Second Sunday in Lent
I have heard the Gospel of Luke referred to as "the Gospel of Prayer". Jesus is a man of prayer and Luke focuses on time that Jesus spent in prayer.
+Through prayer, Jesus knew intimately his Father
+Through prayer Jesus understood his mission
+Through prayer Jesus gained the strength needed to embrace his passion and death.
Even on the cross, Jesus prayed. He prayed for his persecutors. "Father, forgive them..."
and again, "My God, My God, why..."
In praying the Psalms, the prayers of his tradition, Jesus gained that inner strength.
Today we have an experience of Jesus in prayer. He goes to the mountain and in prayer he is transfigured.
Lent invites us to know more deeply the Christ of faith and we can only do so in prayer.
Take some time today for private, personal prayer.
Pax et bonum.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Saturday of the First Week of Lent
Be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect. (Today's Gospel).
Herein is the radical message of Jesus Christ. Think about it. Christ sets the bar as high as he could. He calls for perfection. He calls for a new behavior. Love your enemies and those who don't like you. Pray for those who persecute you and talk about you behind your back.
There is THE challenge. Just to bring yourself around to do what Jesus asks.
This Christianity "stuff" is not for the weak of heart.
...a good Lenten examen for each of us.
Pax et bonum.
Be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect. (Today's Gospel).
Herein is the radical message of Jesus Christ. Think about it. Christ sets the bar as high as he could. He calls for perfection. He calls for a new behavior. Love your enemies and those who don't like you. Pray for those who persecute you and talk about you behind your back.
There is THE challenge. Just to bring yourself around to do what Jesus asks.
This Christianity "stuff" is not for the weak of heart.
...a good Lenten examen for each of us.
Pax et bonum.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
THURSDAY OF THE fIRST WEEK OF LENT
Today's Gospel very simply asks us to be kind. Treat others as you would want them to treat you. This is not just a Christian mandate but it is a universally accepted and desired message by all faiths, and all men whether they are believers or not.
We value our personal dignity and identity. We must also see and value the dignity and identity of others.
so, when you are tempted to be unkind, in speech, action or thought, keep in mind the Evangelical message of today: Do to others what you would have them do unto you.
Pax et bonum
Today's Gospel very simply asks us to be kind. Treat others as you would want them to treat you. This is not just a Christian mandate but it is a universally accepted and desired message by all faiths, and all men whether they are believers or not.
We value our personal dignity and identity. We must also see and value the dignity and identity of others.
so, when you are tempted to be unkind, in speech, action or thought, keep in mind the Evangelical message of today: Do to others what you would have them do unto you.
Pax et bonum
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wednesday of the First Week of Lent
As more snow is predicted to visit us again in the next 24 to 36 hours, there comes along with it an unsolicited Lenten Sacrifice.
We may well become inconvenienced once again. Normal routines will be interrupted by postponements and unwelcomed shoveling. And...the temptation to complain will knock loudly at the door of one's consciousness.
May I suggest that you think about the inconveniences of the people in Haiti, the anxiety of parents as they send their children to school in war-ravaged nations, unsettled neighborhoods in the Middle East, even the weather extremes on our own west coast. We think we have it bad.
You can easily get to the market.
The mail will be delivered without any threat of security.
Most of us have transportation of some kind.
Hunger is, at least, not on my doorstep.
So, as you are doing snow removal tomorrow, do so with a sense gratitude for what you do have.
Appreciate the silence of a world hushed by snowy weather.
Pax et Bonum
As more snow is predicted to visit us again in the next 24 to 36 hours, there comes along with it an unsolicited Lenten Sacrifice.
We may well become inconvenienced once again. Normal routines will be interrupted by postponements and unwelcomed shoveling. And...the temptation to complain will knock loudly at the door of one's consciousness.
May I suggest that you think about the inconveniences of the people in Haiti, the anxiety of parents as they send their children to school in war-ravaged nations, unsettled neighborhoods in the Middle East, even the weather extremes on our own west coast. We think we have it bad.
You can easily get to the market.
The mail will be delivered without any threat of security.
Most of us have transportation of some kind.
Hunger is, at least, not on my doorstep.
So, as you are doing snow removal tomorrow, do so with a sense gratitude for what you do have.
Appreciate the silence of a world hushed by snowy weather.
Pax et Bonum
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Tuesday of the First Week in Lent
The Gospel today focuses on praying in the right spirit. We are encouraged not to "babble on" and get too wordy, looking for quantity rather than quality.
Often I will remind people that one Hail Mary, one decade of the Rosary recited with a good attitude and with proper attention is more meritorius than an entire Rosary said just to "get it in" .
Take "5" today. Go to a quiet place and raise your mind and heart to God.
Use the Scriptures, a devotional book or just be silent and talk to God in your own words.
Pax et Bonum!
The Gospel today focuses on praying in the right spirit. We are encouraged not to "babble on" and get too wordy, looking for quantity rather than quality.
Often I will remind people that one Hail Mary, one decade of the Rosary recited with a good attitude and with proper attention is more meritorius than an entire Rosary said just to "get it in" .
Take "5" today. Go to a quiet place and raise your mind and heart to God.
Use the Scriptures, a devotional book or just be silent and talk to God in your own words.
Pax et Bonum!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday of the First Week of Lent
It's only a few days since Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. If you made any spiritual promises, I hope that they haven't fallen by the wayside already. You know - the best of intentions.
Before you burden yourself with all kinds of heavy burdens, I suggest that you first look at and review your responsibilities with regard to your state in life. Are you doing what you are supposed to be doing well? Only after you have sharpened the edge of your daily "should do's", ought you take on added pious practices and prayers.
So, Prayer - Fasting - Almsgiving.
