Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46
Psalm 32: :1-2, 3-4, 5-6
1 Corinthians 10: 31-11:1
Mark 1:40-45 And a leper came to him beseeching him, and kneeling said to him, "If you will, you can make me clean." 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, "I will; be clean." 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 And he sternly charged him, and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, "See that you say nothing to any one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to the people." 45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.
Meditation
What a perfect picture; not only of Jesus' compassion [pity] on this man with leprosy, but the picture of conversion and salvation as well.
The leper certainly knew his position, didn't he? I mean as a leper, he was banished from the community. He was to have no contact with the outside world. But he was desperate! He had heard of this Jesus of Nazareth, who could heal the sick and cast out demons, but if he was to see Him and be healed himself he had to break the law. Maybe even being rebuked by Jesus Himself for doing so.
Likewise, our sins have banished us from God's community and like this leper we need to decide whether or not we will run the risk of being ostracized by society to seek God. In this day and age of "political correctness" we certainly run that risk.
So, understanding his position, and the power Jesus has, he humbles himself as he comes begging and kneeling before the Lord. There was no pride within his heart, his unworthiness shown through as he utters the words, If you wish, you can make me clean.
Just as in the process of salvation, we see that the heart must be ready for the healing [cleansing] and we must come to Jesus ourselves, in humility and repentance. Jesus was in the area this man lived in, but the man came to Jesus in humility, realizing there was nothing he could do about his own condition. Even with his own effort to make that journey, there was no presumption that Jesus would heal him saying, If you wish.
If we seek after Jesus with the attitude of humility, His response will surely be I do choose. As He says in St. John's gospel chapter six, verse thirty-seven, ..anyone who comes to me I will never drive away. This grace [pity] that is offered, is available to all. This Greek work translated for pity, is the word splanchnizomai which describes a pity so great that one is moved to meet another's need. Another wonderful picture of God's grace! Though this gift of grace is offered to all, it must be received; for a gift that is given but not received is useless.
Now, here is where our response to the Savior is crucial. Will we obey what Jesus says or will we do what "we" think we should do? Let's take a look at the leper's actions after his healing; Then he said to him, "See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them." The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places.
We see Jesus give the command to this newly healed man and what does he do? He does the opposite thing! Now I've heard somebody use this verse as some sort of, "He was so full of the Holy Spirit, He had to tell the whole world what Jesus had done for him!" The only problem with that theory is that it contradicts the Trinity! The Holy Spirit will never, ever lead us to disobey what Jesus commands us to do! We are called to obey when we are cleansed by Him. Again St. John's gospel in chapters fourteen and fifteen clearly state how important obedience is for us to "remain" in Him.
Now, I'm not judging the heart of this leper, only God can do that, but I must look at the fruit of his action to see what it produced. His disobedience hindered Jesus' work. Look again, it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places. How many people in the other towns were effected by the [former] lepers disobedience? Maybe some of the other sick, lame, blind and/or demon possessed couldn't make it to the deserted places. Maybe they were waiting for Jesus to come to their area. It's sad to think about, but we must never forget that our actions always effect others! For their good or for their detriment. This is why obedience is so important to God. Not only does it rupture our relationship with Him, it ruptures our relationships with one another. Remember, "No man is an island."
So this week let us remember our brother and sisters in "other towns" and how our actions will effect them. Will we have a positive or negative impact on their lives? In obedience to Christ we are to pray for others, ask forgiveness of others and to help them meet their needs. How are we at doing this? I'm sure we can all do better!
Amen.
Supplementary Reading
God's Promise of Provision
"He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy." - Acts 14:17
God promises to provide for all of your needs. But it's not easy trusting for God's provision. Yes, you should be prudent. But be careful, or you'll end up like the man who was getting ready to go on a journey.
He packed his mule with basic necessities, but then thought, What if I run into robbers? I had better take a machete. He added the machete to the back of the mule and just as he was ready to leave, thought, What if my mule cuts his leg? I had better take a first aid kit with me. On and on it went until the mule was so burdened down it couldn't take a step. You get the point.
If you wait until all of your provisions are in order, you may miss out on some of life's most exciting journeys.
* * *
Is there anything you are currently having difficulty trusting God for in your life? Write a prayer, thanking him for all of the ways he IS currently providing for you. Ask him to free you from your fear and insecurity about the future. Move forward in faith believing God will meet your needs.
* * *
Devotions taken from the
"Power for Life Daily Devotional."
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 -Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
.
Friday, February 06, 2009
February 14, 2009 - Saturday Gospel Mark 8:1-10
Genesis 3:9-24
Psalm 90:2, 3-4abc, 5-6, 12-13
Mark 8:1-10 In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him, and said to them, 2 "I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days, and have nothing to eat; 3 and if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way; and some of them have come a long way." 4 And his disciples answered him, "How can one feed these men with bread here in the desert?" 5 And he asked them, "How many loaves have you?" They said, "Seven."6 And he commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground; and he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd. 7 And they had a few small fish; and having blessed them, he commanded that these also should be set before them. 8 And they ate, and were satisfied; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. 9 And there were about four thousand people.10 And he sent them away; and immediately he got into the boat with his disciples, and went to the district of Dalmanu'tha.
