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Be The Light You Are Called To Be

The world is dark. It is so easy to become enveloped in the darkness, to close our eyes to it, to pull our covers around us, to blame others for the darkness and to wait for someone else to bring us light.

But Jesus told us:

You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:14-16

We are not called to hide in the darkness. We are not called to wait for someone else to shine a light. We are called to be the light. We are called to light the path for others. We are called to glorify God through our light.

It is easy to blame others. It is easy to give up and shelter in place. It is easy to think, what can I do. My light is not big enough. My light is not bright enough. My light is not strong enough. All of this is easy if we think that we have to provide the light. If we are so braggadocious to think it is all about us and our light, our strength and our brilliance. Of course, we do not create light, which is why it is easy for us to sit in the darkness. We are the light of the world when we follow Jesus.

Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

We do not have to create the light. Whoever follows Jesus will have the light. But we cannot hide under a bushel basket. We cannot hide under the covers. We cannot expect someone else to shine the light. We have to stand up. We have to open our eyes. We have to open our arms and our hearts and stretch out wide so that we are big and strong and the light of Christ can shine though us, and reflect off every inch of us. Light one candle in a dark room and witness what one candle can do (even a very small one). Walk outside on a full moon night. Like us the moon does not create its own light but it is a powerful reflection of the sun. (We too can be a powerful reflection of the Son). On a clear night, when the moon is not hiding behind clouds, it provides enormous light. You can walk without need for a flashlight. It shines light into our homes if our shades are up and we let it in. Our light, our reflection of Jesus’ love can shine into the hearts of others who are open to letting it in.

Arise! Shine, for your light has come, the glory of the LORD has dawned upon you. Though darkness covers the earth, and thick clouds, the peoples, Upon you the LORD will dawn, and over you his glory will be seen. Nations shall walk by your light, kings by the radiance of your dawning.

Isaiah 60:1-3

It is easy to bemoan the darkness around us. It is easy to bemoan the evil. It is easy to bemoan the generation of nonbelievers and the empty pews at church. It is easy to ask why isn’t someone doing something about this.

Do something. Be the light. Follow Jesus. Fill your heart, your soul and your spirit with the love of Jesus. And don’t hide it. Let the world see your love. Let the world see your strength to stand up and follow Jesus. Let the world see your brilliance.

Jesus,

I want to follow you in my words and deeds. I want to be filled with your light. Help me to pull the covers off, to open my eyes in the face of darkness, to stand proud in your light. I want your light to shine through me. I want to reflect your love and your brilliance to others. I want my life to be spent glorifying God through my words and deeds. Help me.

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Don’t Return That Gift

Christmas is over. Holiday cheer is gone and we are now fighting in the stores to return those gifts that weren’t exactly what we wanted. The sweater that “didn’t fit”, the gift we did not even take out of the package because we didn’t know what to do with it, the puzzle that was too hard. And all of the other “well-meaning” gifts that we didn’t think we wanted or needed.

As we focus on the material gifts and whether they fit our wants and needs, what are we doing with the true gift? Have we taken the time to even open it? Have we taken it out of the package? Have we read the instructions? Have we tried what seems hard? Did we decide it didn’t fit without attempting to try it on? Did we decide we didn’t need it or want it because it was too hard to understand?

We know what the true meaning of Christmas is, but did we accept the gift? Or did we put it on a shelf or away in a box til next year?

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.

John 3:16

This is the greatest gift. This is the gift we are reminded of every Christmas. And yet we spend too much time ignoring it, ignoring Him. Perhaps, without even meaning to, we reject the gift. It takes more time than a video game or an air fryer to fully understand. We can’t just press a button to make it work. We need to take the time to read the instructions, read the scriptures, read God’s word. We need to take time to be in His presence. We need to put the work in to believe, to have faith, to fully embrace the gift that we have been given. We may not think it is what we want or what we need, but it is. God is what we want. He is what we need. He is what we are longing for. His love can and should be returned (in kind) and regifted, but first we must accept it.