1) Did you pray today in some way? Did you check in with the Lord? You don't have time??? What did you do in the car as you were stopped in traffic, etc.?
2) How about one bite less, one drink less, one cigarette less,- you get the gist of the suggestion.
3) The Operation Rice Bowl says it all. Putting a few cents aside (I really did say "cents") can alleviate hunger right here at home.
Pax et Bonum!
It's only a few days since Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. If you made any spiritual promises, I hope that they haven't fallen by the wayside already. You know - the best of intentions.
Before you burden yourself with all kinds of heavy burdens, I suggest that you first look at and review your responsibilities with regard to your state in life. Are you doing what you are supposed to be doing well? Only after you have sharpened the edge of your daily "should do's", ought you take on added pious practices and prayers.
So, Prayer - Fasting - Almsgiving.
1) Did you pray today in some way? Did you check in with the Lord? You don't have time??? What did you do in the car as you were stopped in traffic, etc.?
2) How about one bite less, one drink less, one cigarette less,- you get the gist of the suggestion.
3) The Operation Rice Bowl says it all. Putting a few cents aside (I really did say "cents") can alleviate hunger right here at home.
Pax et Bonum!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
The First Sunday of Lent
Each year on the First Sunday of Lent the Church invites us to reflect on the Temptations of Jesus. The dynamic of a "temptation" is an interesting one. It was a dynamic that Jesus himself faced as he prepared for his public ministry.
Going all the way back to the story of Adam and Eve, we can see how a temptation plays out. Satan is good at what he does. He makes temptation look good. Our first parents were told they could not eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Satan told them that if they ate of this tree they would have the knowledge of God. They would be like God. Imagine! Wanting to be in possession of such knowledge, such power.
In the story of the three temptation of Jesus, Satan makes food and power look so enticing.
Remember the old Mickey Mouse cartoons? Mickey was tempted. An angel whispering into his right ear and the devil (complete with red tights and pitch fork) speaking into his left ear. The idea is not far off the mark. A dialogue goes on within our deepest self; should I or shouldn't I??
From whence come your temptations?
The devil knows your weaknesses, be sure of that.
He'll get you in a weak moment - tired, hungry, stressed out etc. The devil knows when to knock on your door.
Christ knew temptation. He also knew how to combat it ...
Through fasting and prayer, making the will disciplined and strong.
These evil spirits will be driven out only through prayer and sacrifice.
Each year on the First Sunday of Lent the Church invites us to reflect on the Temptations of Jesus. The dynamic of a "temptation" is an interesting one. It was a dynamic that Jesus himself faced as he prepared for his public ministry.
Going all the way back to the story of Adam and Eve, we can see how a temptation plays out. Satan is good at what he does. He makes temptation look good. Our first parents were told they could not eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Satan told them that if they ate of this tree they would have the knowledge of God. They would be like God. Imagine! Wanting to be in possession of such knowledge, such power.
In the story of the three temptation of Jesus, Satan makes food and power look so enticing.
Remember the old Mickey Mouse cartoons? Mickey was tempted. An angel whispering into his right ear and the devil (complete with red tights and pitch fork) speaking into his left ear. The idea is not far off the mark. A dialogue goes on within our deepest self; should I or shouldn't I??
From whence come your temptations?
The devil knows your weaknesses, be sure of that.
He'll get you in a weak moment - tired, hungry, stressed out etc. The devil knows when to knock on your door.
Christ knew temptation. He also knew how to combat it ...
Through fasting and prayer, making the will disciplined and strong.
These evil spirits will be driven out only through prayer and sacrifice.
Friday, February 5, 2010
February 5, 2010
Today is the celebration of the last of the "winter Virgin-Martyrs", i.e., St. Agatha. We began in November with St. Cecilia (Nov. 22), St. Lucy (Dec.13), St. Agnes (Jan. 21) and today's St. Agatha (Feb.5). All four were martyrs of the early Church and all four are mentioned in the First Eucharistic Prayer of the Mass. From the earliest times their names have been part of what is known as the Roman Canon.
We have also arrived at the secular vigil of what is perhaps the largest non-religious ritual that we have in the United States - the Super Bowl. It is, if you will, a secular "liturgy" with all kinds of symbols. It is the high priests of this liturgy that I am concerned with at times, the PLAYERS.
While not a player, one athlete emerges at this year's national pig skin festival that can teach all a good lesson in moral values. Watch for the ad with Tim Tebow as we are invited to celebrate LIFE.
It was this very life that was sacred to the Virgin-martyrs. They would not compromise their beliefs. They stood for what they believed in, their values.
Sunday's ad during the Super Bowl will ask you to do the same.
Kick-off: 6:25 P.M.
Today is the celebration of the last of the "winter Virgin-Martyrs", i.e., St. Agatha. We began in November with St. Cecilia (Nov. 22), St. Lucy (Dec.13), St. Agnes (Jan. 21) and today's St. Agatha (Feb.5). All four were martyrs of the early Church and all four are mentioned in the First Eucharistic Prayer of the Mass. From the earliest times their names have been part of what is known as the Roman Canon.
We have also arrived at the secular vigil of what is perhaps the largest non-religious ritual that we have in the United States - the Super Bowl. It is, if you will, a secular "liturgy" with all kinds of symbols. It is the high priests of this liturgy that I am concerned with at times, the PLAYERS.
While not a player, one athlete emerges at this year's national pig skin festival that can teach all a good lesson in moral values. Watch for the ad with Tim Tebow as we are invited to celebrate LIFE.
It was this very life that was sacred to the Virgin-martyrs. They would not compromise their beliefs. They stood for what they believed in, their values.
Sunday's ad during the Super Bowl will ask you to do the same.
Kick-off: 6:25 P.M.
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