Meditation by Nick Fagnant (Creighton)
God appears irrational-punishing all of humanity because of the actions of two. Today's Psalm and Gospel, however, are confusing in light of the first reading. Can't God make up God's mind? Does God want to banish us from paradise so we must toil endlessly to meet our basic needs, or is God our "refuge," the one who is moved by our suffering and wants to "satisfy" us?
Because of my privileged position in the world, I find myself unable to answer. I don't have to toil to meet my basic needs of food, water, and shelter. I don't have daily hunger pangs. Am I lucky enough to be in the culture that finally got it right- that after hundreds of thousands of years of trial and error, humanity finally evolved into us? Are we living in the new Garden of Eden as many no longer have to suffer the consequences of the Original Sin in these ways? Millions have found (or been born into) lives that are not in line with the consequences detailed in Genesis.
Furthermore, we seem to be continuing where Adam and Eve left off: possessing the power of God. We have the ability, technology, and resources to "multiply loaves" more efficiently and on a much larger scale than Jesus ever did. Four thousand? Now we do it by the millions. Any one of us can flip a switch to accomplish what Jesus did as one of his greatest miracles.
And yet, we are not satisfied. Despite our power, there still exists an interior void.
When our students arrive in the Dominican Republic for Encuentro Dominicano, they are hungry for something, even though its description evades them. For four months, they form relationships with campesinos who have nothing to offer but the food for which they toil endlessly in the fields, with children who attend school in the morning before returning to the trash dump to dig for bottles to sell in the afternoon, and with the elderly whose only desire is to not die alone.
In these relationships with the Dominican poor, we are powerless. We find ourselves vulnerable. We who seem to have everything are given a plate of rice, more than the rest of our Dominican hosts, and we realize that we are, indeed, naked in light of such hospitality and love.
We are naked when we struggle to help an elderly woman who has bedsores as a result of not being moved in days, because when she grabs our hand, she knows that someone is with her, sharing in her brokenness. We are naked when we can't help the boy with lice do his homework only because we don't know the words to say in Spanish, for when he smiles and looks into our eyes, no words are needed to understand his gratitude for our mere presence.
More than ever, we are hungry for what Christ offers us through his presence in these people. Our hearts are moved, and we realize that for all of humanity's accomplishments, this is the true power of God. This is what satisfies, satiates, quenches, and fills.
In the end, we find we are still suffering the consequences of sin. We realize that the suffering we witness here is humanity's fault, not God's, but we are also witnesses to and recipients of the daily miracles of multiplication. We are welcomed to the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the loaves by the Dominican poor. That for which we are hungry is multiplied in our very presence.
Our baskets are overflowing.
Supplementary Reading
Turn on God's Power
"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you." - Acts 1:8
I have two vacuum cleaners. One is a cordless that I use to clean up spills here and there. It's perfect for little jobs! But often, I have to clean up spills that are too big for the cordless. That's when I need the Dirt Devil. I have to plug this vacuum into a source of power and turn it on.
It's the same with your life. If you go through life unplugged from your source of spiritual power, pretty soon you will be out of commission. You need to stay plugged in to your source of power, the Holy Spirit, who gives you the courage and strength to face events that are unpredictable, emotions that are undependable, enthusiasm that is depleteable, and an eternity that is unattainable apart from God.
Go ahead. Turn on God's power in your life.
* * *
Do you know when you're running on your own power rather than God's? What indicators in your life let you know when you've gotten unplugged from your source of spiritual power? What steps do you need to take to turn on God's power in your life again?
* * *
Devotions taken from the
"Power for Life Daily Devotional."
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 -Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
Psalm 90:2, 3-4abc, 5-6, 12-13
Mark 8:1-10 In those days, when again a great crowd had gathered, and they had nothing to eat, he called his disciples to him, and said to them, 2 "I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days, and have nothing to eat; 3 and if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way; and some of them have come a long way." 4 And his disciples answered him, "How can one feed these men with bread here in the desert?" 5 And he asked them, "How many loaves have you?" They said, "Seven."6 And he commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground; and he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd. 7 And they had a few small fish; and having blessed them, he commanded that these also should be set before them. 8 And they ate, and were satisfied; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. 9 And there were about four thousand people.10 And he sent them away; and immediately he got into the boat with his disciples, and went to the district of Dalmanu'tha.
Meditation by Nick Fagnant (Creighton)
God appears irrational-punishing all of humanity because of the actions of two. Today's Psalm and Gospel, however, are confusing in light of the first reading. Can't God make up God's mind? Does God want to banish us from paradise so we must toil endlessly to meet our basic needs, or is God our "refuge," the one who is moved by our suffering and wants to "satisfy" us?
Because of my privileged position in the world, I find myself unable to answer. I don't have to toil to meet my basic needs of food, water, and shelter. I don't have daily hunger pangs. Am I lucky enough to be in the culture that finally got it right- that after hundreds of thousands of years of trial and error, humanity finally evolved into us? Are we living in the new Garden of Eden as many no longer have to suffer the consequences of the Original Sin in these ways? Millions have found (or been born into) lives that are not in line with the consequences detailed in Genesis.
Furthermore, we seem to be continuing where Adam and Eve left off: possessing the power of God. We have the ability, technology, and resources to "multiply loaves" more efficiently and on a much larger scale than Jesus ever did. Four thousand? Now we do it by the millions. Any one of us can flip a switch to accomplish what Jesus did as one of his greatest miracles.
