Daily Thoughts: The story of the Forgiving Father is what we are asked to reflect on today. I have used this parable many times, often when I am preparing young people for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. For me the first half of the story about the younger son and his return home is a great image for the sacrament. All the elements of the sacrament are there, recognition of sinfulness, the journey to the sacrament, saying we are sorry and forgiveness.
The second half of the story about the older brother reflects another side of sinfulness. We often only think of sinfulness as bad things that we do. We think of the Ten Commandments. However, sin can be what we don't do. Sin can be standing in judgment, self-righteousness, pride, envy, jealousy and anger especially when we think we are right. Sin can be refusing to be part of the family, part of the faith community. Sin can be thinking only of ourselves and playing the victim card.
I have always felt this story presented the two sides of sin and often for many of us the older brother is where we usually find ourselves. The hopeful sign in the story is that the father is in the whole story. He is where ever we are. Always willing to forgive, always willing to welcome us home, always willing to come out and welcome us into the family, into the celebration. All we have to do is let go of what we have done or failed to do and accept his forgiveness, his love!
Daily Lenten Prayer: Compassionate God; grace us with the strength to make the journey home to you. Give us the wisdom to see our faults, our failings, our struggles and to accept your forgiveness. Fill us with a hope that helps us to see past our disappointments, that helps us to let go of our pride, our envy, our jealousy, our resentment, our anger so that we may always be a part of the family, a part of the celebration. Embrace us with your presence so that we may always believe that you are our kind, merciful and loving God. Amen!
Runner's Thought: As you run look for good in the world that you pass by, look for good in the people you encounter, sense the good in you and know you do not run alone, God runs with you!
Happy Saturday everyone! I leave in a few moments for Bethesda, MD and St. Bartholomew Parish where I will begin a mission tonight. If you want the particulars check my web site calendar, you can find all the information there. (preacherman.org) If you are nearby why not joins us. As always I ask your prayers for the St. Bartholomew faith community this week and their preacher. You can be assured that I will keep you in my prayers. No flying this week just a driving which in some ways makes travel a little easier.
I hope you are having a good beginning to your Saturday and that this weekend will be kind to you. May you get some distance from the busyness of the work week and if that is not possible may you at least find a few moments of calm sometime this weekend. Enjoy your weekend with family, friends, or whomever you meet. Blessings upon all your endeavors and upon you and your loved ones! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Friday, March 1, 2013
Daily Lenten Thoughts
Daily Thoughts: Our scriptures for today present us with two issues that we often face in life. They are jealousy and holding on to what we think is best and not what God thinks is best.
Certainly the familiar story of Joseph and his brothers reminds us of what jealousy, what envy can do to us. How they can make us think and act toward others. Perhaps like the religious leaders of Jesus' time Joseph's brothers reflect only on the narrowness of their life rather than seeing the bigger picture. Rather than trusting in their father's love.
I think it is only human to want to be recognized, to want to be valued, to want to be loved. The story tells us that Israel loved his sons but that he had a special affection for Joseph because he was the last and the son of Israel's old age. How often do we hear the saying, "Mon and dad liked you best!" It happens, or it seems to happen. Mothers and fathers often have a special feeling for one of their children but it never means that they do not love the others. Yet, that human emotion of wanting attention, of wanting a special love can overwhelm us and make us do stupid things.
Thinking we know best is equally as troublesome. The religious leaders get a lesson in what they have done wrong from Jesus today. How they have ignored God's way and walked down their own path. How they have ignored the presence of God in their life in order to hold on to their own power, authority and way of life. God is in their midst yet they fail to see. They fail to respond. They fail to grow!
What can we take away from our readings today perhaps that they are an opportunity to reflect on our own lives? How often do we look around and feel sorry for ourselves because God seems to love others more than us? How often does the presence of others make us uncomfortable even jealous because we think they have something we do not? Yet, we are all blessed by God, we are all created in the image and likeness of God. We all have a place, a purpose and meaning here in this world. God loves us all. The question is can we recognized, accept and live out that love. Can we believe and trust in God's love for us?
Finally are we willing to accept and buy into God's way or does it always have to be our way. In the midst of living life are we willing to see God's presence and grow in the presence? Can we recognize God when he is standing in our midst or do we have a better idea?
Daily Lenten Prayer: Almighty and ever living God, strengthen us on our journey through life today. Help us to be open to you presence in the many different ways you might walk into our life. Give us the wisdom to recognize you and the trust to follow your way. Bless us with the hope that all things that come from you are gifts of your love. Forgive us for our moments of selfishness and envy. Enliven our hearts so that we will always be your love in the world. Amen!
