Sep 4, 2012 - 1 Cor 2:10b-16

Today's first reading is a bit complex to understand but basically it states that there are two forms of consciousness. One who is spiritual and one who is not. The one who is not spiritual cannot judge the one that is. What does God mean by this?

 

To take it further, it is the Holy Spirit that teaches us divine wisdom and not wisdom taught by man. Since the Holy Spirit is equally divine with God and Jesus Christ, it is His wisdom that we should seek. The thoughts of God can only be comprehended by the Holy Spirit because the Holy Spirit is God. God being three devine persons enlightens us with the truth taught by the Holy Spirit.

 

The person who chooses not to receive these truths from the Holy Spirit cannot discern or judge those who receive the Holy Spirit. Jesus had told his Apostles that "when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide
you into all truth" (Jn 16:13). Pope Leo the XIII said "The Holy Spirit, who is the spirit of truth, because he proceeds from the Father, eternal Truth, and the Son, substantial truth, receives from each of them, along
with his essence, all truth, which he then communicates to the Church, helping never  to err"

 

In a perfect world, we should all be perfect but we are not. But God has given us the ability to choose. The abilty to discern what is good and what God has directed us to do. But it only comes to us through the Holy Spirit. That is why it is important to attend Church each Sunday to listen to the truth that God and the Holy Spirit has set before us through the daily readings and Gospel. It is communicated by the Holy Spirit and through the Church to each and every catholic who attends mass all over the world. I myself, try to prepare for Mass each Sunday and read the day's readings so that when I sit in church and listen to God's words, the truth has already begun to sink in. It is that truth that sets us free to yearn for Christ.

 

"Lord, heavenly father, your wisdom is taught to me by the Holy Spirit, who enlightens me to yearn for Christ. Allow me time for your truth to sink in so that I may continue walk in your path". - Amen

 

Meditation: Luke 4:31-37 (http://wau.org/meditations/2012/09/04)

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Sep 1, 2012 - Matthew 25:14-30

After reading today's Gospel, I found it worth researching on the internet. I researched it for two reasons. One, I wanted to compare my understanding of it to see if I was pretty close to popular opinion. Two, I wanted to be able to use that understanding to better my relationship with God.

Here is my understanding of Matthew 25:14-30:

Jesus taught the parable of the talents to prepare His church. Jesus knew that he was going to be crucified and therefore wanted to prepare us for what lies ahead. He also wanted to instruct us on how to live while we wait for his return. On a personal level, he wants us to use what we have been given in this life to do good. That is to say, whatever talents we have been given, large or small we are to seek to increase it's value as it relates to God's teaching. A poor person with little to no talents should seek to increase their position in life and give back to the community as much so as the person who has everything. Talents in this sense does not mean economic wealth but personal wealth, i.e., health, wisdom, knowledge, stewardship, etc.

Today's Catholic church is the foundation of this teaching. As we wait His joyful return, the Catholic church continues in this stewardship. She continues to invest it's "talents" as she awaits the return of its founder and Master, Jesus Christ. Even with all it's flaws, the Catholic church continues today to invest it's talents to spread the Gospel of Christ and to serve others. There is no perfect religious organization. Each has it's flaws because they were created by and for human beings. As Catholics and stewards of Christ, we should use our talents to continue to grow our church so that when she stands in judgment on His return, Christ will give us greater responsibilty to continue our life in heaven.

"Lord, thank you for entrusting me to serve you. I will continue to use my talents to increase it's wealth so that in my time of judgement, you will look favorably on me." - Amen

Meditation: Matthew 25:14-30 (http://wau.org/meditations/2012/09/01)

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Aug 29, 2012 - Mark 6:17-29

In today's reading, Mark tells the story of the beheading of John the Baptist. John, who was recognized by many as the greatest prophet at the time, some even believing he was the Christ, was imprisoned by Herod. Herod found John interesting and liked to hear him speak. But it was Herodias, the ex-wife of Phillip, Herod's brother, that detested John because John spoke out in public of her marrying Herod, her brother-in-law. John stated "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife" (Mk 6:18), speaking to Herod.

I stopped to think that times have not really changed since those early Christian years. There was still malice, hatred, deceit, idolotry, etc., that drove people to murder, executions and betrayal. In the year 2012, those behaviors still exist in today's times. I believe what seperates us from those times is that today, we are rooted in Christ. In those days, I compare it to the outlaw days of our western culture. There was not much law and order except by those who wielded the staff. And they ruled with iron fists and without conscience where beheading was not thought of twice.

Today, because we ARE rooted in Christ, those who choose to do bad know the consquences of their actions. Christ did an awesome job of laying out the law for us and the consequences that we face if we choose not to follow him. A million beheadings will not equal what we face in damnation if we turn away from God. Often times I think how my decisions affect my final judgement. Did I do everything I could to follow Christ? Did I love and serve the Lord to the best of my ability? How do people see me as it relates to Christ? Do I take the time to speak to at least one person everyday about Christ?

It's a complex way of living but Christ, in all his wisdom, made it very easy for us. "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." (Mk 12:31).

"Lord, even in times of distress, give me the wisdom to love my enemies and neighbors as myself. Grant me peace where there is dispair. Open my heart to receive the Holy Spirit at all times." - Amen

Meditation: Mark 6:17-29 (http://wau.org/meditations/2012/08/29)

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Aug 25, 2012 - Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b

Today is the first Sunday in Ordinary Time. It is also the day I was chosen to read the first reading at today's 11:15am Mass. It was the reading from the book of Joshua. Joshua, in this reading, challenged the Isralites to make a choice between false gods or the true God that led them from slavery in the land of Egypt.