And yet, we are not satisfied. Despite our power, there still exists an interior void.
When our students arrive in the Dominican Republic for Encuentro Dominicano, they are hungry for something, even though its description evades them. For four months, they form relationships with campesinos who have nothing to offer but the food for which they toil endlessly in the fields, with children who attend school in the morning before returning to the trash dump to dig for bottles to sell in the afternoon, and with the elderly whose only desire is to not die alone.
In these relationships with the Dominican poor, we are powerless. We find ourselves vulnerable. We who seem to have everything are given a plate of rice, more than the rest of our Dominican hosts, and we realize that we are, indeed, naked in light of such hospitality and love.
We are naked when we struggle to help an elderly woman who has bedsores as a result of not being moved in days, because when she grabs our hand, she knows that someone is with her, sharing in her brokenness. We are naked when we can't help the boy with lice do his homework only because we don't know the words to say in Spanish, for when he smiles and looks into our eyes, no words are needed to understand his gratitude for our mere presence.
More than ever, we are hungry for what Christ offers us through his presence in these people. Our hearts are moved, and we realize that for all of humanity's accomplishments, this is the true power of God. This is what satisfies, satiates, quenches, and fills.
In the end, we find we are still suffering the consequences of sin. We realize that the suffering we witness here is humanity's fault, not God's, but we are also witnesses to and recipients of the daily miracles of multiplication. We are welcomed to the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the loaves by the Dominican poor. That for which we are hungry is multiplied in our very presence.
Our baskets are overflowing.
Supplementary Reading
Turn on God's Power
"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you." - Acts 1:8
I have two vacuum cleaners. One is a cordless that I use to clean up spills here and there. It's perfect for little jobs! But often, I have to clean up spills that are too big for the cordless. That's when I need the Dirt Devil. I have to plug this vacuum into a source of power and turn it on.
It's the same with your life. If you go through life unplugged from your source of spiritual power, pretty soon you will be out of commission. You need to stay plugged in to your source of power, the Holy Spirit, who gives you the courage and strength to face events that are unpredictable, emotions that are undependable, enthusiasm that is depleteable, and an eternity that is unattainable apart from God.
Go ahead. Turn on God's power in your life.
* * *
Do you know when you're running on your own power rather than God's? What indicators in your life let you know when you've gotten unplugged from your source of spiritual power? What steps do you need to take to turn on God's power in your life again?
* * *
Devotions taken from the
"Power for Life Daily Devotional."
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 -Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
February 13, 2009 - Friday Gospel Mark 7:31-37
Genesis 3:1-8
Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7
Mark 7:31-37 - Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of the Decap'olis. 32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech; and they besought him to lay his hand upon him. 33 And taking him aside from the multitude privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue; 34 and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, "Eph'phatha," that is, "Be opened." 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 And he charged them to tell no one; but the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, "He has done all things well; he even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak."
Meditation by Tom Bannantine, S.J.
As I reflect on today's readings I am somewhat uncomfortable because in the first reading I am confronted with the question of guilt. All of us unfortunately experience guilt. That feeling of responsibility or remorse for an offense we have committed. We are familiar with the feeling of shame that comes when we offend someone. Our shame is heightened when we offend someone that we love. We know too the feeling of guilt that accompanies sin, an offense against almighty God. The unwelcome feeling that comes when we succumb to temptation and commit a sin.
From the Book of Genesis we learn today that Adam and Eve also experienced guilt. Since at that time Adam and Eve were the only human beings that God had created, theirs is the very first sin, original sin. Immediately after they had sinned by disobeying God, Adam and Eve felt the same guilt that we feel when we sin. And they felt something else, fear. We know that fear usually accompanies guilt. We fear retribution or punishment from the one offended. Adam and Eve had that fear. They hid from God in the trees and bushes of the garden. They hid because they were fearful of God's punishment. They had an acute realization of having offended God and they were fearful of what would happen to them as a result of their sin. In the rest of the account of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis we learn that their lives changed very much. The idyllic life that they had enjoyed in the Garden of Eden came to an end. In addition to feeling the need for clothes, they began to experience the very disagreeable feelings of pain and sorrow and fatigue. And their original sin affected all humans who came after them. Even today we are all born with the stain of original sin on our soul.
And so I ask myself. How can I go from the negative feeling of guilt to the positive feeling of joy and hope? And of course Christ gives the answer. He begs us not only to have remorse and sorrow for our sins, but also to come to him and ask for forgiveness. He welcomes us and readily forgives us. He is waiting always to receive us and forgive us. But what about the fear that often accompanies guilt? Sometimes it can hinder us from seeking the forgiveness of God. The longer we wait the harder it is to seek forgiveness. It is important to seek forgiveness as soon as we experience guilt and sorrow for our sin. Another hindrance to seeking forgiveness is a feeling that my sin is just too terrible. That God can't forgive me. The story of Judas comes to mind here. We don't know the mind of Judas, but his actions seem to indicate that he felt that God could not forgive him. The words of Jesus contradict such a feeling. He makes it clear to all of us that there is no offense too great to be forgiven. I think we need to remember that because even today there are people who, like Judas, are oppressed by the weight of their guilt and take their own lives. When we I feel guilt, I need to get rid of it quickly. I need to go to Jesus and seek forgiveness. And I feel the need to pray that all my family and friends and those I come into contact with in any way may also hear the words of Jesus and quickly seek his forgiveness when they have sinned.