Runner's Thought: As we run today let us think of the impossible made possible through hard work, dedication and the prayer that we allow our runs to become.
Happy Friday everyone! I hope your end of the work week is a good one and that you are looking forward to a great weekend with a little rest and relaxation! If things are busy today I hope it is a good busy. If not I hope you can make it through today and that tomorrow will be better.
I made it home late last night after my long travel day. It was nice to sleep in my own bed last night and today I am doing wash and preparing to head out tomorrow for Bethesda, MD. The road is a great and life giving place for me to be but it is also always nice to stop at home!
Continued blessings on everyone as you make your journey through Lent and life. I pray that in some way you will feel God's blessing and God's love today! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
Certainly the familiar story of Joseph and his brothers reminds us of what jealousy, what envy can do to us. How they can make us think and act toward others. Perhaps like the religious leaders of Jesus' time Joseph's brothers reflect only on the narrowness of their life rather than seeing the bigger picture. Rather than trusting in their father's love.
I think it is only human to want to be recognized, to want to be valued, to want to be loved. The story tells us that Israel loved his sons but that he had a special affection for Joseph because he was the last and the son of Israel's old age. How often do we hear the saying, "Mon and dad liked you best!" It happens, or it seems to happen. Mothers and fathers often have a special feeling for one of their children but it never means that they do not love the others. Yet, that human emotion of wanting attention, of wanting a special love can overwhelm us and make us do stupid things.
Thinking we know best is equally as troublesome. The religious leaders get a lesson in what they have done wrong from Jesus today. How they have ignored God's way and walked down their own path. How they have ignored the presence of God in their life in order to hold on to their own power, authority and way of life. God is in their midst yet they fail to see. They fail to respond. They fail to grow!
What can we take away from our readings today perhaps that they are an opportunity to reflect on our own lives? How often do we look around and feel sorry for ourselves because God seems to love others more than us? How often does the presence of others make us uncomfortable even jealous because we think they have something we do not? Yet, we are all blessed by God, we are all created in the image and likeness of God. We all have a place, a purpose and meaning here in this world. God loves us all. The question is can we recognized, accept and live out that love. Can we believe and trust in God's love for us?
Finally are we willing to accept and buy into God's way or does it always have to be our way. In the midst of living life are we willing to see God's presence and grow in the presence? Can we recognize God when he is standing in our midst or do we have a better idea?
Daily Lenten Prayer: Almighty and ever living God, strengthen us on our journey through life today. Help us to be open to you presence in the many different ways you might walk into our life. Give us the wisdom to recognize you and the trust to follow your way. Bless us with the hope that all things that come from you are gifts of your love. Forgive us for our moments of selfishness and envy. Enliven our hearts so that we will always be your love in the world. Amen!
Runner's Thought: As we run today let us think of the impossible made possible through hard work, dedication and the prayer that we allow our runs to become.
Happy Friday everyone! I hope your end of the work week is a good one and that you are looking forward to a great weekend with a little rest and relaxation! If things are busy today I hope it is a good busy. If not I hope you can make it through today and that tomorrow will be better.
I made it home late last night after my long travel day. It was nice to sleep in my own bed last night and today I am doing wash and preparing to head out tomorrow for Bethesda, MD. The road is a great and life giving place for me to be but it is also always nice to stop at home!
Continued blessings on everyone as you make your journey through Lent and life. I pray that in some way you will feel God's blessing and God's love today! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Daily Lenten Thoughts - 02/28/2013
Daily Thoughts: Well our scriptures today continue the theme that has been with us for the last few days; it is the theme of looking beyond ourselves. We have in the Gospel today the famous story of the rich man and Lazarus the poor man who sits at the rich man door. Lazarus is covered in sores. At first glance we might it seems to be the rich man wealth that is the problem and I am sure that many preachers have taken that approach in preaching about this Gospel. However, at closer inspection it is not wealth that is the problem it is the rich man's way of life, it is how he lives. It is how he uses his wealth. He fails to see Lazarus at his door and if he does see him he ignores him.
In the Gospels when Jesus talks about wealth it is never to condemn the person just because they have wealth it is always about what we do with it. Do we hoard it? Do we only care for ourselves? Or do we see the world and the needs of the world? Do we let our wealth work for the betterment of others? Do we help those in need with our wealth? This not only pertains to money and possessions, it is also about the gifts and talents that we have that can not only help us but others. Once again like the last few days this is about service, it is about being humble because all that we have comes from God and needs to be shared!
