Making a Joyful Noise through Lent 03/17/2014

Making a Joyful Noise through Lent – 03/17/2014

“When conflict arises, some people simply look at it and go their way as if nothing happened; they wash their hands of it and get on with their lives. Others embrace it in such a way that they become its prisoners; they lose their bearings, project onto institutions their own confusion and dissatisfaction and thus make unity impossible. But there is also a third way, and it is the best way to deal with conflict. It is the willingness to face conflict head on, to resolve it and to make it a link in the chain of a new process. “Blessed are the peacemakers!” (Mt 5:9).” (Pope Francis – Evangelii Gaudium – The Joy of the Gospel)

Pope Francis today like Jesus in our Gospel (Luke 6: 36-38) offers us words through which we can deal with conflict and disagreement in life, words that ask us to be merciful and compassionate people. Pope Francis and Jesus offer us words that call us to be people who are willing to work to make a joyful noise rather than a negative noise.

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 and Pope Francis ask 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 and joyful Kingdom of God!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone! Don’t forget to make a joyful noise with your life today!

Daily Lenten Prayer: As I arise today, may the strength of God pilot me, the power of God uphold me, the wisdom of God guide me.  May the eye of God look before me, the ear of God hear me, the word of God speak for me. May the hand of God protect me, the way of God lie before me, the shield of God defend me, the host of God save me. May Christ shield me today. Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit, Christ when I stand, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. 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.

Daily Blessing: Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone! I hope you are celebrating a little because you know there is a little Irish in everyone even if it is just your smile, so celebrate a little.

The mission here at OLPH Parish in Pelham Manor got off to a great start with my preaching at all the masses and today I look forward to starting the mission in just about an hour.

Also 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.

My prayer of blessing today is that you will have a great day, with many blessings as you begin a new work week. May it be one that runs smoothly and peacefully with many graced moments! If you are celebrating today may you be blessed in doing so safely and joyfully. May we all be blessed with the strength of God to guide us, the power of God uphold us, the wisdom of God enlighten me. Please remember to offer a prayer or two for the faith community at OLPH Parish and their preacher. Prayers will be greatly appreciated. Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul