Too Busy

Come along: everything is ready now. But all alike started to make excuses.
Lk.14:17,18

An invitation to the heavenly banquet lies before me. Am I also too busy?

I've been retired coming up four years. I'd have time on my hands, right?  Wrong. My days have never been so full, often with requests from other people. I'm busy. Too busy?

What's the land I've acquired, new car I've bought, relationship I'm pursuing that is stealing my time with God?

What defines too busy? I'd have to say I'm too busy when I'm missing God, when I'm not hearing what he is inviting me to today. 

This morning prayer time is a good way to make sure I receive God's invitation and then act on it. What a privilege. What a joy.

Jesus, you achieved so much yet you were never too busy. Help me discern what is an invitation from the world and what is an invitation from you. 

And the Greatest is...

My prayer is that your love for each other may increase more and more.
Ph.1:9

When is there enough love? Never!

Love is dynamic. It is always growing, magnifying, flourishing. The heights of love in me will only be achieved when I meet Love himself. Until that day I keep looking for and learning more ways to love.

What I'm wanting is less of me and more of him. Paul talks of loving as Christ loves. That's a high bar. But when that happens, what a powerful witness to the glory of God. 

Come Holy Spirit, fill the heart of your faithful. Kindle in me the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and I shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth. 

Man of Integrity

That is why you must rely on God’s armour, or you will not be able to put up any resistance when the worst happens, or have enough resources to hold your ground.
Eph.6:13

Do I want to resist the worst and hold my ground? Put on God's Armour.

What does this armour comprise? 

-    Truth

-    Integrity

-    Evangelism

-    Faith

-    Salvation

-    Holy Scripture

What part of this armour do I need to shine up today? 

Integrity catches my attention. It is the quality of being honest, trustworthy, and having an unwavering commitment to strong moral and ethical principles.

Holy Spirit, help me be a man of integrity today.

Love Submitting to Love

As the Church submits to Christ, so should wives to their husbands, in everything. Husbands should love their wives just as Christ loved the Church and sacrificed himself for her.
Eph.5:24,25

Marriage flourishes when it is love submitted to love. And this is a two way transaction. Wives submit to the love of their husband and husbands submit to the object of their love, their wife. That's what sacrificial love does. 

On first read Saint Paul appears to be favouring husbands here. But look at what wives are being asked to submit to. Sacrificial love. 

Jesus died for the Church. That's the height of sacrifice husbands are being called to for our wives. Who wouldn't want to submit to such love? In fact, that is what every Christian does. We submit to Christ's love.

If a husband's love isn't sacrificial, he's not fulfilling his side of the marriage and is not worthy of submission.

Am I that type of husband? Could I do better? Yes, I could. 

Jesus, help me love Kate sacrificially as you loved the Church.

Edify

Do you suppose that they were more guilty than all the other people living in Jerusalem? They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you repent you will all perish as they did.
Lk.13:4,5

The apparent random death of victims of a collapsed tower is used by Jesus to warn that death is a great leveler. No matter what our perceived righteousness, spiritual preparation is required by us all.

I read earlier this year of an American Christian author's public confession of years of adultery. Predicatibly, he was vilified. I was reminded of the ancient Roman playwright Terence's quote; "I am human. Nothing human is alien to me." I would add, there but for the grace of God go I.

As read in Ephesians yesterday, I am called to "Bear with one another charitably, in complete selflessness, gentleness and patience." 

Jesus, rather than pulling  down with accusations of guilt, help me build people up, that my own guilt may be atoned. 

Bear with One Another in Love

Bear with one another charitably, in complete selflessness, gentleness and patience. Do all you can to preserve the unity of the Spirit by the peace that binds you together. 
Eph.4:1-6

Charitable forbearance has a beautiful fruit. Peace.

My wife and I have been married coming up to 48 years. We are two very different personalities and yet our marriage continues to flourish. The key? I would say we bear with one another charitably.

The world aches for this commandment to be exercised, in personal and international relationships. As the song goes, "Let there be peace on earth and let it  begin with me."

Jesus, you know my natural inclination is to put me first. Help me bear with others in selflessness, gentleness, patience and love.

He is Worth It

Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.
Lk.12:51

It is strange but true. Following the Prince of Peace can cause division.

I experienced this family division on my conversion to Catholicism. My mother and sister were, how can I say it... mystified.  Since that time my mother became a believer five days before she died. My sister remains on my prayer list.

In such times, as we read in today's first reading from Ephesians (one of the greatest books ever written in my opinion), I ask for "power through his Spirit for my hidden self to grow strong". Eph.3:16

This is one of those challenging gospel readings where I have to ask, "What is Love saying here?" 

He's saying to me, "Yes Mike, your faith in me is costing you but, am I worth it?"

I've counted up the cost and, yes Lord, you are worth it.

Stand Ready

You too must stand ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Lk.12:40

When will Jesus return? Wrong question. How will he find me? Right question.

Even Jesus doesn't know the hour of his return. That is only known by God the Father (Mt.24:36). For good reason. Me being me, I'd probably slacken off and then crank up the good works in a final dash to the finish line. Stack up the brownie points.

So, I'm left with the constant thought, "Is this the day?" 

Ha! My wife has just come in with a request from our daughter. She has four children at home with Chicken Pox and needs to do a supermarket shop. Am I standing ready to help?

Enough talk. Time for action!

He is the Peace Between Us

For he is the peace between us.
Eph.2:14

Saint Paul writes that pagans and Jews are now one body by the blood of Jesus.

Our  parish is a United Nations, with people from every continent. There is a beautiful unity in our diversity, by our shared faith in Jesus. It is a foreshadowing of heaven... many different peoples, one Lord all.

The peace Jesus brings doesn't require us all to be the same, thank God. We had a Fijian choir lead us last Sunday. Hearing them worship my God in their language lifted my spirit. 

So, Jesus, help me to continue to be at peace with all the different types of people in our parish. You are the peace between us.

Bend the Knee to His Furious Love

To you my friends I say: Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. I will tell you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has the power to cast into hell.
Lk.12:5

Friendly advice from Jesus. Don't fear man. Fear God.

Jesus has a wonderful way of expanding my view. I do get weighed down by the concerns of what the world is doing and can do to me. Jesus says no, that world is temporary. Look to the eternal and make sure of that destination.

