Time to Party

In his honour Levi held a great reception in his house, and with them at table was a large gathering of tax collectors and others. 
Lk.5:29

In response to Jesus' invitation to follow him, Matthew hosts a banquette in his honour. His "Yes" is emphatic and public.

Would people know I am a follower of Jesus as everyone knew Matthew was? The western world has a way of cowering the Church into becoming Closet Christians. We conform rather than confront. 

Yet, there is something very appealing in Matthew's response. I would love to attend his party. I have a feeling there would be lots of laughter and joy. Laughter and joy are attractive. 

Saint Matthew, pray I may have your zeal and joy in following our Lord.

Set the Oppressed Free

Is not this the sort of fast that pleases me – it is the Lord who speaks – to break unjust fetters and undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke.
Is.58:6

The list of acceptable fasting that pleases God starts with an emphatic, "Set the oppressed free!"

Anyone who does not follow Jesus is a prisoner to something else. We have a God space within us that we yearn to fill. And so we should, with the one true God. 

I can set people free of idols when I introduce them to Jesus. The Alpha Course is one way of doing this. Prayer is another.

Saints Perpetua and Felicity, please pray for me.

 

Happy Lent

I set before you life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life, then, so that you and your descendants may live, in the love of the Lord your God.
Dt.30:19

It always comes down to my choice. Blessing or curse, life or death. It's my call.

How wonderful is today's psalm response; Happy are they who hope in the Lord. Lent can be a time of happiness and joy. How? By me choosing life in all the choices I will face. 

Holy Spirit, giver of life in the womb of Mumma Mary, help me choose life and gain joy. 

The Upside Down Pyramid

Many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Mk.10:31

Jesus calls me to radically change my point of view on life to a perspective opposite to the world's. 

A metaphor for the life Jesus calls me to is an upside down pyramid. From Jesus' standpoint, the least are the greatest, the last are first, the weak and defenseless enter the Kingdom to become rulers. The Church agrees with this. Popes are called servants of the servants of God. 

So, that carnal desire in me to be the best, the greatest, the smartest needs to be nailed to The Cross and crucified. This Lent could be a good time to change my perspective, a good time to turn the pyramid upside down.

Jesus, you know how I strive to be the greatest. Help me strive to be the least so I may be great in your sight.

Lack and Love

Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him, and he said, ‘There is one thing you lack...'
Mk.10:21

While the rich young man is sincere in wanting to live a life closer to God, his piety is not enough. Rather than his lack repelling Jesus, it causes him to love the young man even more.

I would say the rich young man is most likely living a more holy life than me. I understand the disciples when they say "Who can be saved?" This is where God's love kicks in for me, the love that is patient, kind, that keeps no record of wrongs, that trusts and hopes.

Yes I lack much, but yes, I am loved much. With Jesus, lack and love seem to go together. Here is the source of my hope and joy.