship may be, it can be used to bring one closer to God, to the bread of life. This may not be welcome words for many, but this is through my own understanding and experience. I am not stating that in accepting such hardships one should shout with joy and happily proclaim their affliction especially when it involves personal loss and death. But in accepting such experiences and offering them up during the course of Mass and throughout the day one becomes united with all that are suffering. As Paul states in today's second reading (1 Cor 10) we although many are one. With the offering and communion we come one.

                                                                                    THE MIRAGE

For many fathers the walk is the desert being tempted by the scorpions and snakes is all to real. The temptations of desire to attain top dog, to become immersed in the workaholic society that dominates our nation along with others, the allure of power and the attraction of money are thrust at us daily.  As fathers we must make our first and foremost priority the Bread of Life.

I like many have traveled the aforementioned path.  It only brought pain to myself and those around me. And as I mentioned earlier it prevailed the first forty years of my life. The understanding that I could not live on bread alone finally made sense. I needed a guide through the desert. I needed God. My thirst could not be quenched with the lust for money, power, and the like. I came up thirsty again and again. All of this became the proverbial mirage, the life giving spring in the desert. Each attempt to reach it brought about profound emptiness and bitterness. "Is this all I get," I cried much like the people in the desert we read about today.

PRAYER FOR FATHERS

Heavenly Father, You sent your Son to show us the way through the desert, to provide for us the true manna through word and spirit. Guide us as fathers to avoid the temptations of this world, power, greed, lust, and the like so that we may become true beacons and lead others to you. Bless these your servants so that can be examples to our children of your goodness and faithfulness to your way of life so that they to may radiate the true light of the world. This we ask of you, through Jesus your Son. Amen.

The Signs of John 3:16

WHAT IS THIS JOHN 3:16

We see the signs at athletic events and for those of those who have followed sports for sports since the 1980's you will remember one individual in particular, Rollen Stewart, who in his rainbow hair style would be bouncing around in the stands in order to draw attention to his signature message, John 3:16.  I like thousands of other fans at first ignored this, but at the same time was perplexed by the message.  What exactly was the meaning of this verse which increasingly became more popular to fly in handmade signs at athletic events? Was Rollen Stewart a religious fanatic and why did the cameraman always focus on him? What about those other people who brought their signs, were they also fanatics as well or did they know that attention would be brought to them?

John 3:16,  "God so loved the world that he sent his only Son so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but have eternal life." Being only a Sunday church goer I did not really comprehend the meaning of the passage.  For me this was message from those zealots who wanted attention on the big stage knowing that a camera would find them.  I found this a big turn off, but at the time I was also turned off to the real meaning.  So what God sent his Son. The idea of perishing was far from my mind as well as eternal life.

The former pro and college star football player Tim Tebow resurrected the passage by wearing the verse reference under his eyes during the NCAA national championship game in 2009.  His action and subsequent public testimony to his beliefs sent many people scrambling to research the message again.  So if the verse has sent people to Google in an effort to figure out meaning where is it being lived out?

A PERSONAL EXAMINATION

For me the meaning begins with the first five words "God so loved the world." Finally accepting that I am part of this world and God does indeed love me is essential.  Moreover, that God does not just love me but everyone.  I am not exclusive in the party. This includes those that I don't love as well. This is the crux for a true Christian. Can you love the world as God? Certainly not, but God knowing this sent his only Son as example of that unconditional love.

The words "he gave his only Son" now have a deeper meaning for me as I reflect on the message of Mark 12 in which the vineyard owner sends his only son after exhausting efforts to bring back the produce from the recent harvest. The unconditional love of the father sending his only son to assure that I might not perish is difficult for me to comprehend. Only love can explain this and then again because I am not always a loving person there lies the difficulty. However, I do believe that God did indeed send his Son so that I might not perish. Jesus did die for my sins.  I only have to reflect on the breaking of the bread and the Lamb of God. "Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world" and there I stand a sinner as the bread is broken. How much more convincing do I need? Not much.  I am thus saved for this moment.

But here is where the hunger to be part of Eucharistic celebration takes on a deeper meaning. I need to come again and again for I am not saved for eternity unless I continue to believe.   Belief for me is an ongoing process. The challenges of life sometimes take me astray where the belief that I am loved by God so much he would send his Son is not so evident. However with Mass and the breaking of the bread I am constantly reminded of this love.

AND FOR THE RAINBOW MAN

Unfortunately for Rollen Stewart things went array.  Although he proclaimed himself saved and would continue to attend high profile events with other dazzling attire affixed with messages such as "Repent Your Sins" and "Believe in Jesus Christ",  he had several scrapes with the law and federal authorities which landed him in prison for life.

The Paradox of Being Locked In

What is "locked in?"

Being locked in has several meanings. In the biblical sense today's reading from John reveals the disciples locked in the upper room due to fear of the Jews. In today's vernacular being locked in means someone is truly focused on something.  For those who follow sports, the images of a golfer who seems land all of his approach shots on the green, or basketball player such as Stephen Curry who seems to hit shots no matter where he is on the floor, or the baseball pitcher such as Clayton Kershaw who hits all parts of the strike zone, come to mind.  One might feel locked in at work being able to complete whatever task they are given or for those who teach like myself your  a lesson makes a connection with your students in such a way that they actually discuss it out of class.

Am I lock in?