Fearing God is not a paralysing terror. It's a deep reverence, awe, and respect for God’s holiness, power, and authority. It's a bending of the knee to his furious love. 

I've noticed when I have a fervent fear of God, there's no room in me for the fear of man. It's a liberating outworking of perfect love casting out all fear. 

Father in Heaven, I place my trust in your great love. May your mercy triumph over judgement.

Salvation - Assured But Not Yet Received

We must hope to be saved since we are not saved yet – it is something we must wait for with patience.
Rms.8:24,25

For the believer, salvation is assured but not yet received.

When does Saint Paul say that salvation actually occurs? "When our bodies are set free" Rms.8:23.

This points forward to the Christian hope of resurrection and receiving a restored, glorified body free from pain and mortality. 

My glorified body has the final say. What a wonderful hope to carry into my day, whatever it brings.

So, when I'm asked, "Are you saved brother?"  My confident answer is, "Not yet, but I have every hope to be."

Thank you Jesus for your wonderful promise of salvation. I place my trust in you.
Saint Teresa of Ávila, please pray for us.

 

Faith and Love

What matters is faith that makes its power felt through love.
Gl.5:6

What is the first sign of faith? Love.

Paul warns against observing the Law in place of exercising faith. The Law is a yoke to slavery. Faith is the door to freedom.

There's a little Pharisee within me that quite likes the Law. It's so clean and black and white. The trouble is I could never keep it. My life is murky and grey. I need the mercy that comes by faith.

Faith is a free gift. All I need to do is receive it. 

Jesus, thank you for the gift of faith. I place my trust in you.

Hear and Do

‘Happy the womb that bore you and the breasts you sucked!’ But he replied, ‘Still happier those who hear the word of God and keep it!’
Lk.11:27,28

A woman in the crowd cries out the greatest compliment she can think of. Jesus responds with the greatest challenge.

Happiness comes from hearing God's word and doing it. Hearing is relatively simple. The Bible and prayer are there to help me. It's the doing that can be a challenge. 

Here is where the Holy Spirit can be invited. He animates spiritual virtues in my life, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Exercising any of these is keeping God's word.

Come Holy Spirit. Animate your fruits in me as I hear God's word and keep it.

Free Alive and Filled

This was done so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might include the pagans, and so that through faith we might receive the promised Spirit.
Gl.3:14

Believing Jesus died for me frees me from the curse of the law, brings me life... and the promised Holy Spirit.

Faith is such a wonderful gift. It's offered to all but received by few. Through faith I am free, alive and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Thank you Jesus for the gift of faith. I place my trust in you.

Manservant

‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ 
Lk.1:38

Mary's angelic visitation could have had her responding with flight, fight or submission. She chose the latter. 

I'm not sure how I would respond to an angelic vision. Mary's response reveals her extraordinary trust in God. Being a handmaid wasn't just a figure of speech. That is exactly how she saw herself.

Am I a manservant of the Lord? Do I perform close, personal duties for God? Not to the degree Mary did. 

The key words here are "close" and "personal". I need to get closer and more personal with Jesus. Put simply, just hang out with him like mates do. 

When I have this level of intimacy with Jesus, Mary's instruction to the Cana wedding marshall's servants can apply to me. "Do whatever he tells you". 

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. 

Love Shown By Mercy

 

A lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’
Lk.10:25

Where am I in the parable of the Good Samaritan? Great question. 

Interestingly, I'm drawn outside of the famous parable and seem to identify with the conniving lawyer. I'm struck by how Jesus drew out of the lawyer the right answer... twice. Firstly that eternal life is found in loving God and loving others and then it is mercy that shows the outworking of these two great loves.

The lawyer actually knew the right answers, he just needed Jesus to draw them out. That's me. I already know what is right and what is wrong. That has been placed in all of us by God. I need Jesus to draw "rightness" out of me. 

How does that happen? By doing what the lawyer did. Enter into conversation with Jesus. Even though the lawyer's motivation was corrupt, Jesus drew right answers out from him.

Jesus, you see gold in my miry clay. Draw out of me all that is good, beautiful and true. Let my love show itself in mercy.

Less of Me More of You

I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children.
Lk.10:21

Any vainglory the triumphant seventy-two may have been tempted to embrace is deflated by Jesus. He calls them mere children.

I've come off leading a successful retreat and faced this same temptation. Haven't I done well. Well... no, I haven't. He has done well. I am just a child doing what I've been told.

Maybe a better response to watching "even devils submitting" is to say, 'I'm constantly amazed at how Jesus uses me.'

Jesus, less of me and more of you. My reward is that you know my name.

 

Less is More

Unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 
Mt.18:3

In Jesus' eyes, lesser is greater.

If there is to be any striving in God's Kingdom it is the striving to be the lesser. I'm reminded of those always-funny comedy scenes where two people are arguing over who should go through the door first. "After you. No, after you. No, I insist, after you!" Then out of frustration they both lunge for the door, only to both get jammed there.

Striving to be the least is counter culture in a world that esteems the biggest, the best, the brightest and the beautiful. 

To be honest, humility doesn't come naturally to me. Yet, if I desire to follow Jesus, humility is my very first step. I'm encouraged to know that Saint Thérèse at first struggled with this. Then a point came where she surrendered her ego to Jesus and "littleness" became her boast. 

Jesus, help my less become more. Saint Thérèse, please pray for me.

Be Ready for Any Good Work

This is how the man who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work.
2Tm.3:17

How can I be fully equipped and ready? By profitably using sacred scripture.

One of the first fruits of my receiving baptism in the Holy Spirit was gaining a ravenous hunger for scripture. I became inspired by what was inspired by the Holy Spirit. 

So, what does the Holy Spirit want me to be equipped and ready for today? Any good work.

Thank you Lord for the gift of Sacred Scripture. Let me not stray from your commands.

Angels of God

You will see heaven laid open and, above the Son of Man, the angels of God ascending and descending.
Jn.1:51

Our world is more than what we see. There is a constant traffic of angels ascending and descending between heaven and earth. 

This feast day of the Archangels expands my view. I'm invited by the Church to lift my head and see beyond what is in front of me and to envision the presence of angels, those pure spiritual creatures created by God to serve as His servants, messengers, and protectors of humanity.

I find this reassuring. There is a host that is on God's side, protecting me and those I love. 

St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in the day of battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
cast into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen. 