In the first reading from Jeremiah we are reminded that one of the important values of our life is trust, specifically trust in God. This value can help with the above challenge of service. If we trust in God, if we make God part of our life then our riches, our gifts, our talents, our resources are much easier to share, because we know that God is with us.
Once again our challenge is to think outside the box. Conventional wise says store up treasures for ourselves, make sure our life is comfortable, eat, drink, rest, be merry. But as people of faith God demands our lives. We are to be disciples, we are to be servants, we are to make what we have work for the good of others. We are to be people whose trust and hope is in God. We are to be rich in what matters to God. Remember "the Lord, alone probes the mind and tests the heart, and rewards everyone according to her or his ways, according to the merits of her or his deeds." Let us be people who trust and hope in God. Let us be people rich in the presence of God!
Daily Lenten Prayer: Loving God, direct our hearts this day to be your servants in all we do. Enliven us with the fire of your Spirit of Love. Grace us with a steadfast faith, a spirited hope so that all we do will be effective in helping ourselves and others experience your loving presence. You are the Heart of Love and we want to place all our trust in you. We know that we are not perfect, we struggle with our weaknesses but we place our hope in you to bring about the richness of life this day from your goodness. Amen!
Runner's Thought: Run without fear today, breathe, run and permit the spirit of God's loving presence to be in each stride you take!
Happy end of February everyone! This last day of February is a significant day. The Pope will begin a new ministry of prayer and solitude. It is an experience that we in our life time have never encountered, but that does not mean it is bad or wrong, it is just different and new. It is part of our ever changing world and life. I truly wish Pope Benedict well and I will continue to pray for and with him!
Today also leads us into March and a little closer to the beauty and warmth of spring. I cannot wait but I will have to! I pray that everyone will have a peaceful Thursday without too many struggles or problems. As for me I will be traveling today. I will head to the airport here in Bismarck about 9:00 am and begin my trek east through Denver. I will be getting back to home sweet home late this evening. It has been a wonderful time here in Bismarck. Such a spirit filled community and our closing mass last night was a gift! Now it is home for a day and a half and then on to Bethesda, MD and St, Bartholomew Parish. Blessings upon everyone today, have a great day and enjoy the last day of February! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
In the Gospels when Jesus talks about wealth it is never to condemn the person just because they have wealth it is always about what we do with it. Do we hoard it? Do we only care for ourselves? Or do we see the world and the needs of the world? Do we let our wealth work for the betterment of others? Do we help those in need with our wealth? This not only pertains to money and possessions, it is also about the gifts and talents that we have that can not only help us but others. Once again like the last few days this is about service, it is about being humble because all that we have comes from God and needs to be shared!
In the first reading from Jeremiah we are reminded that one of the important values of our life is trust, specifically trust in God. This value can help with the above challenge of service. If we trust in God, if we make God part of our life then our riches, our gifts, our talents, our resources are much easier to share, because we know that God is with us.
Once again our challenge is to think outside the box. Conventional wise says store up treasures for ourselves, make sure our life is comfortable, eat, drink, rest, be merry. But as people of faith God demands our lives. We are to be disciples, we are to be servants, we are to make what we have work for the good of others. We are to be people whose trust and hope is in God. We are to be rich in what matters to God. Remember "the Lord, alone probes the mind and tests the heart, and rewards everyone according to her or his ways, according to the merits of her or his deeds." Let us be people who trust and hope in God. Let us be people rich in the presence of God!
Daily Lenten Prayer: Loving God, direct our hearts this day to be your servants in all we do. Enliven us with the fire of your Spirit of Love. Grace us with a steadfast faith, a spirited hope so that all we do will be effective in helping ourselves and others experience your loving presence. You are the Heart of Love and we want to place all our trust in you. We know that we are not perfect, we struggle with our weaknesses but we place our hope in you to bring about the richness of life this day from your goodness. Amen!
Runner's Thought: Run without fear today, breathe, run and permit the spirit of God's loving presence to be in each stride you take!
Happy end of February everyone! This last day of February is a significant day. The Pope will begin a new ministry of prayer and solitude. It is an experience that we in our life time have never encountered, but that does not mean it is bad or wrong, it is just different and new. It is part of our ever changing world and life. I truly wish Pope Benedict well and I will continue to pray for and with him!