Lord,

Thank you! Thank you for the greatest gift that we could ever ask for. Thank you for sending your son to us, for suffering for us, when we turned away. As we start the new year, help me to accept your gift with open arms. Help me to take the time to read your word, to listen, to be present with you. Help me to keep Christmas in my heart throughout the year and to not reject or ignore the gift that you have given. And help me to regift and return that gift in kind to others so that they too may feel and experience the greatest gift of all.

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What Journey Are You Planning?

Today’s gospel was one I struggle with. In fact, I read ahead while I was sitting in the pew and am fairly certain I let out an audible and heavy sigh as I read these words (which I know so well):

As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.’” He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Mark 10:17-22

Every time I read this or hear it at mass, I feel like my face also falls. Does this mean I have to give up everything? EVERYTHING I have worked so hard for? EVERYTHING I enjoy on earth?

The priest at mass gave a beautiful homily, focusing on the journey rather than giving anything up. He asked if we were going on a journey, what three things would we bring and suggested that the three readings today suggest that we should bring wisdom, the word of God as our guidebook, and faith. At the end he asked, when we thought about going on a journey — where were we thinking of going? This struck me (because I really had not thought about it).

When we are planning a vacation, we plan for it, sometimes for months. We read guidebooks or google. We plan what to pack, where to stay, what to see. We put in the work, sacrifice and save (sometimes for months), to make sure the trip of a week or two weeks will be nice. We talk to our friends and family about it (sometimes ad nauseum). At the end of which, we have pictures, souvenirs and memories. Similarly, as we prepare for our retirement, we plan for it. We read books, google or even attend seminars on it. We plan what we will need for hopefully what will be years. We put in the work, sacrifice and save. We talk to our friends and family about it. We even have countdowns and parties to celebrate it. We spend months planning for vacation and years planning for retirement.

But where are we really going and what journey do we really want to be on? Are we as excited about eternal life in our Father’s house, as we are about our upcoming beach vacation or our retirement plan? Are we focused on it and planning for it? Are we putting in the work and willing to sacrifice some things now? Are we talking to our friends and family about it? Would we give up the vacation for it? Would we give up our possessions and the comforts in this world for it? Have we set our sights, our hopes and our focus on God and being with Him?

Personally, I know, it is easy for me to push it to the back of my mind, to put my focus on things on earth, rather than to focus on God, to focus on the week vacation now, rather than eternal life. It seems absolutely silly when I say it out loud. Is it just the distraction of the riches, the technologies, the everyday life, the social media around us? Is it the procrastinator in us, thinking we have time to plan for that later? Is it a lack of faith? Is it choosing this world over God? Or is it a lack of trust that the dream vacation (heaven) is real or really for me?

The Good News is even though we may ignore God, even though at times we may choose this world over Him, God is still waiting for us. He is still waiting to welcome us aboard. He still has a seat reserved for us and an itinerary planned. I know that the eternal life that Jesus has promised is there and I know that it is impossible for me to attain on my own, but that everything is possible for God. (And, yes, that requires me to give up the control I like to have — I cannot get in a car and drive there by whatever path I want on my time schedule). God is ready for me and ready to steer my ship. But … I don’t get to control the timing and God is not going to force us to plan a journey with Him. We have to choose that (and choose that before the ship departs the last time).

Lord,

I know I am still lacking. But I want to choose you over every possession on earth. I want to plan my eternal vacation and retirement with you! Help me to find the courage and faith to follow your plan and not my own. I want your trip tik, your itinerary, not my own. I don’t want to procrastinate any longer. I want to be loud and proud about the journey I am on. I want to put my focus and my efforts into your journey. Grant me the grace and patience that I need. My paradise, my treasure, is with you.

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rest

One of my favorite bible verses is Matthew 11:28-30:

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

I could use rest. Rest from work. Rest from the daily grind. Rest from worry. Rest from disgruntlement. Rest from the negativity. Rest from the politics. Rest from a world that publicly appears to rebuke God and the rest and the peace that He provides, and wallows in worry, disgruntlement, negativity and politics.

My prayer most mornings is Lord, I place my worries and the work ahead of me on you. I give it over to you. I trust you to see me through it. And it is amazing how freeing it is and the immediate rest that I receive. But then I pick back up my own yoke and return to the daily grind and the feeling of rest is quickly swept away.

I miss the second part — to take up Jesus’ yoke and learn from Him.