Fill Your Tank

In the morning, fill us with your love;
we shall exult and rejoice all our days.
Ps.89:14

Love in the morning gives joy through the day.

God's faithful, furious love is poured out morning by morning. This is the fuel that fills my tank, that sustains me through the day. I am reminded of my identity in God. A Beloved Son in whom God is well pleased, right where I am and not where I ought to be.

Thank you Father for your merciful love. Morning by morning new mercies I see. 

Who is He?

But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?
Lk.9:20

All humanity is faced with this most important of all questions. We either believe what Jesus says about himself or we don't.

My response to this question has changed over the years.  A fantasy... a wise man... a prophet... God.

My daily answer now reflects whatever part of his Godhead I am encountering. Who do I say Jesus is today? 

Jesus, you are my hope and joy. Holy Spirit, empower me to be a conduit of hope and joy to those I meet today.

Short Life Wise Heart

Make us know the shortness of our life
that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Ps.89:12

Life is brief so focus on what is important. Knowing what is important, there lies wisdom of heart. 

And what is important? Relationships. My relationship with God. My relationship with my wife, children, grandchildren. My relationship with my friends. 

These are my treasures in heaven, treasures that are eternal. 

Jesus, make me know the shortness of my life, that I may gain wisdom of heart.

A Big Fat Noisy Family

My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.
Lk.8:21

Hearing God's Word is not enough. It's the doing it that makes me a brother of Jesus. Being Christian is not a Lone Ranger activity. Jesus invites me into a family. 

When I was on the outside looking in, this had an appeal. I was outside feeling bored. Inside was a big, fat, noisy family. They were doing stuff and doing it with joy and laughter. 

Sure they made the usual mistakes families make... poor communication, a bit judgy at times, sometimes over protective and sometimes reckless. But there seemed to be something bigger that made a difference, that made them stick together, dig deeper and hammer it out. 

That was the parish that embraced me, that welcomed me into the Church. Now I'm part of the big, fat, noisy family, watching for those on the outside looking bored. 

Noble and Generous

 As for the part in the rich soil, this is people with a noble and generous heart who have heard the word and take it to themselves and yield a harvest through their perseverance.
Lk.8:15

Rich soil produces a rich harvest.

Oh to qualify for the character traits "noble and generous". 

Noble:    
Of high moral character.

Generous:
Free, abundant giving.
Also, free from petty thoughts; showing a noble or open mind.

Noble generosity is counter cultural, a sure sign they are God-given virtues. I have met people like this. They are great to hang around. They are also challenging, exposing my low and stingy character. 

Jesus, make my soil rich. Give me a noble and generous heart towards those I meet today.

Much Forgiveness Much Love

Her many sins, must have been forgiven her, or she would not have shown such great love. 
Lk.7:47

Much forgiveness bears a beautiful fruit. Much love.

I am drawn to this anonymous woman. Much of her story is my story.

Occasionally I pause and reflect on my past atheism. Not with longing but with gratitude. It is good for me to remember where I have come from. This shields me from complacency and refuels my love for Jesus. It rekindles the fire of my first love. 

Jesus came not to condemn me but to save me. This is good news and worth sharing... today.

Thank you Jesus for rescuing me. 

This is Your Mother

‘Woman, this is your son.’ Then to the disciple he said, ‘This is your mother.’ And from that moment the disciple made a place for her in his home.  Jn.19:26,27 

Jesus gives the Church a mother. Have I acknowledged Mary as my mother?

Pope Francis said the following about Mary:

• He warned that without Mary's maternal influence, the Church loses its true identity. It risks becoming a mere charitable organisation, a corporate business, or a "football team," rather than a living family. 
  
  
• He emphasised that Mary teaches the Church the language of tenderness, meekness, and humility. He remarked that "a Church that is a mother goes along the path of tenderness" through compassion, silence, and loving gazes.
  
  
• He reminded that Christians have "a mama" in heaven and a mother in the Church, ensuring that believers never walk alone. 

So, Mary invites me into a living, tender family where I never walk alone.  I can accept that invitation.

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

Love

Instead, love your enemies and do good, and lend without any hope of return. You will have a great reward, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.
Lk.6:35

Why love my enemies? For God the Most High has been kind to ungrateful, wicked me.

The unbelieving world knows this verse well. It sighs and thinks, "If only they would."

This great call of Jesus will simply not go away. It stands before me not to accuse but to encourage. I can always love more... always. 

And what does this love look like? Mother Church is leading us towards the great definition of love as we read 1 Corinthians.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1Cor.13:4-7)

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created,
and you shall renew the face of the earth.

Happy the Poor

How happy are you who are poor: yours is the kingdom of God.
Lk.6:20

Affliction may bring the world's derision but it also attracts Jesus' compassion.

There's a rough sleeper who has set up camp in a subway near my home, a woman. While taking a baby grandson out in a stroller I stopped, knelt down, gave my name and asked for hers. She was frightened of me and would only look at the baby, touch his feet and mumble. On asking again I got "Joanne". She clearly had mental health problems.

On moving on I was struck by the thought that Joanne is probably closer to Jesus than I am. Her affliction would be petrol to the flame of Jesus' furious love. 

Where can I find Jesus in my day today? Certainly in the sacraments, but just as certainly in the afflicted I meet.

Jesus, help me see you in the "least of these" that I meet today.

A Fool for Christ

Here we are, fools for the sake of Christ.
1Cor.4:10

Following Jesus means rejecting the wisdom of the world, being regarded a fool.

There's no middle ground with Jesus. I'm either for him or against him. The world estemes the rich, the powerful, the brainy, the beautiful. Jesus calls me to esteem the poor, the rejects, the lowly, the unattractive, the sinners. Foolishness to the world.

But, there's something liberating in being a fool for Christ, something joyful. Truly, having less is more. 

Jesus, you know my attachments to the lures of the world. Help me detach so, unimpeded, I can better follow you.

Delight in the Lord

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Ps.36:4

Delighting in God is in itself the fulfillment of all desire.

Delighting is to enjoy something very much. There is delight in taking deep personal pleasure in simple or positive things. Joy is not for the perfect and pious alone. It is made available in simple things, such as the sunrise of a new day happening outside my window now. 

When I am in a state of delight, what more can my heart desire. 

Jesus, help me to delight in seeing you in the small things today. In such is the fulfillment of the desires of my heart.