The term presents a clear paradox. I find myself locked into my own little world when I dwell on what I want or I try to escape by jumping on my phone or my computer to access the world outside. I thus escape or do I?  Although I may rationalize this action is giving me a break from the world I may not be facing problems that need to be addressed or may be completely ignorant of the needs of people around me.  Thus the paradox.

Society is full of distraction especially in the age of portables devices. I talk to young teens who tell me of being in the zone or "being locked in" while playing a video games for hours.  The endless dazzling, fast paced action that is pervasive in these games is frightening. Yes they are locked in a sense, but it is clear that this is not what the Lord wants.  Adults are no different using their phones with social media, making sure that everyone knows about their latest doings or keeping up with their "friends" or latest celebrity happenings.  Apps for just about everything create a locked in environment that is staggeringly addictive.

Ultimately the desire to escape or get out is really locking one in a world that shuts the door on spirituality and manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The door is shut, locked and for some the key is thrown away. The paradox of escape is really an enslavement to whatever the person desires.

The Need to be Locked In

Sometimes it necessary to be locked in without distraction. I find that prayer
in a silent place is necessary for  productive spiritual reflection. The blare of the TV or noise in general are distractions that quickly take me away from my focus.  Early morning meditation seems to work for me as I am truly focused most of the time. In a way it being locked in much like a basketball player but with a different purpose. I can shoot from all areas of my needy heart and it will be received by my spiritual Father. Sometimes answers to prayers through the heeding the voice of the Spirit are quite clear. Other times the basket seems to have a top over it and nothing goes in.  Either way the concept of being locked in here is better than the alternative. 

Opening the door 

"Peace be with you," was the words of Jesus to his fearful disciples. "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." Are you being sent? The way one knows is not be locked in.  I have found that for myself TV shows, social media, video games (of which I know little of how to use those darn controls), and other forms of getting locked in do little for me.  Although it took some time to figure out, I am better off reading, writing, riding my bike, or spending time in my garden or with close friends, thus opening the door to a world of possibility to serve.  

Is the Spirit Calling?

Questions of the Spirit

On this Pentecost Sunday I am brought to reflecting on questions that I had as youth and continue to have about the Holy Spirit/ Who is this Spirit one might ponder? What does it have to do with me? Does it speak or prompt me to take action?  These are questions I had in my youth. As a child I could only visualize the Pentecost as an event found in biblical picture books and the idea of the spirit seemed far away,  only something that crazy zealots might possess. I remember passing by a church in my community and hearing the congregation speaking in a manner that wasn't consistent with that of every day communication. It was explained to me that these people were speaking in tongues.  I found that quite frightening. 

As a more seasoned adult and with more spiritual maturity I have found that the Holy Spirit does exist and is present in me as long as I am open to it.  Writing this blog I find that I usually inspired by the  Mass readings and or by a Ignatian podcast that I listen to daily.  However, recently I have been uninspired to write.

The Spiritual Desert

What brings on this dryness? Am I without spiritual inspiration? This leads me to the review the gifts of the spirit. Paul writes in the First Letter to the Corinthians about different workings of the Spirit. I would like to think that I have at least one of these, maybe the gift of discernment or at least the gift of knowledge and or wisdom. 

Perhaps the Spirit is manifesting itself in different manners and I am not open to see this. I have at times in my life prayed that I may help others during the course of the day and lo and behold an opportunity arises where suddenly there is a person who is need whether a homeless person or a friend who needs a listening ear. Maybe that is all God is asking me for that particular day, to be open to Spirit. There are other days when opportunities such as these do not arise and I feel somewhat empty. But maybe that is how it is to be.

The Locked Closed Door

Reading the Gospel reading today and hearing the homily today about being closed and locked up prompted a reflection on how I am very much like disciples cowering in the upper room in fear. I too am afraid that if I proclaim the good news of  the Gospel I will be persecuted, shunned, and ostracized. But what if I have been blessed with gifts that are not yet manifest and due to fear I close and lock up my gifts, is this God's will for me?  The Spirit is full of life, thus the imagery of fire emanating from the mouths of the disciples. It burns with strength and through the doors that we erect if we allow it. It can break down barriers that seem impenetrable. It can melt the lock that has sealed the individual inside the proverbial room. 

Discernment

Of all of the spiritual gifts mentioned by Paul I am drawn to the gift of discernment. Being somewhat impulsive about things, I have found that reflection on actions I am about to take in prayer usually brings about better results. There are times where I wanted to lash out at a person, but somehow I was moved to pray in the moment about what action to take.  I found myself later calmly talking to the person in a manner that surprised me.  

Discernment I find serves well with life decisions as well. Having undergone a myriad of tests for a neck condition which has limited my ability to travel I was faced with making decisions about a long planned vacation, attending an out of state graduation and an impending surgery. I spent a lot of time in prayer although some of the answers did not seem to come as quickly as I would have liked, but they came.  

Discernment allows me to recognize when I am at the point of spiritual emptiness and acknowledge it accordingly. I have found that there is nothing wrong with being at that point at times.  I would welcome the opportunity to be on fire as the Apostles were as spread the word to the young Church.  But for now that is not my calling and for a good measure as I would probably allow such power to inflate my ego. Discerning how to serve God today is my calling. If I am blessed with other gifts so be it.  So my prayer today is that all of us be open to the Spirit calling in whatever mode it might be.