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 at times the answer to
some of these questions is, “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.
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 greetings and blessings to all! Our day here in Long Beach has
started off sunny with a nice cool breeze out of the north so it is another beautiful
day. I hope the same is true for you wherever you are!
Today is a special day for me it is the
33rd Anniversary of my profession of first vows with the
Passionists. August 22, 1982 was a very hot Sunday and Pittsburgh, but seven of
us, along with Passionists, family and friends, proclaimed of our desire to
live the Passionist life keeping alive the memory of Christ’s Passion through
our lives, our ministry and our prayer. Three of us remain from that hot August
afternoon, Fr. Melvin Shorter, C.P., Fr. Chris Cleary, C.P. and yours truly. It
is interesting to note that we were the three oldest members of the class. I am
not sure what that means, maturity, intelligence, wisdom or we just had given
up too much to turn back. Who knows! I am thankful to my two classmates for an
interesting 34+ years, for their friendship, for their faithfulness, and for
being there on the journey. I am thankful to all of you for your love, support
and prayers that have kept me going!
On this day of celebration for me my
prayer of blessing for you is that God will bless you with his love today. May
God bless you with his love, a love he offered the whole world through the gift
of Mary whom we honor today as we celebrate the Queenship of Mary. Through the
intercession of Mary I pray that God will bless your day with the gift of
leisure, rest and peace. May you be blessed with people who will 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 joy love and 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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