Supplementary Reading
Yes. Wait. No.
"I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer." - Psalm 17:6
Sometimes we pray and immediately see God's hand move in a positive response to our prayers.and we know that he is alive and cares about us.
But then there are times when what we ask for doesn't come, and we don't understand why God isn't giving us what we believe is so critically important. In his wisdom, God knows that we need to grow and that we're not prepared to receive what we're asking for.
Sometimes God answers our prayers by saying no. I can't tell you why he says no. Sometimes it doesn't seem fair. But then, we can't see things from his vantage point so we have to release our own desires. When we do, his peace floods our soul.
When you pray, give God control of your life-it's the most important thing you can do.
* * *
Make three columns on a sheet of paper. Label the sheet, "How God Answered My Prayers." Label each column of your sheet with one of these labels: Yes, Wait, No. Then fill in the columns drawing from your own experience of answered prayer. Can you thank God for ALL of his answers to your prayers?
* * *
Devotions taken from the
"Power for Life Daily Devotional."
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 -Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7
Mark 7:31-37 - Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of the Decap'olis. 32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech; and they besought him to lay his hand upon him. 33 And taking him aside from the multitude privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue; 34 and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, "Eph'phatha," that is, "Be opened." 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 And he charged them to tell no one; but the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, "He has done all things well; he even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak."
Meditation by Tom Bannantine, S.J.
As I reflect on today's readings I am somewhat uncomfortable because in the first reading I am confronted with the question of guilt. All of us unfortunately experience guilt. That feeling of responsibility or remorse for an offense we have committed. We are familiar with the feeling of shame that comes when we offend someone. Our shame is heightened when we offend someone that we love. We know too the feeling of guilt that accompanies sin, an offense against almighty God. The unwelcome feeling that comes when we succumb to temptation and commit a sin.
From the Book of Genesis we learn today that Adam and Eve also experienced guilt. Since at that time Adam and Eve were the only human beings that God had created, theirs is the very first sin, original sin. Immediately after they had sinned by disobeying God, Adam and Eve felt the same guilt that we feel when we sin. And they felt something else, fear. We know that fear usually accompanies guilt. We fear retribution or punishment from the one offended. Adam and Eve had that fear. They hid from God in the trees and bushes of the garden. They hid because they were fearful of God's punishment. They had an acute realization of having offended God and they were fearful of what would happen to them as a result of their sin. In the rest of the account of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis we learn that their lives changed very much. The idyllic life that they had enjoyed in the Garden of Eden came to an end. In addition to feeling the need for clothes, they began to experience the very disagreeable feelings of pain and sorrow and fatigue. And their original sin affected all humans who came after them. Even today we are all born with the stain of original sin on our soul.
And so I ask myself. How can I go from the negative feeling of guilt to the positive feeling of joy and hope? And of course Christ gives the answer. He begs us not only to have remorse and sorrow for our sins, but also to come to him and ask for forgiveness. He welcomes us and readily forgives us. He is waiting always to receive us and forgive us. But what about the fear that often accompanies guilt? Sometimes it can hinder us from seeking the forgiveness of God. The longer we wait the harder it is to seek forgiveness. It is important to seek forgiveness as soon as we experience guilt and sorrow for our sin. Another hindrance to seeking forgiveness is a feeling that my sin is just too terrible. That God can't forgive me. The story of Judas comes to mind here. We don't know the mind of Judas, but his actions seem to indicate that he felt that God could not forgive him. The words of Jesus contradict such a feeling. He makes it clear to all of us that there is no offense too great to be forgiven. I think we need to remember that because even today there are people who, like Judas, are oppressed by the weight of their guilt and take their own lives. When we I feel guilt, I need to get rid of it quickly. I need to go to Jesus and seek forgiveness. And I feel the need to pray that all my family and friends and those I come into contact with in any way may also hear the words of Jesus and quickly seek his forgiveness when they have sinned.
Supplementary Reading
Yes. Wait. No.
"I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer." - Psalm 17:6
Sometimes we pray and immediately see God's hand move in a positive response to our prayers.and we know that he is alive and cares about us.
But then there are times when what we ask for doesn't come, and we don't understand why God isn't giving us what we believe is so critically important. In his wisdom, God knows that we need to grow and that we're not prepared to receive what we're asking for.
Sometimes God answers our prayers by saying no. I can't tell you why he says no. Sometimes it doesn't seem fair. But then, we can't see things from his vantage point so we have to release our own desires. When we do, his peace floods our soul.
When you pray, give God control of your life-it's the most important thing you can do.
* * *
Make three columns on a sheet of paper. Label the sheet, "How God Answered My Prayers." Label each column of your sheet with one of these labels: Yes, Wait, No. Then fill in the columns drawing from your own experience of answered prayer. Can you thank God for ALL of his answers to your prayers?
* * *
Devotions taken from the
"Power for Life Daily Devotional."
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 -Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
February 13, 2009 - Friday Gospel Mark 7:31-37
Genesis 3:1-8
Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7
Mark 7:31-37 - Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of the Decap'olis. 32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech; and they besought him to lay his hand upon him. 33 And taking him aside from the multitude privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue; 34 and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, "Eph'phatha," that is, "Be opened." 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 And he charged them to tell no one; but the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, "He has done all things well; he even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak."
