Daily Thoughts: “Do and observe
all things whatever they tell you, but do not follow their example.” (Today’s
Gospel Matthew 23: 1-12) I have to admit every time I read this passage in
Matthew’s Gospel I think of the bishops, cardinals and even the pope. I think
of them as saying one things and doing another, of laying heavy burdens on
others, of always needing places of honor, of always being shown respect but
not respecting others. Yes, it is easy to point the finger at others.
However, if I truly stop and think about
Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel the first person I must really consider first is
yours truly, me. I too am part of the Church leadership. I am a priest, a
preacher and a Passionists. Do my words and actions reflect Christ? Do I lay
heavy burdens on people and then do nothing to help? Do I look for places of
honor, special treatment just because of who I am? Do I expect people treat me
different? Do I expect to be called “father,” “Rabbi,” or “Master?”
If I am honest there are certain of
these questions where the answer is sometimes, “yes” unfortunately! Yes, I get
caught up in my humanness. I want to be special. I want the world to follow my
words. I want people to point to me and say good things. I want to get the
first place in line or be at the head table.
So Jesus’ words today are an opportunity
for me to pause and reset my priorities. They are an opportunity for me adjust
my life. They offer me a chance to plant my feet on the ground again and to
value the things that are most important, the things that really matter. They
are a reminder of who is most important in my life, God and others.
The Chicago Bears football great Gail
Sayers entitled his autobiography I Am Third, referring to the way he lived his
life, Jesus first, others second and himself third. In Jesus’ words today I am
reminded that I will never be perfect in this life and every once in a while I
do need a good kick in the behind so that I take note of why I am a Passionist,
a priest and a preacher. Every once in a while I have to remember God is first
and I am third!
Have a great Saturday everyone and don’t
forget to make a joyful noise with your life today!
Daily Prayer: O God, teach us
to be generous to serve you as you deserve to be served, to give without
counting the cost, to fight without fear of being wounded, to work without
seeking rest and to spend ourselves without expecting any reward but the
knowledge that we are doing your holy will. Amen (Adapted from a prayer by St. Ignatius
of Loyola)
A Runner’s Thoughts: “Struggling and
suffering are the essence of a life worth living. If you're not pushing
yourself beyond the comfort zone, if you're not demanding more from yourself -
expanding and learning as you go - you're choosing a numb existence. You're
denying yourself an extraordinary trip.” (Dean Karnazes)
Daily Blessing: Good Morning
and Saturday blessings to all! Our day here in Long Beach has started off on
the cloudy side with a cool breeze out of the northeast but from my perspective
it is still a beautiful day. I hope the same is true for you wherever you are!
Let me take this opportunity to thank all of you who commented, posted or texted yesterday about my anniversary. I truly appreciated you kind words and thoughts and I look forward to another 32 years as a Passionist. I enjoy my anniversary day and even celebrated with a beer (who would have thought) after my evening walk, so thanks everyone!
It will be a somewhat busy day with
confessions this afternoon and a 5 pm Mass. The church is being painted so we
will be celebrating mass today as we have been all week amid scaffolding and
most of it is in the sanctuary which should make mass very interesting today
and tomorrow!
I pray that God will bless your day with
the gift of leisure, rest and peace. May you be blessed with family and friends
who enrich your day with laughter and smiles. May any work you must do be easy,
swift and productive. And may the grace of God’s joyful presence be with you
throughout the day and always!
Don’t forget to give God a little time
this weekend. Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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