Today also leads us into March and a little closer to the beauty and warmth of spring. I cannot wait but I will have to! I pray that everyone will have a peaceful Thursday without too many struggles or problems. As for me I will be traveling today. I will head to the airport here in Bismarck about 9:00 am and begin my trek east through Denver. I will be getting back to home sweet home late this evening. It has been a wonderful time here in Bismarck. Such a spirit filled community and our closing mass last night was a gift! Now it is home for a day and a half and then on to Bethesda, MD and St, Bartholomew Parish. Blessings upon everyone today, have a great day and enjoy the last day of February! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Daily Lenten Thoughts - 02/27/2013
Daily Thoughts: Usually when I hear today's Gospel the thought that comes into mind is, "Right question, wrong time!" What I mean by this is that Mrs. Zebedee asks the right question but it at the wrong time. She wants the best for her sons; she wants eternal life, who doesn't? It is the goal of every person of faith. Yet if we listen to the passage closely, Jesus has just talked to them about what lies ahead, he has shared with them the reality of his Passion and Death. What's their response, "Can my sons have a place of honor in the Kingdom?" If Jesus were like us he might have responded, "Lady, did you just hear what I said!" But he doesn't, Jesus turns it once again into a teaching moment in the hope his disciples will continue to grow.
We might say that Mrs. Zebedee's question is a typical human response when someone is sharing their deep human emotions and feelings. When someone shares with us a personal struggle, a personal tragedy, a personal hurt or pain, at those moments we tend to want to change the subject or turn inward and think of ourselves. Jesus and the readings the last few days have been trying to focus us beyond ourselves. A disciple serves. A disciple looks outward toward others. A disciple tries to right the wrongs of society. A disciple thinks of those who have no one to help them. A disciple is not concern about herself or himself. A disciple has entrusted herself or himself to God. Jesus uses this moment today to once again make this point. He has "not come to be served but to serve and to give his life in ransom for the many."
Jeremiah wants to know why bad things happen to good people. Why for all the good work he has done he faces being repaid with death? All he did was to bring God's message to the people. All he did was be a faithful disciple. What Jeremiah learns and what eventually Jesus' disciples learn is that discipleship is not easy and often dangerous. Yet if we trust in God, if we look beyond ourselves to others God will take care of us when it counts most.
As we make our way through this Lenten let us listen to the story and Jesus and not respond by think just of ourselves but let us trust in God's kindness and love because we too are will to serve rather than be served. We too are willing to look beyond ourselves for the sake of the Kingdom!
Daily Lenten Prayer: Loving God help us today and always to be your disciples. Teach us the value of good works for others. Grace us with the energy and spirit that will make us joyous servants with a willingness to give of the gifts we have for the good of others and the Kingdom. Bestow upon us an abundance of your compassionate love so that we have the strength to walk down any road in life knowing you will never leave us alone! Amen!
Runner's Thought: As we run today let us remember that a meditative prayerful runner is fortunate enough to have found a way that refreshes the body and renews the spirit, thus enabling the runner to be born again with every runner in the presence of God.
Welcome to Wednesday everyone! Yes, it is "hump day" once again. For me though it is "ending day" as the mission here in Bismarck will close formally this evening. Yesterday was another spirit filled day. We had two wonderful sessions. I ask your prayers for a graced filled closing this afternoon and evening. May the gift of this mission enliven this faith community at Corpus Christi and nourish the preacher as I continue my journey through Lent!
I hope you all will have a great day. I pray especially for everyone at St. Malachy's today who will be taping the Sunday Mass. I know it will be a long day for you, may it go smoothly! Sorry that I cannot be there! To everyone else blessings upon your day where ever you are and whatever you are doing. May you find some peace and be graced by God as you live out this day! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
We might say that Mrs. Zebedee's question is a typical human response when someone is sharing their deep human emotions and feelings. When someone shares with us a personal struggle, a personal tragedy, a personal hurt or pain, at those moments we tend to want to change the subject or turn inward and think of ourselves. Jesus and the readings the last few days have been trying to focus us beyond ourselves. A disciple serves. A disciple looks outward toward others. A disciple tries to right the wrongs of society. A disciple thinks of those who have no one to help them. A disciple is not concern about herself or himself. A disciple has entrusted herself or himself to God. Jesus uses this moment today to once again make this point. He has "not come to be served but to serve and to give his life in ransom for the many."
Jeremiah wants to know why bad things happen to good people. Why for all the good work he has done he faces being repaid with death? All he did was to bring God's message to the people. All he did was be a faithful disciple. What Jeremiah learns and what eventually Jesus' disciples learn is that discipleship is not easy and often dangerous. Yet if we trust in God, if we look beyond ourselves to others God will take care of us when it counts most.
As we make our way through this Lenten let us listen to the story and Jesus and not respond by think just of ourselves but let us trust in God's kindness and love because we too are will to serve rather than be served. We too are willing to look beyond ourselves for the sake of the Kingdom!
Daily Lenten Prayer: Loving God help us today and always to be your disciples. Teach us the value of good works for others. Grace us with the energy and spirit that will make us joyous servants with a willingness to give of the gifts we have for the good of others and the Kingdom. Bestow upon us an abundance of your compassionate love so that we have the strength to walk down any road in life knowing you will never leave us alone! Amen!
Runner's Thought: As we run today let us remember that a meditative prayerful runner is fortunate enough to have found a way that refreshes the body and renews the spirit, thus enabling the runner to be born again with every runner in the presence of God.
Welcome to Wednesday everyone! Yes, it is "hump day" once again. For me though it is "ending day" as the mission here in Bismarck will close formally this evening. Yesterday was another spirit filled day. We had two wonderful sessions. I ask your prayers for a graced filled closing this afternoon and evening. May the gift of this mission enliven this faith community at Corpus Christi and nourish the preacher as I continue my journey through Lent!
I hope you all will have a great day. I pray especially for everyone at St. Malachy's today who will be taping the Sunday Mass. I know it will be a long day for you, may it go smoothly! Sorry that I cannot be there! To everyone else blessings upon your day where ever you are and whatever you are doing. May you find some peace and be graced by God as you live out this day! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Daily Lenten Thoughts - 02/26/2013
Daily Thoughts: Now I have to admit to you that I struggle every time I hear or read today's Gospel. The images that Jesus uses to talk about the religious leadership of his time seem all too familiar and being a part of the leadership of our Church I wonder about myself.
I think of the scandals and struggles of the Church today and wonder if the very pitfalls that Jesus points out about the leadership of his day are not alive and well in the leadership of the Church today. Let's remember that the scribes and Pharisees of Jesus' day were good people for the most part. They were doing what they thought they were supposed to do. However they were caught up in a religious leadership culture that had developed over centuries. They thought they were doing the right thing. Many in religious leadership today are good people doing what they think is right, caught up in the leadership culture that has developed over centuries. But like Jesus' time does that make it right and life giving?
For me whether you are part of the religious leadership of today or not the challenge of the Gospel today is that of being a humble servant. Throughout my life and ministry as a priest I have always imaged myself as a servant and a shepherd. Those are the two images that make the most sense to me for who I am and how I am supposed to live. I work at trying to be a humble person but I am not always successful. What always brings me back to reality when I get too full of myself is that I am a servant nothing more.
Too often today we see people in leadership who feel entitled, who look for the places of honor, who seek out titles, who do place burdens on others without any thought of helping. They become people who are distant, at times unapproachable and certainly not shepherds or servants!
Perhaps our task today in to pray for leadership, especially within our Church that they - we might find the virtues of servant and shepherd once again. That they - we might take to hearts the words of Jesus and seek to be humble servants who learn to do good again!
Daily Prayer: Loving God, we pray today not just for ourselves but also for those who lead us. Give us and all in leadership the wisdom to see the value of humility and service. Help us to overcome the desires of entitlement, power, influence and status. Grant us the grace to be compassionate, hope filled and loving servants and shepherds. Guide us with your love so that everything we do will show the saving power of God. Amen!
Runners' Thought: A runner who embarks on the journey of prayer and running can expect surprises, missteps, and perhaps great leaps toward a relationship with God! So as you run never underestimate the power of dreams, the influence of the human spirit and the presence of God!
Greetings to all on this final Tuesday in February, I hope your day has started off well and that it will continue to be a good day for you. If it has not I pray that it will only get better. The first day of the mission went very well. Corpus Christi Parish has a great spirit and we had over 300 people between the two services yesterday. I ask your continued prayers for the faith community and the preacher. Once again I ask God to bless your day and whatever you will be doing. May today truly be a day rich in the presence of God for you, your loved ones and for everyone you meet! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
I think of the scandals and struggles of the Church today and wonder if the very pitfalls that Jesus points out about the leadership of his day are not alive and well in the leadership of the Church today. Let's remember that the scribes and Pharisees of Jesus' day were good people for the most part. They were doing what they thought they were supposed to do. However they were caught up in a religious leadership culture that had developed over centuries. They thought they were doing the right thing. Many in religious leadership today are good people doing what they think is right, caught up in the leadership culture that has developed over centuries. But like Jesus' time does that make it right and life giving?
For me whether you are part of the religious leadership of today or not the challenge of the Gospel today is that of being a humble servant. Throughout my life and ministry as a priest I have always imaged myself as a servant and a shepherd. Those are the two images that make the most sense to me for who I am and how I am supposed to live. I work at trying to be a humble person but I am not always successful. What always brings me back to reality when I get too full of myself is that I am a servant nothing more.
Too often today we see people in leadership who feel entitled, who look for the places of honor, who seek out titles, who do place burdens on others without any thought of helping. They become people who are distant, at times unapproachable and certainly not shepherds or servants!
Perhaps our task today in to pray for leadership, especially within our Church that they - we might find the virtues of servant and shepherd once again. That they - we might take to hearts the words of Jesus and seek to be humble servants who learn to do good again!
Daily Prayer: Loving God, we pray today not just for ourselves but also for those who lead us. Give us and all in leadership the wisdom to see the value of humility and service. Help us to overcome the desires of entitlement, power, influence and status. Grant us the grace to be compassionate, hope filled and loving servants and shepherds. Guide us with your love so that everything we do will show the saving power of God. Amen!
Runners' Thought: A runner who embarks on the journey of prayer and running can expect surprises, missteps, and perhaps great leaps toward a relationship with God! So as you run never underestimate the power of dreams, the influence of the human spirit and the presence of God!
Greetings to all on this final Tuesday in February, I hope your day has started off well and that it will continue to be a good day for you. If it has not I pray that it will only get better. The first day of the mission went very well. Corpus Christi Parish has a great spirit and we had over 300 people between the two services yesterday. I ask your continued prayers for the faith community and the preacher. Once again I ask God to bless your day and whatever you will be doing. May today truly be a day rich in the presence of God for you, your loved ones and for everyone you meet! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
Monday, February 25, 2013
Daily Lenten Thoughts - 02/25/2013
Daily Thoughts: I have decided I am glad that cell phones, computers and social media came along long after I was out of college and at a time when I hope I am wiser in how I respond to things that happen around me. Often when I am reading through Twitter, Facebook or the comments people post after an article that I have read online I want to respond to something someone has said. Most of the time I do not want to respond with a positive comment, I want judge, condemn make fun of or show the person the error of their ways. I want to be negative. It is very easy to do after all it is just words and there is no way other than words for the person to respond. I do not have to look at them or be in the same room with them. I can just hide behind my computer, IPad, or cell phone. No risk involved and certainly no responsibility.
If I had these opportunities in high school, college or my early years as a young adult I am pretty sure my self-control would not have been as good as it is today. I would have thrown my opinion into the cyber mix often with no thought of who it might hurt or of the consequences that my words, my criticism, my negativity might have on others and myself.
In the Gospel today Jesus reminds us to be people who don't judge, who don't condemn. We are asked to be people of mercy and forgiveness. People who somehow find the good in others and work as letting that goodness shine.
It is very easy to have a knee jerk reaction to something someone says especially if it is not along the lines of the things we believe or value. It is very easy to be critical especially when we do not walk in the shoes of the person we are criticizing. It is very easy to point the finger of blame. It is very easy to condemn, to judge and to be self-righteous, especially when we have nothing to lose because we are sitting behind a computer not in front of the person we have just judged, just condemned by our words.
Throughout this season of Lent we look for forgiveness for our sinfulness, we fast, we pray, we give up things, we do good works all in the hope that God will be merciful and forgiving. In the living of Lent we hope for a life, for a world that is more positive, peaceful and God centered. Today Jesus asks us not to be passive disciples who sit and listen, but active workers for the Kingdom. We can start by living our lives as merciful, forgiving loving people. People, who do not judge, do not condemn, do not tear down with our words but people who build up. People who help to build the peaceable Kingdom of God!
Daily Lenten Prayer: Great and awesome God, bless us today with the gifts of your mercy and forgiveness not just for our own lives but that these gifts will be alive within us. Help us to be your disciples who bring a positive attitude and voice to the world today. Grace us with the wisdom to find the goodness in ourselves and the people we encounter. Guide us so that we do not respond to a negative with a negative. Make us workers who help to build your peaceable Kingdom as we live our life today! Amen!