Common Clay

We are only the earthenware jars that hold this treasure, to make it clear that such an overwhelming power comes from God and not from us.
2Cor.4:7

Paul emphasises that all wisdom comes from God, that he is only the bearer of such wisdom.

An earthenware jar was the plastic bucket of the ancient world. You couldn't find a more common, unadorned utensil. Yet, an earthenware jar can hold a beautiful, fine wine, elevating the jar.

Such is my capacity, depending on what I contain, trash or treasure. The glory always belongs to God.

Jesus, fill me with fine wine that my common clay may reflect who you are. 
Saint Gregory the Great, please pray for us.

Authentic Lover

And his teaching made a deep impression on them because he spoke with authority.
Lk.4:32

How did Jesus impress the people in the synagogues? Jesus spoke and acted with authority.

Jesus adapted his style, so to speak, according to his audience. In the synagogue as a teacher, it was his authority that caught attention. For sinners and tax collectors in the marketplace, it was his guileless love.

Paul said he became "All things to all people" 1 Cor.9:22 in order to proclaim the Gospel. Is this hypocrisy? In me it is in danger of becoming so. What stops this is love, love for the one I'm trying to reach. Love ensures I am "acting" for the betterment of the other. 

Jesus, help me be an authentic lover so I can better be your ambassador in my little corner of the world.

See As God Sees

When John’s disciples heard about this, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
Mk.6:29

John the Baptist's body is desecrated by Herod (beheaded) then honoured by his disciples (buried).

Burying the dead is the seventh corporal work of mercy. The Church has always done this. Why? It recognises that all human beings are made in the image of God. 

Now I think about it, why wait until someone is dead before honouring them? How about seeing the rough sleeper in the subway as made in God's image. Love knows no limits.

Jesus, every human life is precious in your sight. Help me see people as you see them and love them as you love them.
Saint John the Baptist, please pray for us.

Strive to be Least

Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.
Mt.8:12

High office brings high risk. Best strive to be the least.

Jesus warns against pride that comes with exaltation. This is counter cultural in a world that exults the rich, the powerful, the beautiful and the brainy.

I am as susceptible as anyone to the lure of fame and admiration. The antidote? Kill the desire for exaltation. Strive to be the least.

Litany of Humility

O Jesus, meek and humble of heart,

Hear me.

From the desire of being esteemed,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the desire of being loved,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the desire of being extolled,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the desire of being honored,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the desire of being praised,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the desire of being preferred to others,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the desire of being consulted,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the desire of being approved,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the fear of being humiliated,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the fear of being despised,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the fear of suffering rebukes,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the fear of being calumniated,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the fear of being forgotten,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the fear of being ridiculed,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the fear of being wronged,

Deliver me, O Jesus.

From the fear of being suspected,
Deliver me, O Jesus.

That others may be loved more than I,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be chosen and I set aside,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be praised and I go unnoticed,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be preferred to me in everything,

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

Charity

Charity is patient, is kind; charity does not envy, is not pretentious, is not puffed up, is not ambitious, is not self-seeking, is not provoked; thinks no evil, does not rejoice over wickedness, but rejoices with the truth, bears with all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Cor. 13:4-7).

To have Charity is to love God above all things for Himself and be ready to renounce all created things rather than offend Him by serious sin. ( Matt. 22:36-40)

Cardinal Merry del Val was the Secretary of State to Pope Saint Pius X (1903-1914)

New Life

When the Lord saw her he felt sorry for her. ‘Do not cry’ he said. 
Lk.7:13

Jesus' compassion for the widow of Nain gives new life to her son. Death hasn't the final say.

I wonder if Jesus saw his own mother when looking at the distress of the widow of Nain. No husband. Son dead. If so, there is a message here. 

New life awaits on the other side of death. And the author of that new life is Jesus. This indeed is good news.

Jesus, give your heart so I may speak new life into those I meet today.
Saint Monica, please pray for me.

Authentic Me

Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You who are like whitewashed tombs that look handsome on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of corruption.
Mt.23:27

Hypocrisy is rotten corruption dressed up. No matter how pretty, it still stinks.

What's the opposite of hypocrisy? Authenticity. Honesty is a virtue worth pursuing. I recently addressed a room full of men. It was a testimony of the good, the bad and the ugly of my life. I was thanked by numerous men afterwards, not for being a shining, saintly example. No, I was thanked for being honest.

Authentic honesty invites a similar response. Afterwards some men shared with me dark areas they were struggling with. There is something very healing in bringing darkness out into the light. Shame is replaced by hope.

Of hypocrisy, deliver me oh Lord.

Inexhaustible Comfort and Sure Hope

Such inexhaustible comfort and such sure hope.
2Th.2:16

Paul exhorts the Thessalonian Church to not be disturbed or deceived by false teaching. A sure sign of genuine good news is comfort and hope.

These are troubled times. False prophets manipulate portents to promote their own agendas. 

What is to be my response? Press further into Jesus and proclaim further out his Good News.

What does that look like? Inexhaustible comfort and sure hope.

Jesus, help me be the bearer  of inexhaustible comfort and sure hope to those I meet today.

You Know Lord

‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ I said, ‘You know, Lord.’ 
Ex.37:3

God shows Ezekiel the valley of dry bones and asks a question only God can answer. Ezekiel gives the only honest answer. "You know Lord."

God knows all. I don't. God is God. I'm not. There's a great reassurance in acknowledging that God is God. There are questions that are too great for me. My only response can be, "You alone know, Lord."

Jesus, I place my trust in you.

New Heart, New Spirit

I shall give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you; I shall remove the heart of stone from your bodies and give you a heart of flesh.
Ez.36:26

God promises a cleansing that gives a new, soft heart and a new spirit.

The inference is that I need regular cleansing. My heart and my spirit get tarnished and hardened. 

What dirties my spirit and hardens my heart? Selfishness, pride, judgement, lust. 

Time for confession.

When All Is Made New

 ...when all is made new...
Mt.19:28

This age has a beginning, and what we often forget, an end.

A new age is coming. We had a glimpse of this on the Feast of the Assumption did we not? Mary's assumption into heaven, body and soul, tells us heaven is going to be a fully human experience... but even better!

When all is made new the first will be last, the poor made rich, death will be defeated, no more sickness and pain. 

Fantasy? Jesus doesn't seem to think so. Neither do I.

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!