Hmmm. Take up Jesus’ yoke? He was ridiculed, stripped, whipped and crucified with nails driven through his flesh. That does not seem easier than my typical daily grind. Yet, even knowing that, He says His yoke is easy and His burden is light. How is that possible?! Our burdens on earth do not compare to what Jesus endured for us. They do not compare to what his mother endured watching this occur to her son and savior. Even the heaviest burden on earth is light if we are meek and humble of heart and place our trust in God. In other words, we are called to put aside anger and frustration and disgruntlement and worry. We are called to patient and hopeful endurance of undesirable circumstances, to be humble in knowing that God knows better than us. We are not as powerful or as knowledgeable as God and when we lean on Him, when we follow Him, the yoke (even though it may seem hard in earthly terms) is easy and the burden is light because God is lifting it for us.

There is nothing on earth as important as God. Nothing with which we burden ourselves is worthy of the worry and strain that we put into it. When we put our focus and our energy into connecting with God, humbling ourselves to accept God’s glory and turn to Him for help, our burden is truly light. And we discover a peace that we cannot otherwise find despite our best dedication, our hardest work, our late-night hours. No accomplishment or reward on earth is worthy of the one we are truly seeking in heaven.

Lord, I place my worries and the work ahead of me on you. I give it over to you. I trust you to see me through it. Help me to be meek and humble. Help me to be patient and place my hope and trust in you even when I have to endure undesirable circumstances. Help me to keep my focus on you and on the only reward I truly seek which is eternal life with you. Lord, give me the rest and peace that comes from knowing you and following you.

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The Faithful Cry

Have you ever cried out to God?  Have you ever cried out when the world is telling you not to?  When the world is telling you literally and figuratively to shut up?

Today in the gospel Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus.  The world and even the followers of Jesus rebuke him and tell him to shut up.  But he continues to cry out. 

And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, he is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

Mark: 10:46-52

The world continues to tell us to shut up.  Don’t talk about religion lest you offend someone else.  Don’t talk about God lest you be told to shut up, or receive looks or are rebuked.  As a society we have allowed the rebukes to silence us. Sometimes we keep religion separate, on the side, an after-thought, something we think about on Sundays. We hide our faith and our love of God, lest we be judged on earth.

Bartimaeus persisted.  Although he was blind he knew that Jesus was all that he needed.  Jesus was more important than what others in the world thought.  I have also been blind.  I go through life often blinded by the world around me. I go to church. I read the bible. I say some prayers, but do I see? I cry out in the quiet of my heart, when I have time, when I get around to it, when the world is not otherwise distracting me or silencing me. But, do I hear? Do I listen? My cry is so quiet, that even I don’t always hear it. (But God does.)

Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.

Jesus, son of David, have pity on me!

JESUS, SON OF DAVID, HAVE PITY ON ME!

Open my eyes so that I see you. Open my eyes so that I see you in others. Open my eyes so I can focus on what matters and what you call me to be, not what the world is shouting around me. Open my ears and my heart, so that I may hear you… and follow.

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An Eclipse of the Heart

April 8, 2024. A total eclipse. The news has been reporting on this, hyping it, for over a year and constantly for the last week. People are traveling miles to witness it. It is all anyone is talking about.

All that is going through my head is Psalm 19:

The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament proclaims the works of his hands. Day unto day pours forth speech; night unto night whispers knowledge. There is no speech, no words; their voice is not heard; A report goes forth through all the earth, their messages, to the ends of the world. He has pitched in them a tent for the sun; it comes forth like a bridegroom from his canopy, and like a hero joyfully runs its course. From one end of the heavens it comes forth; its course runs through to the other; nothing escapes its heat.

Psalm 19:2-7

Many will spend hours today to witness the eclipse. They will travel for miles, wait in crowded fields, and curse at the traffic afterwards. But even with their glasses on, will they really see? Will they witness the glory of God? Will they experience the bridegroom or feel the heat from God’s love? Every day the sun comes up and we take it for granted. God’s truth is poured out all around us, but we do not stop and take the time to hear and to listen. We cannot escape the shining light that He provides, His warmth or His love, despite how much we may try. Today’s eclipse is marvelous and will inspire awe. But everyday is just as marvelous. No matter the darkness of night or the darkness of any storm, the sun always returns to light our way, to warm our hearts. Each spring the deadness of winter is replaced with the beauty of rebirth, green grasses, blue skies, and yellow, red, orange and purple flowers. God’s love and miracles surround us. Every. Single. Day. The Psalm goes on to state:

The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart. The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The statutes of the LORD are true, all of them just; More desirable than gold, than a hoard of purest gold, Sweeter also than honey or drippings from the comb. By them your servant is warned; obeying them brings much reward.

Psalm 19:8-12

As we look to the heavens today, I pray that we experience the wonder and awe of our Awesome God. May our souls be refreshed, may our hearts rejoice, and may our eyes be enlightened! May we be in pure awe and know that our God is a might God. Lord, help us to hear… and listen.

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The Love Story

For three days, I have felt called to write. And for three days, I have busied myself in matters of the world instead. Three long days.

At one point, I almost started to write about being lost… but then I got further lost in the world.

Today, I promised God that I would write, but the day once again got busy. And as I was climbing into bed, I felt the nudge once more. And, so… I gave in… a little begrudgingly, as I am tired and it is nearing midnight. I opened the Bible, as I used to do more regularly than as of late. I opened it to a random page and this is what I saw:

“I love you, says the LORD.”

Malachi 1:2

Mic Drop! I am without words. Speechless. And breathless.

What a perfect end to a long day. What a perfect end to a long week. What a perfect start to Lent. And with three little words, I no longer feel lost. And the start of Lent on Valentine’s Day this year makes so much sense. How perfect that God’s love story should start with a heart and a cross. Our ashes, our shame, our regret and His love.

God, Thank you for calling me back. Thank you for reminding me of your love. I hear you. I see you. I feel you. I want to do better. You are amazing and wonderful. I want to serve you and only you. I am lost when I turn to the world. I am found when I turn to you. You are all I need. I want to praise you and honor you. I am in awe of you and I fear ever being away from you. Help me to offer my gifts and my sacrifice with my whole heart. Help me to serve as you want me to serve. I want to be part of your love story.

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Mental Health Awareness Month: Spread HOPE not Fear

It is mental health awareness month and we are in a mental health crisis in our country. Too many suicides, too many violent and irrational acts, too many are turning to alcohol, drugs and inappropriate sexual activity — none of which cures the ache, the distress, the hopelessness, the confusion and self loathing that permeates our youth, our adults and our elderly. We fight to break the stigma, but we do not have the healthcare resources available for those who need it. We fight over guns — but guns did not create the mental health crisis that plagues us. We fight over covid — but covid just added fuel to a fire that was already out of control. We fight over pro nouns and bathrooms and identities, but none of those fill the void that so many experience. We blame others for every hurt feeling and allow ourselves to wallow, rather than forgive. We spiral with fear of failure, lack of self worth and a lack of love. We have been taught it is better to be a victim and shout loudly about every perceived injustice, no matter how slight, than to seek understanding, forgiveness or make peace. It is easy to become lost. It is easy to go unnoticed. It is easy to give up.

Our current world tries to hide the hope. It celebrates discord rather than peace. It tramples religion and those who stand up for it. Perhaps some would rather us stay victims. Individuals who believe they are victims are easier to control. They are easy to discount. And, unfortunately, too many choose to pull themselves out of society through suicide, abortion, drugs, crime and violence. Those who are strong in their faith are harder to control. They know that this world is not the end game. Those who know God, know hope — even in the darkest hours. And while it still can be hard, and even the faithful have dark days, they have something to cling to, someone to lean on and turn to for HOPE. They have something to fill the void inside. They have an inner strength and peace that can withstand the challenges of the world around them.

We were made to know God. To Love God. Because God formed us, each of us, we have an innate desire to be with God. The world may try to tell us otherwise, but . . . when we try to live without Him, we are destined to fail. The Good News is, God is always beside us ready to take us back, ready to hold our hand and strengthen us (something no gun, no political party, no drug, no sex, no identity can do). He tells us:

Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Yes, all shall be put to shame and disgrace who vent their anger against you; Those shall be as nothing and perish who offer resistance. You shall seek but not find those who strive against you; They shall be as nothing at all who do battle with you. For I am the LORD, your God, who grasp your right hand; It is I who say to you, Do not fear, I will help you.