Meditation by Tom Bannantine, S.J.
As I reflect on today's readings I am somewhat uncomfortable because in the first reading I am confronted with the question of guilt. All of us unfortunately experience guilt. That feeling of responsibility or remorse for an offense we have committed. We are familiar with the feeling of shame that comes when we offend someone. Our shame is heightened when we offend someone that we love. We know too the feeling of guilt that accompanies sin, an offense against almighty God. The unwelcome feeling that comes when we succumb to temptation and commit a sin.
From the Book of Genesis we learn today that Adam and Eve also experienced guilt. Since at that time Adam and Eve were the only human beings that God had created, theirs is the very first sin, original sin. Immediately after they had sinned by disobeying God, Adam and Eve felt the same guilt that we feel when we sin. And they felt something else, fear. We know that fear usually accompanies guilt. We fear retribution or punishment from the one offended. Adam and Eve had that fear. They hid from God in the trees and bushes of the garden. They hid because they were fearful of God's punishment. They had an acute realization of having offended God and they were fearful of what would happen to them as a result of their sin. In the rest of the account of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis we learn that their lives changed very much. The idyllic life that they had enjoyed in the Garden of Eden came to an end. In addition to feeling the need for clothes, they began to experience the very disagreeable feelings of pain and sorrow and fatigue. And their original sin affected all humans who came after them. Even today we are all born with the stain of original sin on our soul.
And so I ask myself. How can I go from the negative feeling of guilt to the positive feeling of joy and hope? And of course Christ gives the answer. He begs us not only to have remorse and sorrow for our sins, but also to come to him and ask for forgiveness. He welcomes us and readily forgives us. He is waiting always to receive us and forgive us. But what about the fear that often accompanies guilt? Sometimes it can hinder us from seeking the forgiveness of God. The longer we wait the harder it is to seek forgiveness. It is important to seek forgiveness as soon as we experience guilt and sorrow for our sin. Another hindrance to seeking forgiveness is a feeling that my sin is just too terrible. That God can't forgive me. The story of Judas comes to mind here. We don't know the mind of Judas, but his actions seem to indicate that he felt that God could not forgive him. The words of Jesus contradict such a feeling. He makes it clear to all of us that there is no offense too great to be forgiven. I think we need to remember that because even today there are people who, like Judas, are oppressed by the weight of their guilt and take their own lives. When we I feel guilt, I need to get rid of it quickly. I need to go to Jesus and seek forgiveness. And I feel the need to pray that all my family and friends and those I come into contact with in any way may also hear the words of Jesus and quickly seek his forgiveness when they have sinned.
Supplementary Reading
Yes. Wait. No.
"I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer." - Psalm 17:6
Sometimes we pray and immediately see God's hand move in a positive response to our prayers.and we know that he is alive and cares about us.
But then there are times when what we ask for doesn't come, and we don't understand why God isn't giving us what we believe is so critically important. In his wisdom, God knows that we need to grow and that we're not prepared to receive what we're asking for.
Sometimes God answers our prayers by saying no. I can't tell you why he says no. Sometimes it doesn't seem fair. But then, we can't see things from his vantage point so we have to release our own desires. When we do, his peace floods our soul.
When you pray, give God control of your life-it's the most important thing you can do.
* * *
Make three columns on a sheet of paper. Label the sheet, "How God Answered My Prayers." Label each column of your sheet with one of these labels: Yes, Wait, No. Then fill in the columns drawing from your own experience of answered prayer. Can you thank God for ALL of his answers to your prayers?
* * *
Devotions taken from the
"Power for Life Daily Devotional."
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 -Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7
Mark 7:31-37 - Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of the Decap'olis. 32 And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech; and they besought him to lay his hand upon him. 33 And taking him aside from the multitude privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue; 34 and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, "Eph'phatha," that is, "Be opened." 35 And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 And he charged them to tell no one; but the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, "He has done all things well; he even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak."
Meditation by Tom Bannantine, S.J.
As I reflect on today's readings I am somewhat uncomfortable because in the first reading I am confronted with the question of guilt. All of us unfortunately experience guilt. That feeling of responsibility or remorse for an offense we have committed. We are familiar with the feeling of shame that comes when we offend someone. Our shame is heightened when we offend someone that we love. We know too the feeling of guilt that accompanies sin, an offense against almighty God. The unwelcome feeling that comes when we succumb to temptation and commit a sin.
From the Book of Genesis we learn today that Adam and Eve also experienced guilt. Since at that time Adam and Eve were the only human beings that God had created, theirs is the very first sin, original sin. Immediately after they had sinned by disobeying God, Adam and Eve felt the same guilt that we feel when we sin. And they felt something else, fear. We know that fear usually accompanies guilt. We fear retribution or punishment from the one offended. Adam and Eve had that fear. They hid from God in the trees and bushes of the garden. They hid because they were fearful of God's punishment. They had an acute realization of having offended God and they were fearful of what would happen to them as a result of their sin. In the rest of the account of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis we learn that their lives changed very much. The idyllic life that they had enjoyed in the Garden of Eden came to an end. In addition to feeling the need for clothes, they began to experience the very disagreeable feelings of pain and sorrow and fatigue. And their original sin affected all humans who came after them. Even today we are all born with the stain of original sin on our soul.