Runner's Thought: Let us look at our run today and every day as a tool, a device or a practice that aids us in our quest to be people of prayer.
Happy Monday everyone! I know that is not always the case, often we don't want the weekend to end and Mondays to arrive. We don't like how we feel when we get up Monday mornings having to face a new week, but Happy Monday anyway! I hope you will all have a good week rich in many positive experiences and encounters with positive people.
I made it through Sunday with four faith filled celebrations of mass that were alive and life giving. This afternoon at 12:10 pm we open the mission. Again, I ask your prayers for the faith community here at Corpus Christi and for their preacher. May this be a good week for them and me!
Many blessings today where ever you are and upon whatever you are or will be doing. Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
If I had these opportunities in high school, college or my early years as a young adult I am pretty sure my self-control would not have been as good as it is today. I would have thrown my opinion into the cyber mix often with no thought of who it might hurt or of the consequences that my words, my criticism, my negativity might have on others and myself.
In the Gospel today Jesus reminds us to be people who don't judge, who don't condemn. We are asked to be people of mercy and forgiveness. People who somehow find the good in others and work as letting that goodness shine.
It is very easy to have a knee jerk reaction to something someone says especially if it is not along the lines of the things we believe or value. It is very easy to be critical especially when we do not walk in the shoes of the person we are criticizing. It is very easy to point the finger of blame. It is very easy to condemn, to judge and to be self-righteous, especially when we have nothing to lose because we are sitting behind a computer not in front of the person we have just judged, just condemned by our words.
Throughout this season of Lent we look for forgiveness for our sinfulness, we fast, we pray, we give up things, we do good works all in the hope that God will be merciful and forgiving. In the living of Lent we hope for a life, for a world that is more positive, peaceful and God centered. Today Jesus asks us not to be passive disciples who sit and listen, but active workers for the Kingdom. We can start by living our lives as merciful, forgiving loving people. People, who do not judge, do not condemn, do not tear down with our words but people who build up. People who help to build the peaceable Kingdom of God!
Daily Lenten Prayer: Great and awesome God, bless us today with the gifts of your mercy and forgiveness not just for our own lives but that these gifts will be alive within us. Help us to be your disciples who bring a positive attitude and voice to the world today. Grace us with the wisdom to find the goodness in ourselves and the people we encounter. Guide us so that we do not respond to a negative with a negative. Make us workers who help to build your peaceable Kingdom as we live our life today! Amen!
Runner's Thought: Let us look at our run today and every day as a tool, a device or a practice that aids us in our quest to be people of prayer.
Happy Monday everyone! I know that is not always the case, often we don't want the weekend to end and Mondays to arrive. We don't like how we feel when we get up Monday mornings having to face a new week, but Happy Monday anyway! I hope you will all have a good week rich in many positive experiences and encounters with positive people.
I made it through Sunday with four faith filled celebrations of mass that were alive and life giving. This afternoon at 12:10 pm we open the mission. Again, I ask your prayers for the faith community here at Corpus Christi and for their preacher. May this be a good week for them and me!
Many blessings today where ever you are and upon whatever you are or will be doing. Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Daily Lenten Thoughts
Daily Thoughts: Peter, James and John are given the opportunity to see and hear Jesus differently, not just through the eyes and ears of the world but also through the eyes and ears of faith. What they see and hear is terrifying, awesome and wonderful.
Abram is ask to see and hear his life differently, not just through the eyes and ears of the world but also through the eyes and ears of faith. For Abram, like Peter, James and John, what he sees and hears is terrifying, awesome and wonderful. Abram is gifted with the presence of God. It is presence that is overwhelming and terrifying but a presence that graces and blesses him. God's presence in Abram's life blesses him with a covenant that will make him the father of a great nation. It was Abram's faith that made this relationship, this covenant possible.
For Peter, James and John things are a little different. They are gifted with God's presence it is a presence that too is overwhelming and terrifying. They encounter the breath of God's covenant and the essence of Jesus divine nature. They want to hang on to both but quickly learn that they cannot. It is an encounter to be remembered, an encounter that they can take with them as they return to the life they live. It becomes for them an encounter of hope. Even though they must return to their everyday life, to the struggles, difficulties, the challenges, even though they must go back down the mountain and continue their journey to the next mountain, Calvary, they have this memory that will keep alive the hope they need no matter what they encounter.