As I read the verses, I imagined a large group of leaders of the community gathered around to hear Joshua talk. Joshua, who was Moses' apprentice, was a well respected leader in his community. He led the Isaelites in conquering the land of Canaan after Moses died. Joshua was putting his cards on the table. He MADE his choice and was frustrated over the fact that his people were turning away from the true God that saved them from bondage. No beating around the bush, it was either a take or leave it situation.

After Mass, I went to the reception hall to mingle with the congregation and I was approached by Sister Rita. Sister Rita is so tiny that I didn't even notice her approaching me when she tapped me on the shoulder. She said "I enjoy hearing you, you are a very good lector....would you consider volunteering for our ESL program?" I was humbled that this little tiny nun came across the room to speak to me and ask me that question. Clearly she was moved by God to come and seek me out. At this moment, I reflected on my reading and thought to myself, "she is asking me to make a choice to follow God and be a leader in your community by volunteering". She was very sweet and I did not have the heart to turn her down.

God comes to you in many ways. Sometimes you don't recognize it. Other times, he grabs your attention immediately so that your left in amazement that he chose you. In either case, it feels wonderful to know that your efforts to follow God and spread his Gospel bears fruit. A fruit that feeds one person or a multitude.

"Dear God, you came to me today and asked me to volunteer. I accepted gladly because you are always there for me when I need you. Thank you for choosing me. Through Jesus Christ our Lord...Amen"

Meditation: John 6:60-69 (http://wau.org/meditations/2012/08/26)

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Aug 22, 2012 - Matthew 20:1-16

Today is my 31st wedding anniversary. I thank God each and every day for introducing my lovely wife into my life. She is my heart and soul and without her I would be incomplete. Happy Anniversary honey!!!

In today's gospel we have the parable of the Landowner who pays an equal day's wages to those he hired for one hour and to those he hired for a full day. This parable is sometimes difficult to understand because as humans we are taught from the time that we are little that what you reap is what you sow. In other words, hard work pays off. And to those who are lazy or "idle", as the Lord states, you do not get anything or little in return.

God makes it clear in this Gospel that it is never too late to lead a religious life. Whether you become active in God's life at the end of your time on earth or since you were old enough to remember that you followed God, He will invite you " to go into his vineyard" as long as you seek him. The pay is the same for all who follow Him, life everlasting in Heaven!! Jesus made that possible for us when he died for our salvation. He defeated death and created a threshold for us to step over to be with Him forever in His kingdom.

"Lord, Thank you for accepting me as your faithful servent to love and serve you. I accept your wages to work in your vineyard. It pleases me to serve you!! - Amen 

Meditation: Matthew 20:1-16 (http://wau.org/meditations/2012/08/22)

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Aug 20, 2012 - Matthew 19:16-22

I have been away for a while but I am back now. I lost my focus on God for a few weeks and I am endevouring to return my focus back to him. No one is perfect and with that being said....

In today's Gospel, Jesus is approached by a young man who asks, "Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?". This young man is most concerned about how he is going to be judged in the afterlife. Did I do enough to enter in the kingdom of God? Will I be worthy enough to stand before God? Does God expect more of me to be found worthy of heaven?

Jesus puts his mind to rest by saying "There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments." But the young man is still bothered that he hasn't done enough. Then Jesus replies "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

This got me to thinking how extremely difficult it is to be "perfect". As a human being, it is virtually impossible to be "perfect". I think also about Mother Theresa and how perfect she must have been during her time on earth, yet, as a human being, I am sure she also had flaws. So Jesus gives us the straight and narrow truth with a reassurance that he doesn't expect us to be pefect but to DO YOUR BEST! Keep the commandments, because a perfect life would be that you completely divest yourself of everything you own and give it to the poor. Your clothes, home, car, shoes, money and all other material possessions.

Keep the commandments and leave the rest to God. God loves us and he will never abandon us but he does want us to care for each other. Doing so will make this world a much better place.

"Lord, come into my heart so that I can be more charitible and love my my neighbor as myself" - Amen

Meditation: Matthew 19:16-22 (http://wau.org/meditations/2012/08/20)

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Aug 6, 2012 - Mark 9:2-10

After reading today's Gospel I thought to myself, why would Jesus only allow Peter, James and John on the holy mountain so they may see him transfigured? Did he not trust the other disciples to see this transfiguration? Perhaps he didn't feel they were ready to see him that way. Maybe Jesus knew that if he had shown his transfiguration and the apparition of Moses and Elijah the other disciples would not be able to keep it to themselves as Jesus requested of Peter, James and John.

Imagine holding a secret like that until AFTER Jesus had died and rose from the dead. They also had trouble figuring out what Jesus meant about "rising from the dead". Have you ever held a secret until the appropriate time? It's very hard because we want to share what we've just heard or seen.

Well the secret is certainly out! Jesus died for us and all our sins. He manifested to human form to be like us and to lead us from darkness to light. As the verse in Mark states "and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them." (Mk 9-3). This dazzling white became the light of the world. Jesus is our light and key to everlasting life if you choose to accept him.

"Jesus, your brightness shines a beacon in a dark place. Shine bright always so that I may always find you amidst the darkness and trials I encounter each and everyday." - Amen


Meditation: Mark 9:2-10 (http://wau.org/meditations/2012/08/06)

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