Making a Joyful Noise through Lent – 04/06/2014
“Before all else, the Gospel invites us
to respond to the God of love who saves us, to see God in others and to go
forth from ourselves to seek the good of others.” (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium: The Joy of the Gospel)
Pope Francis’ words today focus on life
just as Jesus did in the Gospel. Jesus was always about life and his action
brought about the joy and glory of God. Pope Francis the imitation of Jesus, he
is about life and the joy and glory of God, we must be too!
For me there are a number of interesting
things about our Gospel (John 11: 1-45) story today. Obviously the raising of
Lazarus from the dead sits center stage. But we also see Jesus as human and
divine. He cries and he performs a miracle. Then there is the growth of Martha.
When last we met Martha she was complaining about her she’s lack of work. Yet,
today she is the first out to meet Jesus and she believes not only in miracles
but also in Jesus as the Christ and the gift of everlasting life.
Yes there are many things that we can
take always from the scripture today. Perhaps the most important is faith, faith
in our relationship with God and faith in what lies beyond this life. Ezekiel
(Ezekiel 37: 12-14) reminds the community of this gift and St. Paul in his
Letter to the Romans (Romans 8: 8-11) does the same.
Over this past year Pope Francis has
asked us to look at things differently by his words and actions. His picking of
the name Francis reflects a different way of thinking about, seeing and living
life. His humility and care for others reflects a different way of thinking
about, seeing and living life. His putting of people first, his care for the
poor, his desire for peace reflects a different way of think about, seeing and
living life.
Our challenge as people of faith is to
always see and live life through the lens of faith. We are to think of life not
death. We are to see the others first rather than just ourselves. We are to
live compassionate lives of justice and peace.
If we believe we will have eternal life!
Happy Sunday everyone and don’t forget to give God and little time by making a
joyful noise with your life!
Daily Lenten Prayer: Lord, make me
an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where
there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair,
hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine
Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be
understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that
we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we
are born to eternal life. Amen
A Runner’s Thoughts: As you run
imagine God is at your side, running along with you. Imagine how God would look
with kindness into the faces of all whom the two of you meet. Imagine how God
would fine good in everyone you encounter. Look for good in everyone. Look for
good in yourself! (From Roger Joslin – Running the Spiritual Path)
Daily Blessing: Sorry for being
a little late today friends but Sunday’s on the road can often be full and a
bit tiring. So after the masses today I rested a little and took a walk on this
beautiful sunny day in Maryland.
Barnesville is a quiet little farming
community in Maryland. Farms all around the parish church many with beautiful
horses. The church is over 100 years old and while the community is small it is
spirited and enthusiastic. I am looking forward to the next three mornings and
evenings of mission. Please pray for the faith community here at St. Mary’s and
also for their preacher!
I ask God’s blessing on all of us that
we will have a good rest of the afternoon and a peaceful and restful evening.
May God bless us with the richness of family, friends, rest and peace this
day. May God bless all of us as we begin
a new work week. May it be one that runs smoothly and peacefully with many
graced moments! Have a wonderful evening everyone!. Peace in Christ’s
Passion…Fr. Paul
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