And so I ask myself. How can I go from the negative feeling of guilt to the positive feeling of joy and hope? And of course Christ gives the answer. He begs us not only to have remorse and sorrow for our sins, but also to come to him and ask for forgiveness. He welcomes us and readily forgives us. He is waiting always to receive us and forgive us. But what about the fear that often accompanies guilt? Sometimes it can hinder us from seeking the forgiveness of God. The longer we wait the harder it is to seek forgiveness. It is important to seek forgiveness as soon as we experience guilt and sorrow for our sin. Another hindrance to seeking forgiveness is a feeling that my sin is just too terrible. That God can't forgive me. The story of Judas comes to mind here. We don't know the mind of Judas, but his actions seem to indicate that he felt that God could not forgive him. The words of Jesus contradict such a feeling. He makes it clear to all of us that there is no offense too great to be forgiven. I think we need to remember that because even today there are people who, like Judas, are oppressed by the weight of their guilt and take their own lives. When we I feel guilt, I need to get rid of it quickly. I need to go to Jesus and seek forgiveness. And I feel the need to pray that all my family and friends and those I come into contact with in any way may also hear the words of Jesus and quickly seek his forgiveness when they have sinned.
Supplementary Reading
Yes. Wait. No.
"I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer." - Psalm 17:6
Sometimes we pray and immediately see God's hand move in a positive response to our prayers.and we know that he is alive and cares about us.
But then there are times when what we ask for doesn't come, and we don't understand why God isn't giving us what we believe is so critically important. In his wisdom, God knows that we need to grow and that we're not prepared to receive what we're asking for.
Sometimes God answers our prayers by saying no. I can't tell you why he says no. Sometimes it doesn't seem fair. But then, we can't see things from his vantage point so we have to release our own desires. When we do, his peace floods our soul.
When you pray, give God control of your life-it's the most important thing you can do.
* * *
Make three columns on a sheet of paper. Label the sheet, "How God Answered My Prayers." Label each column of your sheet with one of these labels: Yes, Wait, No. Then fill in the columns drawing from your own experience of answered prayer. Can you thank God for ALL of his answers to your prayers?
* * *
Devotions taken from the
"Power for Life Daily Devotional."
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 -Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
February 12, 2009 - Thursday Gospel Mark 8:1-10
Genesis 2:18-25
Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
Mark 7:24 - And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house, and would not have any one know it; yet he could not be hid. 25 But immediately a woman, whose little daughter was possessed by an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell down at his feet. 26 Now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophoeni'cian by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 And he said to her, "Let the children first be fed, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." 28 But she answered him, "Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." 29 And he said to her, "For this saying you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter." 30 And she went home, and found the child lying in bed, and the demon gone.
Meditation by Don Schwagger:
Do you ever feel "put-off" by the Lord? This passage describes the only occasion in which Jesus ministered outside of Jewish territory. (Tyre and Sidon were fifty miles north of Israel and still exist today in modern Lebanon.) A Gentile woman - an outsider who was not a member of the chosen people - puts Jesus on the spot by pleading with him to show mercy to her daughter who was tormented with an evil spirit. At first Jesus seemed to pay no attention to her, and this made his disciples feel embarrassed. Jesus very likely did this not to put the woman off, but rather to test her sincerity and to awaken faith in her.
What did Jesus mean by the expression "throwing bread to the dogs"? The Jews often spoke of the Gentiles with arrogance and insolence as "unclean dogs" since the Gentiles were excluded from God's covenant and favor with Israel. For the Greeks the "dog" was a symbol of dishonor and was used to describe a shameless and audacious woman. Matthew's gospel records the expression do not give dogs what is holy (Matthew 7:6). Jesus, no doubt, spoke with a smile rather than with an insult because this woman immediately responds with wit and faith - "even the dogs eat the crumbs". Jesus praises a Gentile woman for her persistent faith and for her affectionate love. She made the misery of her child her own and she was willing to suffer rebuff in order to obtain healing for her loved one. She also had indomitable persistence. Her faith grew in contact with the person of Jesus. She began with a request and she ended on her knees in worshipful prayer to the living God. No one who ever sought Jesus with faith - whether Jew or Gentile - was refused his help. Do you seek Jesus with expectant faith?
"Lord Jesus, your love and mercy knows no bounds. May I trust you always and never doubt your loving care and mercy. Increase my faith in your saving help and deliver me for all evil and harm.
Supplementary Reading
Be Encouraged
"Encourage one another; be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." - 2 Corinthians 13:11
It's the rare person who hasn't failed in what he or she wanted to do at some point. We all make mistakes. And some of those mistakes have serious consequences for us and for others. But if we learn from our mistakes and turn our lives around, we can turn a negative into a positive. God can provide a positive mentor to come alongside us with encouragement and guidance. It's up to us to accept the help. God wants us to serve him successfully. The good news is: He's already put in place the people we need to help us get there.
So learn from your mistakes, but don't let them stop you. Use what happened in your past to positively determine what will happen in your future. Where you came from isn't nearly as important as where God is taking you.
* * *
Who has God used in your life to encourage you when you felt like you had failed? How did that person's encouragement propel you toward a more positive future? Is there anyone God wants you to encourage today?
* * *
Devotions taken from the
"Power for Life Daily Devotional."
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 -Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
Mark 7:24 - And from there he arose and went away to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And he entered a house, and would not have any one know it; yet he could not be hid. 25 But immediately a woman, whose little daughter was possessed by an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell down at his feet. 26 Now the woman was a Greek, a Syrophoeni'cian by birth. And she begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 And he said to her, "Let the children first be fed, for it is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." 28 But she answered him, "Yes, Lord; yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs." 29 And he said to her, "For this saying you may go your way; the demon has left your daughter." 30 And she went home, and found the child lying in bed, and the demon gone.
Meditation by Don Schwagger:
Do you ever feel "put-off" by the Lord? This passage describes the only occasion in which Jesus ministered outside of Jewish territory. (Tyre and Sidon were fifty miles north of Israel and still exist today in modern Lebanon.) A Gentile woman - an outsider who was not a member of the chosen people - puts Jesus on the spot by pleading with him to show mercy to her daughter who was tormented with an evil spirit. At first Jesus seemed to pay no attention to her, and this made his disciples feel embarrassed. Jesus very likely did this not to put the woman off, but rather to test her sincerity and to awaken faith in her.
What did Jesus mean by the expression "throwing bread to the dogs"? The Jews often spoke of the Gentiles with arrogance and insolence as "unclean dogs" since the Gentiles were excluded from God's covenant and favor with Israel. For the Greeks the "dog" was a symbol of dishonor and was used to describe a shameless and audacious woman. Matthew's gospel records the expression do not give dogs what is holy (Matthew 7:6). Jesus, no doubt, spoke with a smile rather than with an insult because this woman immediately responds with wit and faith - "even the dogs eat the crumbs". Jesus praises a Gentile woman for her persistent faith and for her affectionate love. She made the misery of her child her own and she was willing to suffer rebuff in order to obtain healing for her loved one. She also had indomitable persistence. Her faith grew in contact with the person of Jesus. She began with a request and she ended on her knees in worshipful prayer to the living God. No one who ever sought Jesus with faith - whether Jew or Gentile - was refused his help. Do you seek Jesus with expectant faith?
"Lord Jesus, your love and mercy knows no bounds. May I trust you always and never doubt your loving care and mercy. Increase my faith in your saving help and deliver me for all evil and harm.
Supplementary Reading
Be Encouraged
"Encourage one another; be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." - 2 Corinthians 13:11
It's the rare person who hasn't failed in what he or she wanted to do at some point. We all make mistakes. And some of those mistakes have serious consequences for us and for others. But if we learn from our mistakes and turn our lives around, we can turn a negative into a positive. God can provide a positive mentor to come alongside us with encouragement and guidance. It's up to us to accept the help. God wants us to serve him successfully. The good news is: He's already put in place the people we need to help us get there.
So learn from your mistakes, but don't let them stop you. Use what happened in your past to positively determine what will happen in your future. Where you came from isn't nearly as important as where God is taking you.
* * *
Who has God used in your life to encourage you when you felt like you had failed? How did that person's encouragement propel you toward a more positive future? Is there anyone God wants you to encourage today?
* * *
Devotions taken from the
"Power for Life Daily Devotional."
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 -Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
February 11, 2009 - Wednesday Gospel Mark 7:14-23
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17
Psalm 104:1-2a, 27-28, 29bc-30
Mark 7:14-23 And he called the people to him again, and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand: 15 there is nothing outside a man which by going into him can defile him; but the things which come out of a man are what defile him." 17 And when he had entered the house, and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18 And he said to them, "Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a man from outside cannot defile him, 19 since it enters, not his heart but his stomach, and so passes on?" (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20 And he said, "What comes out of a man is what defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a man."
Meditation by Ray Bucko, S.J. (Department of Anthropology and Sociology)
Ever work with clay? Way back when I was a high school teacher at Red Cloud on Pine Ridge one of the art teachers offered to teach ceramics to any interested faculty member in the evenings. Now in those days the volunteers and Jesuits did not have a lot of money so a group of us realized that we could become artistic AND make gifts for our family and friends since Christmas was near upon us. So I signed up for this class -- the instructor was looking for deep artistic engagement while I was more into mass production - make as many gifts as possible. Some negotiation of expectations was needed as I began my learning experience.
The readings today talk about a classic binary opposition - inside and outside. What comes out of a person is what defiles a person, not what goes into a person. The gospel writer attributes this to the lifting of the Jewish prohibition on certain foods. We can take it further. It is our heart that can hurt or heal, that can defile us or purify us, can be sealed in stone through indifference or can be broken open in compassion. It was not the fruit that defiled our first parents but their neglect of God's wishes. This was an interior flaw rather than a poor food choice, a matter of the inside and not simply the outside.
Before I started working with clay in this class I thought there was only an outside of clay - color and texture. But besides a taste of an artistic temperament in the face of utilitarianism, I learned a lot about the inside of clay. Before you can use clay to form an object you must work it carefully. You have to wedge the clay to work out any air bubbles that could destroy the object when it is fired. You can also add different substances to the clay for strength and texture. Ultimately, you must handle and work the clay for a considerable amount of time to make it ready to be shaped and fired.
Both scriptures today talk about obedience to God's plan and the focus of that obedience - our hearts. We need to look inside and attend to what God asks of and for us - to be obedient, to be containers of God's goodness, to bring forth goodness for ourselves and others rather than defilement and destruction. Both readings ask us to look inside and take responsibility for our actions and choices.