Simplicity

Let the little children alone, and do not stop them coming to me; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.
Mt.19:14

Jesus recognises that childlikeness opens the door to faith.

My entry into faith was greatly assisted by my children, without them realising it. As they were being taught and were receiving the sacraments of initiation, their questions were my unspoken questions. 

I secretly started playing their children's Christian music on my Walkman (remember those?). I wasn't ready for meat. I needed milk.

Tomorrow I'm leading Children's Liturgy at Mass. In trimming down the Gospel message to something a five year old can understand, time and again I find I'm speaking to myself.

Thank God for inspired writers and theologians, but sometimes I find it all "so much straw", to quote Saint Thomas Aquinas. The Gospel is actually very simple and I receive it best in simplicity.

Jesus, I come to you as a little child. Please lay your hands and bless me.

Sweet Fruit

I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last.
Jn.15:16

My life is not my own project, I am commissioned. To do what? Bear lasting fruit.

Jesus gives this commission at the Last Supper, just after giving the great commandment to love one another. It seems the bearing of fruit is linked to the commandment to love.

I've seen love bear fruit. I've seen the absence of love bear fruit also. Both fruits are lasting but love's fruit is sweeter.

I want to be a fruit that people can "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Ps.34:8 

Franciszek Gajowniczek, the man who Saint Maximilian Kolbe saved by taking his place to die in Auschwitz, spent the rest of his life sharing the story of Father Kolbe's sacrifice. He died in 1995 aged 93. Sweet fruit that lasted.

Lord, make me a great lover who bears fruit that lasts.
Saint Maximilian Kolbe, please pray for me.

Forgiveness

Each forgive your brother from your heart.
Mt.18:35

Forgiveness is not optional. It is essential to living the fullness of life Jesus brings.

Jesus keeps circling back on forgiveness. He knows unforgiveness, next to pride, is the greatest obstacle to entering the kingdom. 

Do I want more peace in my life, faith, hope, love, joy? Here's the key. Forgive others from my heart as I have been forgiven. 

Does this mean they get off scot free? Yes. Does it hold true even if they are unrepentant? Yes. The first to benefit from forgiveness given is the giver. 

Everyone thinks forgiveness is a great idea, until it's time to forgive. Jesus knows this. Can I forgive? No. But He can, through me.

Jesus, give me a heart that can forgive my brother. Set me free.

His Promise of Presence

For where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them.
Mt.18:20

Intimacy among believers invites intimacy with Jesus.

Jesus loves the Church. He desires that we meet and promises his intimate presence when we gather. Does this mean Jesus is not with me when I'm praying alone? Of course not. It's just that he enters in a special way when two or more are gathered in his name. 

I am reminded of Psalm 133. "How sweet and pleasant it is when the brothers come together in unity... for it is there the Lord commands a blessing."

Jesus, thank you for Church. Thank you for your promise of presence when we gather.

Lord! Save me!

‘Lord! Save me!’ he cried. Jesus put out his hand at once and held him.
Mt.30:31

What is Jesus' response to Peter's cry of terror? He puts out his hand and holds him.

Peter had just done what no man had done before. Walked on water, be it but a few steps. But, what impresses me more is his most powerful three word prayer, "Lord! Save me!" Peter knew who to turn to in his time of terror.

I've often wondered what it must have been like for Peter, looking up into the eyes of love and feeling the strength of the hand saving him. Yes, a mild rebuke came but I'm sure it was from a smiling face, full of tenderness and compassion.

Lord! Save me! Save me from fear. Save me from pride. Save me from myself. I place my trust in you.

First Thing First

Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on his righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well.
Mt.6:33

Trust in God first and things will come. 

The word "priorities" is an oxymoron. When I have "priorities" I actually have none. There can only be one priority.

Jesus tells me there is only one priority, God's Kingdom. When I make that my thing of highest importance, other things fall into right order and worry evaporates.

Jesus, I set my heart on God's Kingdom and place my trust in you.

Saint Mary MacKillop please pray for me.

A Lavish Lover

For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and, when he does, he will reward each one according to his behaviour. 
Mt.16:27

Behaviour reaps a reward, good or bad.

But, isn't being Christian about just being loved and not about earning? Well, yes, but love is only fully received when it is spontaneously given away. How does the song go? "...love isn't love 'til you give it away."

This begs the question... how's my behaviour? Am I lavishly throwing away love? Honestly, I could do better. And of course, it is in giving that I receive. So what have I got to loose?

Jesus, help me become a lavish lover, like you.

I'm a Beloved Son

This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased;
Mt.17:5

Jesus' identity is reaffirmed on the Mount of Transfiguration. Who is he? The Beloved Son.

Like Jesus, my ultimate identity is given by God the Father. I too am a beloved son. And like he tried with Jesus, Satan will do his utmost to rob me of my identity. "You, a sinner through and through! A son of God? You're dreaming, dirtbag."

Well, I may be a dirtbag, but my filthy rags have been exchanged for a pure white and spotless robe. Go talk to the one who made the exchange. I'm set free to live out my identity as a loved son. Go to hell Satan.

You're a good, good, father
That's who you are...

And I'm loved by you
That's who I am...

Gang of Lovers

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 
Mt.9:36

The fields are ready. All that is needed is labourers in love with harvest.

Prior to talking about harvesting Jesus looked at the people with love.  They weren't just a job to do. They were souls to rescue.

This is the test for whether someone is meant to be part of a missionary team. Are they in love with the harvest? Do they feel like weeping when thinking of them? Or, is the work simply a duty?

When a mission team is a gang of lovers, the work doesn't diminish, it just becomes delightful and much more effective. Who doesn't like being loved?

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. Kindle in them the fire of your love and they shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth.

Set Free

The reason why those who are in Christ Jesus are not condemned is that the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.
Rms.8:1,2

I have been set free from the shackles of my sinful nature by the new life I have gained in Jesus.

In my BC days (Before Christ) my future was what I could make of it. At best it promised creature comfort. Peace for my soul? Afraid not. I was a dead man walking.

My new life in Jesus promises less creature comfort but infinitely more peace, hope, joy and love. I have been set free!

Lord Jesus, thank you seems hardly adequate for what you have given me. By your cross and resurrection you have set me free. You are the Saviour of the world.

Saint Alphonsus Mary de' Liguori, please pray for me.

All or Nothing

So in the same way, none of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all...
Lk.14:33

Jesus turns on the hordes following him and speaks plainly. To follow him means all or nothing.

