Making a Joyful Noise through Lent – 03/10/2014
“Christians have the duty to proclaim
the Gospel without excluding anyone. Instead of seeming to impose new obligations,
they should appear as people who wish to share their joy, who point to a
horizon of beauty and who invite others to a delicious banquet.” (Pope Francis
– Evangelii Gaudium – The Joy of the
Gospel)
The words of Pope Francis from his exhortation
present to us another way of looking at our scriptures today. Perhaps we might
say it is a more joyful way of considering what Jesus and the write of
Leviticus challenge us with.
Our reading from Book of Leviticus (Leviticus
19: 1-2, 11-18) seems to be a list of what to do and not do I think more
importantly it is a reminder of how to be a Christian, a Catholic. These
commands that Moses offers the people today are all about being a compassionate
and loving person. Yes, they say what to do and not do, mostly what not to do,
but if we think about not doing things like stealing, lying, swearing falsely,
using profanity, making fun of people with disabilities, not acting dishonestly,
not gossiping, not living with hate we can begin to see a life enriched by the
presence of God. We can begin to see a life were we love our neighbor rather
than hate our neighbor.
The advancement in technology and social
media is a wonderful thing. It gives us information in an instant. It makes it
possible to communicate across vast miles in a second. It brings people and
experiences into our homes at the instants they happen. But it also enables us
to be very non-Christian without even thinking about it. We can slander,
berate, gossip, hurt and even hate others without even leaving our homes. It is
like playing a video game and yet our words, our thoughts put down on Facebook,
Twitter and all the others can sometimes be profoundly hurtful and
un-Christian.
The first reading reminds us that
whether we are standing in front of a person or thousands of miles away we
still have a responsibility to be a person of faith, a person of God and that
means being loving and joyful not hateful and destructive.
Jesus continues this theme in the Gospel
(Matthew 25: 31-46) with the very famous phrase, "whatever you did to one
of the least brothers [or sisters] of mine, you did to me." In other
words, our words and actions whether in the midst of people or over the
internet have consequences. If we are kind, loving, compassionate and joyful to
whomever we encounter, wherever we encounter them we will be welcome in the
Kingdom!
Yes, perhaps todays readings are about “dos
and don’ts” about what we have done and what we have failed to do. However I
think Pope Francis challenges us to consider the words of Jesus and the Book of
Leviticus in a different way. If we approach life in a joyful way, if we see
each encounter with another person as an opportunity to offer the joyful
presence of God then we will not have to worry about “dos and don’ts” or what
we have done or failed to do.
Have a blessed Monday everyone!
Daily Prayer: Help us O God,
to be the person you have created us to be today. Help us to think before we
speak especially when our words are directed towards others. Help us to think
before we write especially when we are writing about others. Help us to act,
respond and live as a person committed to compassion, life, love and joy. Make
us aware of your presence in all we meet, make us aware of your presence in
ourselves. Fill us with words and actions today that bring about your Spirit,
your life and your joy! Amen!
Runner's Thoughts: Remember God
does not wait at home or at the finish line, God is constantly with us in all
things and all people. As we run, as we live, our task is simply to recognize
that fact and hold it with us and run with God!
A little extra thought for runners today
– from C. S Lewis – “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a
new dream.”
Daily Blessing: Greetings
everyone and Happy Monday – at least I hope it is a happy Monday for all, if
not hang in there Tuesday will be here tomorrow!
As I mentioned yesterday evening we have
gotten off to a wonderful mission week here at St. Elizabeth Parish in
Rockville, MD. There is a wonderful spirit here and the reception that I
received at all the masses was great! We begin the mission in a formal way this
morning with the celebration of mass at 11:30 am followed by the first mission
talk. If you get a chance today please offer a prayer for the faith community
here at St. Elisabeth and for their preacher!
I pray this morning for all of you out
there beginning a new work week, a new school week, a new Monday! May God’s
blessing be with you in whatever you encounter today, in whomever you encounter
today and wherever your day takes you. May God bless you with the grace of joy
to live this day willing to meet God wherever you go and in whomever you meet
including yourself! Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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