Isaiah 41:10-13

DO NOT FEAR! God is with you! Stop! When you fear. When you are distressed. When you are sad and lonely. STOP! Turn. Turn to God, even if you think you do not know Him or He does not know you. He Does! And no matter what you have done, who you think you are, He loves you and wants you to turn to Him! Reach out your right hand and ask Him to hold your hand, to strengthen you, to be with you. Stop. Turn. Reach out. Ask. And listen. Read his word and know that He is there. This world is temporary. Your pain, although it may not feel like it, is temporary. Our life with God, if we choose it, is eternal and His love for us and for you is eternal. Stop and turn — anytime. Anywhere. God is there.

In this world, there will be darkness. It is a guarantee. And it is easy to succumb to that darkness. But there is a light. God is the light. Our Hope, rests in our Creator. You can rest assured in that Hope and in that Peace. And you can spread His light to others!

The days of everyone going to church, of Sundays being sacred, of this nation being founded under God are disappearing. God sent us into the world to shine His light for others. We cannot rely on a priest or pastor or minister to spread the Good News, to be the only light. We have to be the light too. If you are lost and looking for your purpose — BE THE LIGHT that God made you to be.

Dear God,

Shine your light on all those who need to see it. Help me to spread your word to all those who need to hear it. I am tired of the pain and suffering and hopelessness. I do not want to sit by and hear of another suicide, drug overdose or other action and know that I could have done more, said more, been there more or shared your light and your love more. Help me to stand up in my faith. Help me to be bold. Help me to avoid pushing down, instilling fear or wallowing in hurt. Help me to raise everything up to you.

Veni Sancte Spiritus

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The Lion Roared in the Jungle

The Trinity. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 3.

God is often depicted as a lion.  Monday night the Lion was in the Jungle.  A jungle of Bengal tigers and Buffalo Bills.  The roar of the crowd was silenced.  But the Lion roared loud.  Hearts stopped.  But the dead were raised. Before our eyes.  And suddenly, a country that is divided, was united in Prayer.  PRAYER.  Suddenly, in the beat of a heart, grown beasts of men, a stadium filled with revelers, young and old, two cities who had planned to be rivals, broadcasters, and a nation of people of every walk of life were united in prayer.  PRAYER.    Individuals who hide from God, who hide their faith in God, were not afraid to admit their faith.  To share their faith.  Religion and God which can seem taboo in the current society, were embraced with open arms, as we all recognized that WE were powerless. WE did not have the answers. The most physical athletes, Bengals and Bills were powerless.  Broadcasters who make a living speaking, were speechless. Minutes went by.  Tears flowed. And prayers, PRAYERS were raised to the heavens.  One by one, two by two, three by three.  Prayers for 3.  Prayers to 3, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

If only it didn’t take a heart to stop to get our hearts to start.

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Three Words

I have been reminded recently of how one incident, one interaction, and sometimes, even one word can damage a relationship, hurt a friendship and even change a life. Sometimes things we say without thinking can seem to permanently alter a relationship. Words said in haste, in anger, or just carelessly, can have significant consequences. I have also been reminded that sometimes a word taken out of context or misunderstood can have a similar effect. Words can be powerful.

Thankfully, most words, most interactions, most incidents can be overcome by three words.

I am sorry.

I forgive you.

(I forgive myself.)

I love you.

Three words we often forget to say (or fail to listen to, preferring to focus on the negative).

John reminds us at the start of his gospel how powerful the true Word is:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

***

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.

John 1:1-5, 14

Everything else in life, every negative interaction, negative feeling, negative word is overcome by three words: Word became flesh. And because of those three words, we know the power and truth of other words:

He Is Risen.

God Is Love.

Jesus Conquered Death.

Three words. Listen to the Word over the roar of negativity that permeates the world and you will hear:

God Loves You.

God Is Merciful.

God With You.

Three words can change everything for the good.

Lord,

Open my eyes, my ears and my heart to your Word. Open my mouth to speak the three words that others need to hear. Heal those who are hurting over misunderstood words or who let words that aren’t from you influence their life.