The crowd was becoming a mob, following Jesus for a variety of reasons. Some simply want to see the miracle worker do his next trick. 

There is a cost to following Jesus. He asks me to weigh it up and then make my choice. All or nothing.

Jesus, you are Lord of all or not at all. I give my all and place my trust in you. 

Break me, Melt me, Mould me, Fill me

And whenever the vessel he was making came out wrong, as happens with the clay handled by potters, he would start afresh and work it into another vessel, as potters do.
Jer.18:4

The potter doesn't toss away the wrong clay. He reshapes it into what he originally intended, into something beautiful.

This reminds me of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery. The cracks are highlighted with gold, bringing out a remarkable fresh beauty from a destroyed vessel. It treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise.

I am a work in progress. My sanctification is ongoing. I'm reworked clay. Sometimes I'm a smashed vessel, restored to greater glory.

Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me
Break me, melt me, mould me, fill me
Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me

Wheat Among the Weeds

The field is the world; the good seed is the subjects of the kingdom; the darnel, the subjects of the evil one; the enemy who sowed them, the devil; 
Mt.13:38,39

Jesus describes the state of the world. We are either subjects of the Kingdom or subjects of the evil one.

I like this image of the wheat among the weeds. That's how I see myself. I'm part of a secret army. I look the same as other people but my allegiance is to Jesus.  My motivation is to be life giving to the world. 

Wheat begets wheat. Yesterday while driving grandchildren to school they reminded me to say the morning prayers their mother (my daughter) usually prays with them. We prayed Angel of God, the Lord's Prayer, a Hail Mary and finished with the prayer to Saint Michael The Archangel. 

Lord Jesus, help me be wheat to nourish those I meet today.

Joy

But happy are your eyes because they see, your ears because they hear! 
Mt.13:16

Jesus proclaims a blessing over all who "see and hear". See and hear what? See and hear him.

There is such joy in knowing Jesus. The world needs this joy, a joy only I can carry into my corner of the world today. 

Jesus, I am your cup bearer. Let my cup of joy overflow today.

He Calls My Name

Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ 
Jn.20:16

Jesus transforms Mary Magdalen from deepest sorry to highest joy with one word. Her name.

I am drawn to Mary Magdalen, one who "sought the one whom her heart loved" and found him. Christian faith is unique in that it presents a God who desires a first name basis relationship. He calls my name.

Jesus says to me, 'Mike'. What is my response? 

Jesus, walk along the road beside me today. Speak your love into my life. Let my heart burn for love of you. 

Saint Mary Magdalen, please pray for me.

Family of God

Here are my mother and my brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven, he is my brother and sister and mother.
Mt.12:49,50

Jesus establishes the family of God. Anyone doing God's will is a member.

I can recall being outside of this family. I also remember the joy of being welcomed into it. Doing the will of the Father has been my motivation since that day. Sometimes successfully, sometimes not so. 

Jesus, today I roll up my sleeves and join the work of the family.

The Quiet, Persistent Hum of Christian Hope

He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not quench.
Mt.12:19,20

It's not loud and grand gestures that herald the Good News. It's the quiet, persistent hum of Christian hope in service. 

Bruised reeds and smouldering wicks abound in my corner of the world. If I call myself a follower of The Way I need to emulate his action. Strengthen the reed, fan the flame. 

Jesus, this is your work. Help me be a conduit of hope to those I meet today.

Mercy

I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.
Mt.12:7

Jesus shows what the highest sacrifice looks like. It looks like mercy.

Something in me thrilled when I heard Pope Francis say, "Who am I to judge?" Without going down the rabbit hole of what he was being asked to judge, I fell more in love with our Pope, the Pope history is already calling the Pope of Mercy.

The foundation of my Christian hope is mercy. Without mercy I'm a dead man walking. 

Was Jesus saying that sacrifice is of no value? I think not. Giving up something of value for the sake of another is a great virtue, something Jesus did for me on the Cross. But, like Jesus' death on the Cross, true sacrifice is first motivated by mercy.

Where does this leave me? Grateful for the mercy given me and motivated pass it on. 

To quote Pope Francis, "Mercy is the true power that can save humanity."

Less of Me More of Him

Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mt.11:28

Jesus invites me to surrender the exhausting burden of trying to control or earn my own salvation and instead walk through life in partnership with him.

Less of me and more of him gives most of rest.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, please pray for me.

The Cost

Peter said to Jesus, ‘See, we have left everything and followed you. What, then, will we have?’ 
Mt.19:27

Peter asks what's on everyone's mind. In following you, what's the cost?

Fear of the "cost" of being a follower held me back for years. In becoming Christian, I knew that my life would have to change and that thought was scary. In the end it wasn't that I hated the rubbish in my life that gave me the desire to change. It was realising that he first loved me, with all my rubbish. His perfect love casts out all fear. 

Oh the blessed change. It's not only the promise of a hundredfold return in eternal life, it's also the peace, hope, joy and love I have now.  I weighed it up and he was worth it. 

Saint Benedict, please pray for me.

Wisdom and Innocence

I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Mt.10:16

Jesus prepares the twelve for the hostility they will encounter. The virtues required? Wisdom and innocence.

This can be taken as advice for life today. As long as I'm on this mortal coil striving to live a Christian life, I am an alien in a hostile land, a sheep among wolves.

Serpents and doves seem unlikely allies. Yet Jesus insists they have the attributes, when combined, that will protect me. Wisdom will help me know how and when to act. Innocence ensures my heart, motivating my actions, remains pure. 

Today, may I be wise as a serpent and innocent as a dove. 

Holy Emptiness

Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, no bag for your journey.
Mt.10:9,10

Jesus commissions the twelve by giving them... nothing. At least nothing material. Their mission is to rely on providence. 

I'm a "dot your i and cross your t" man. Spreadsheets? Love em. Jesus' approach to mission preparation is foreign to me. 

Maybe the sweet spot is somewhere between effort and commitment and that "holy emptiness". At the moment I'm all effort and commitment. I need to loosen my grip on self-sufficiency and work on expanding my God space, that space in which only he can provide. 

Jesus, I open my palm up to you, trusting in your provision. 

Authority

Jesus called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority...
Mat.10:1

Jesus' first act on forming the Church was to give it authority.