And so it is for us as we continue this journey of Lent, this journey of life. We too have an encounter with the presence of God. It perhaps doesn't seem as terrifying or as awesome and Abram's or Peter, James and John's. It sometimes is quickly forgotten but if we have faith it is the very hope that will help us continue this journey with all its struggles, with all it difficulties, with all its challenges. Our encounter with God is the Eucharist. It is our covenant, it is our mountain top, it is our moment to see and hear God not through the eyes and ears of the world, but through the eyes and ears of faith!
Daily Lenten Prayer: Loving God, you invite us to listen to and walk with your beloved Son, Jesus. Nourish us today with his Word and Eucharist that we might have the spiritual sight and hearing that only a life of faith can bring. Help us to rejoice in the hope of your presence in our life. Grace us with your love that we may always hear your voice and see your face and live with you as our light and salvation. Bless us with a faith that always keeps us amazed and open to your loving presence. Amen!
Runner's Thought: Sometimes we think of Sunday as a day of rest, yet we want to run. Perhaps we need to think of our running today and every Sunday as a time of rest, as a time of prayer, as a time that will renew, strengthen and enliven us for the new week ahead!
A blessed Sunday to all! I hope today will truly be a day of rest for you, though I know many of you have busy lives and today might include that busyness. If so I hope you find at least a little rest and relaxation today!
I opened my journey of mission here at Corpus Christi Parish in Bismarck, ND yesterday afternoon and evening with a mass attended by almost 900 people. It was a wonderful celebration and one that took me to the mountain top for a few moments! I ask your continued prayers for the faith community at Corpus Christi and their preacher that we might make the stay on the mountain top last these next few days as we celebrate a time of mission.
Blessings go out to everyone today. Enjoy your Sunday and may it be a time that nourishes and refreshes you for the journey of this new week and whatever it brings to your life! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
Abram is ask to see and hear his life differently, not just through the eyes and ears of the world but also through the eyes and ears of faith. For Abram, like Peter, James and John, what he sees and hears is terrifying, awesome and wonderful. Abram is gifted with the presence of God. It is presence that is overwhelming and terrifying but a presence that graces and blesses him. God's presence in Abram's life blesses him with a covenant that will make him the father of a great nation. It was Abram's faith that made this relationship, this covenant possible.
For Peter, James and John things are a little different. They are gifted with God's presence it is a presence that too is overwhelming and terrifying. They encounter the breath of God's covenant and the essence of Jesus divine nature. They want to hang on to both but quickly learn that they cannot. It is an encounter to be remembered, an encounter that they can take with them as they return to the life they live. It becomes for them an encounter of hope. Even though they must return to their everyday life, to the struggles, difficulties, the challenges, even though they must go back down the mountain and continue their journey to the next mountain, Calvary, they have this memory that will keep alive the hope they need no matter what they encounter.
And so it is for us as we continue this journey of Lent, this journey of life. We too have an encounter with the presence of God. It perhaps doesn't seem as terrifying or as awesome and Abram's or Peter, James and John's. It sometimes is quickly forgotten but if we have faith it is the very hope that will help us continue this journey with all its struggles, with all it difficulties, with all its challenges. Our encounter with God is the Eucharist. It is our covenant, it is our mountain top, it is our moment to see and hear God not through the eyes and ears of the world, but through the eyes and ears of faith!
Daily Lenten Prayer: Loving God, you invite us to listen to and walk with your beloved Son, Jesus. Nourish us today with his Word and Eucharist that we might have the spiritual sight and hearing that only a life of faith can bring. Help us to rejoice in the hope of your presence in our life. Grace us with your love that we may always hear your voice and see your face and live with you as our light and salvation. Bless us with a faith that always keeps us amazed and open to your loving presence. Amen!
Runner's Thought: Sometimes we think of Sunday as a day of rest, yet we want to run. Perhaps we need to think of our running today and every Sunday as a time of rest, as a time of prayer, as a time that will renew, strengthen and enliven us for the new week ahead!
A blessed Sunday to all! I hope today will truly be a day of rest for you, though I know many of you have busy lives and today might include that busyness. If so I hope you find at least a little rest and relaxation today!
I opened my journey of mission here at Corpus Christi Parish in Bismarck, ND yesterday afternoon and evening with a mass attended by almost 900 people. It was a wonderful celebration and one that took me to the mountain top for a few moments! I ask your continued prayers for the faith community at Corpus Christi and their preacher that we might make the stay on the mountain top last these next few days as we celebrate a time of mission.
Blessings go out to everyone today. Enjoy your Sunday and may it be a time that nourishes and refreshes you for the journey of this new week and whatever it brings to your life! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
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