Recognising authority seems to invoke faith, faith in the one who gives that authority. The Centurion's great proclamation of faith started with, "I too am a man under authority." 

I believe authority is one of the primary differences between Protestant and Catholic churches. The Protestant Church invites me to have an opinion about doctrine. The Catholic Church invites me to believe... believe in the God given authority of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. 

I don't trust my opinions. I do trust the Church's teaching authority of the Magisterium. This authority is a strong foundation from which to "Go and make disciples of all nations."

Jesus, I place my trust in you.

Compassion

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 
Mt.9:36

A harassed, helpless crowd would make me want to run. Not Jesus, whose response was compassion.

The Latin root for compassion means "to suffer together". I feel empathy from another person when they draw me in rather than push me away. I know I am important to them at that moment. 

To suffer together with another I need to recognise our shared humanity, something Jesus did constantly. Prince or pauper, they have the same red blood and beating heart as myself. This is a good starting point for developing compassion.

Jesus, break my heart with the things that break yours. 

Son of Encouragement

And they laughed at him. But when the people had been turned out he went inside and took the little girl by the hand; and she stood up. 
Mt.9:24,25

With the unbelief of the scoffers removed the miracle could happen.

Naysayers suck energy out of the room and I've been guilty of it. I recall my youngest daughter sharing her dream of a student exchange to France. Practical dad me laughed at the idea with a "you and whose money" comment. She wisely went to her mother and between the two of them came up with a plan that got her there.

I've learnt not to rain on my daughter's parade but to be a cheer leader for her. That's much more fun.

Jesus, help me be a Barnabas, a Son of Encouragement to those I met today.

Joy

And Jesus said to them, ‘Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?
Mt.9:15

The immediate effect of having Jesus with us? Joy.

I tell my adult children, four of whom are married, "Sorry kids, the best wedding I've been to is when I married your mum." When I think of our wedding day I see a joyful celebration. We had our reception in a marquee, pretty radical in 1979. There were coloured lights and bunting strung everywhere. People were happy for us and cheering us on. 

Here's a photo of me and my gorgeous bride that day...

Jesus relating to me in the Church as a groom to a bride can't help bring similar emotions.  No wonder being Christian brings with it joy and joy in abundance. 

Pope Francis said joy is the air Christians breathe, that it's a gift not a purchase and that it brings a deep peace that only God can provide.

I'm reminded to breathe deep of that joy today and share it with others. Yes, the joy of the Lord is my strength.

Questioning Thomas

Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’
Jn.20:28

Thomas' questioning doubts led him to make one of the great proclamations of faith, "My Lord and my God."

I always think of Thomas not as doubting but more as questioning. "Lord, how can we know the way?" Jn.14:5 

Questioning Thomas never gave up on Jesus when he missed seeing Jesus' resurrected presence the first time. Thomas was still with the Church one week later. 

This tells me it's not only OK to question faith, it's healthy. However, I need to remember there's two spiritual players influencing my questions. The devil wants me to believe my doubts and doubt my beliefs. Jesus invites me to believe my beliefs and doubt my doubts. 

Being a convert, wrestling with questions is no strange occupation for me. Like Thomas, I've found the best place to be when questioning faith is within the loving arms of Mother Church. She guides me to where I'm meant to be, always.

Saint Thomas the Apostle, please pray for me

Take Heart My Son

And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.’ 
Mt.9:2

Faith of the friends carrying the paralytic resulted in his spiritual and physical restoration.

Faith is oxygen to Jesus. I am encouraged by this verse to keep up my intercessory prayers. My prayer list is on a spreadsheet currently with 309 rows. 246 of those rows flag prayers that have been answered. 63 prayers to go.

Some of these prayers have been waiting for an answer for sixteen years. These are the knotty ones I hand over to Mumma Mary, Undoer of Knots. Take heart my son...

Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.

Seek Good

Seek good and not evil so that you may live, and that the Lord, God of Hosts, may really be with you as you claim he is.
Am.5:14

Seeking the good brings an immediate benefit. Life!

I claim to have the God of Hosts with me. Really? Then what good am I doing?

It seems any act of good, large or small, draws God into my life. And when God is in my life I am fully alive.

This morning my daughter needed help getting children ready for school. I must confess to a begrudging yes to that. However, my small act of "goodness" did help. They have just trundled off to school fairly painlessly and are happy. God must be smiling.

Seeking good usually means putting someone else first and me second. I'm not a natural at this, so the more practice the better.

Holy Spirit, help me develop my "seeking good" muscle so the God of Hosts may really be with me.

Desperation

‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?’ 
Mt.8:25-27

The boat was being swamped so the disciples turned to their only hope, Jesus.

This passage is usually used to exemplify lack of faith. And indeed Jesus does rebuke the disciples for this. However, I can't help but see it as an example of what a tiny bit of desperate faith can achieve. 

I'm reminded of Corrie Ten Boom's desperate prayer while being dragged out of their home by the Nazis. "Jesus help!"

When storms threaten to overwhelm me, I'm afraid and I'm desperate. It's a human response to danger. In such situations I want my knee-jerk reaction to that of the disciples in the sinking boat, to turn to Jesus and cry out, "Lord save me!"

Jesus, calmer of storms, I place my trust in you.

Humility and Faith

Sir, I am not worthy to have you under my roof; just give the word...
Mt.8:8

The Centurion displays two virtues that motivate Jesus. Humility and faith.

Humility and faith are like oxygen to Jesus. When they are present, miracles happen. 

How do I gain these virtues? Well, first off, they are gifts. But secondly and perhaps more importantly, they are gifts to be exercised in order to be received. 

Humility is just a word, until I am humble. Faith likewise, until I act in it.

Jesus, I struggle with humility, I struggle with faith. Holy Spirit, give me courage to exercise these gifts today so mountains may be moved.

He Touched Him

Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him and said, ‘Of course I want to! Be cured!’
Mt.8:3

He touched him. Oh the beauty of that moment!

My natural inclination when faced with a "leaper" (read homeless, addict, mental illness, poverty, burdened) is to withdraw. I try to fight this and move in the opposite spirit. 

Recently we had a man walk into Sunday Mass dressed roughly, a woollen cap on and dark sunglasses. He sat in the very front pew, always empty of course. Fighting my prejudices, I went over and sat next to him, saying "Welcome brother." It was soon apparent he had mental health issues but I could still converse with him.

After Mass, over a cup of tea,  he said, "Thank you for talking with me." I felt humbled. If only he knew my heart. 

He's been back a couple of times since. He's teaching me a lot. 

Jesus, help me see the oppressed as you see them. 

Hear then Do

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Mt.7:24

Jesus finishes his Sermon on the Mount with a plea. Don't just hear his words. Do them!

When I simply let Jesus' words "tickle my ears" I relegate him... at best to a wise man, at worst to an entertainer. He is no longer God.

Jesus' words are God's words. I either act on them or fall. And what a fall that will be.

Jesus, may your words intimate me today.

Priority

Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on his righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well. 
Mt.6:33

First things first. Jesus clarifies what is essential so we don't get distracted by the important.

I'm in danger of having too many priorities. The word priority was introduced in the 14th century and for 500 years it meant “the first thing”. Then in the 1940’s  the word was pluralised! (by businesses according to CS Lewis). Priority became priorities!

When I have many priorities, essentially I have none.

I need A Priority. Jesus suggests this be the Kingdom of God.

Send "priorities" back to the pit where it came from. Replace it with the priority of God's Kingdom. Suddenly life is less complex, less frantic, more peaceful and more joyful.

Saint Alban, please pray for me.

The Heart's Treasure

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Mt.6:21

From Jesus' Sermon on the Mount he reveals a profound psychological and spiritual truth: my heart will naturally follow and be consumed by whatever I value, invest in, and prioritise.

As a non-believer, I remember being puzzled watching ordinary people go into a Catholic church on a week day and a little time later come out again and walk on into their day. What did they do there and why did they do it? 

I understand now. I am one of those people. We are visiting our treasure, realigning our hearts. 

While travelling through Italy last year a day didn't go by without my wife and I calling into a church. Sometimes Mass was about to start (bonus), sometimes it was just us and Jesus (also bonus). We didn't have to venture out on a dangerous odyssey to find our treasure. He was just round the next corner.

I love being Catholic.

Forgive

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Mt.6:14,15

Forgiveness is not optional. It's essential... that is if I want to be forgiven.

Jesus first spoke of forgiveness by actually forgiving the paralytic lowered through the roof, demonstrating his divinity. He last spoke of forgiveness interceding for his murderous adversaries from the cross. Father forgive them...

It seems forgiveness is the key for me to live a life of joy and hope. 

Easy to say... but with God's help. 

Beggar to Beggar

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Mt.6:3-4

Vainglory is always waiting within me to pounce and rob charity of its power.

I'm reminded of the famous quote, originally intended to apply to evangelism but equally applicable to all works of charity, "I am simply one beggar showing another beggar where to find bread."

I am a beggar following the Beggar's Friend.

Jesus , let love of the other always animate me.

Love Your Enemies

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. 
Mt.5:44,45

Outrageously have I been loved.  I am called to love outrageously.

Loving those who have harmed me, or harmed my loved ones, seems to always require me first to forgive them. Can I do this? No. But I can will it. Then God will provide the love needed to forgive.

Corrie ten Boom’s prayer, when faced with the Ravensbrück Nazi guard asking her for forgiveness, is a good one to emulate. "Jesus, help me!"

Thank you Jesus for providing a path to escape the cold imprisonment of resentment and hate.

Peace Be With You

Let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. 
Lk.10:6

Jesus instructs the seventy-two for their first mission trip. What are their first words to be on entering a town? "Peace be with you". 

These were the first words the world heard from Pope Leo XIV. "Peace be with you." It seems these words are so powerful they cannot fail to achieve what they proclaim. Peace either falls on the hearer or rebounds back on the proclaimer. 

The world longs for peace. My world longs for peace. Let my first words today proclaim, "Peace be with you!"

Saint Anthony of Padua, please pray for me.

Rest

Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest.
Mt.11:28

Jesus offers humanity what we all long for. Rest.

Out of all Sacred Scripture, on the Solemnity of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mother Church has us focus on Jesus' promise of rest. The ache in our labouring, overburdened hearts is promised relief. 

How does he do that? My laboured stress dissolves when I simply sit in His presence and soak up his love. That burning love for me consumes my tiredness, refreshes my outlook, and opens the door to peace and joy. 

This is where I simultaneously experience the ministry of both Jesus and the Holy Spirit. 

It's a cool winter's morning here in New Zealand. Time to go son-bathing at my parish church.

Jesus, I accept your offer of rest. Thank you Lord. 

Son of Encouragement

 For he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. 
Acts 11:24

Goodness is the natural fruit of the Holy Spirit and faith.

Barnabus is such a worthy man to emulate. I'm impressed with how the Book of Acts records Barnabas like a passing shooting star. His record reads, Barnabus... Barnabas and Paul... Paul and Barnabas... Paul...  He was there to encourage others, in this instance to encourage Saint Paul.

Son of Encouragement. Oh that I would be worthy of such an epitaph. 

Come Holy Spirit. Fill me with your presence and with faith.
Saint Barnabas, please pray for me.

Transforming Love

I have come not to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfil them.
Mt.5:17

Jesus is laying the foundation for his Sermon on the Mount. He has come not to destroy but fulfill.

Before becoming Catholic, I was repelled by a distorted belief that becoming Christian meant exchanging freedom for shackling rules. 

My conversion experience was exactly the opposite. Binding fears and insecurities were exchanged for the liberating joy of being loved by God. My life wasn't diminished at all. It bloomed! 

This is what makes the Good News good news. Jesus adds, multiplies, blesses. This is what generates that beautiful aroma and song that accompanies believers. The steady, quiet hum of Christian hope.

Thank you Jesus for your transforming love. Help me be a conduit for that love to those I meet today.

Joyful Generosity

And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny.
Mk.12:42

The widow's mite shows radical, sacrificial giving. Her quiet generosity reflects her complete trust in God. 

The degree of my generosity is a measure of my trust in God.

About half way through an Alpha Course, if I'm leading, I give what I call my "Sermon on the Amount".  The Alpha Course is run free of charge but it is not free of costs. Donations assist greatly.  Again and again I observe those who appear less well off being among the most generous givers. 

Why is that? It appears that wealth creates its own gravity, risking a certain parsimony. 

My darling wife is a spontaneous and generous giver. Her philanthropy makes me burn with shame. 

Jesus, you love a cheerful giver. Give me a Spirit of joyful generosity.