Working with clay has taught me the value of working on the inside - we need to examine our inner thoughts and motivations, to both let God in and to work with ourselves gently to transform our inner selves, to be clay in God's hands to be strengthened and purified and to work with ourselves and not be discouraged by flaws but to work them out.
Ever work on yourself? Clearly you are doing this right now by hearing these readings and exploring them further. God works with our inner being, much like the potter works with clay, to make us strong and stable. We too must be willing and ready for this hard work on ourselves.
Learning about preparing clay slowed down my visions of mass production and instant gifts - it took a considerable amount of time to prepare some clay for a vessel - but that was the point - we need to take time to prepare what's within us and to allow God in to work with us in the process. This is not immediate but gradual - so that from our hearts obedience, love, compassion, generosity, selflessness will flow.
I reached a happy compromise with the art teacher and made fewer attractive and inspired gifts rather than mass produced plentitude. I learned that mass production would not work to make a worthy vessel. I had to prepare the clay carefully - so too we need to gently work with ourselves, our inner selves, and allow Christ in to work with us as you have today in taking this reading to heart (notice the image), so that from the vessels which are our selves will pour forth God's goodness and blessings.
Supplementary Reading
When I see My Image in It - Author Unknown
Malachi 3:3 - 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.
The man answered that yes,he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'
He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 -Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
Genesis 2:4b-9, 15-17
Psalm 104:1-2a, 27-28, 29bc-30
Mark 7:14-23 And he called the people to him again, and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand: 15 there is nothing outside a man which by going into him can defile him; but the things which come out of a man are what defile him." 17 And when he had entered the house, and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18 And he said to them, "Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a man from outside cannot defile him, 19 since it enters, not his heart but his stomach, and so passes on?" (Thus he declared all foods clean.) 20 And he said, "What comes out of a man is what defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, fornication, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a man."
Meditation by Ray Bucko, S.J. (Department of Anthropology and Sociology)
Ever work with clay? Way back when I was a high school teacher at Red Cloud on Pine Ridge one of the art teachers offered to teach ceramics to any interested faculty member in the evenings. Now in those days the volunteers and Jesuits did not have a lot of money so a group of us realized that we could become artistic AND make gifts for our family and friends since Christmas was near upon us. So I signed up for this class -- the instructor was looking for deep artistic engagement while I was more into mass production - make as many gifts as possible. Some negotiation of expectations was needed as I began my learning experience.
The readings today talk about a classic binary opposition - inside and outside. What comes out of a person is what defiles a person, not what goes into a person. The gospel writer attributes this to the lifting of the Jewish prohibition on certain foods. We can take it further. It is our heart that can hurt or heal, that can defile us or purify us, can be sealed in stone through indifference or can be broken open in compassion. It was not the fruit that defiled our first parents but their neglect of God's wishes. This was an interior flaw rather than a poor food choice, a matter of the inside and not simply the outside.
Before I started working with clay in this class I thought there was only an outside of clay - color and texture. But besides a taste of an artistic temperament in the face of utilitarianism, I learned a lot about the inside of clay. Before you can use clay to form an object you must work it carefully. You have to wedge the clay to work out any air bubbles that could destroy the object when it is fired. You can also add different substances to the clay for strength and texture. Ultimately, you must handle and work the clay for a considerable amount of time to make it ready to be shaped and fired.
Both scriptures today talk about obedience to God's plan and the focus of that obedience - our hearts. We need to look inside and attend to what God asks of and for us - to be obedient, to be containers of God's goodness, to bring forth goodness for ourselves and others rather than defilement and destruction. Both readings ask us to look inside and take responsibility for our actions and choices.
Working with clay has taught me the value of working on the inside - we need to examine our inner thoughts and motivations, to both let God in and to work with ourselves gently to transform our inner selves, to be clay in God's hands to be strengthened and purified and to work with ourselves and not be discouraged by flaws but to work them out.
Ever work on yourself? Clearly you are doing this right now by hearing these readings and exploring them further. God works with our inner being, much like the potter works with clay, to make us strong and stable. We too must be willing and ready for this hard work on ourselves.
Learning about preparing clay slowed down my visions of mass production and instant gifts - it took a considerable amount of time to prepare some clay for a vessel - but that was the point - we need to take time to prepare what's within us and to allow God in to work with us in the process. This is not immediate but gradual - so that from our hearts obedience, love, compassion, generosity, selflessness will flow.
I reached a happy compromise with the art teacher and made fewer attractive and inspired gifts rather than mass produced plentitude. I learned that mass production would not work to make a worthy vessel. I had to prepare the clay carefully - so too we need to gently work with ourselves, our inner selves, and allow Christ in to work with us as you have today in taking this reading to heart (notice the image), so that from the vessels which are our selves will pour forth God's goodness and blessings.
Supplementary Reading
When I see My Image in It - Author Unknown
Malachi 3:3 - 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.
The man answered that yes,he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'
He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 -Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
February 10, 2009 - Tuesday Gospel Mark 7:1-13
Genesis 1:20-2:4a
Psalm 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Mark 7:1-13 Now when the Pharisees gathered together to him, with some of the scribes, who had come from Jerusalem, 2 they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands defiled, that is, unwashed. 3 (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they wash their hands, observing the tradition of the elders; 4 and when they come from the market place, they do not eat unless they purify themselves; and there are many other traditions which they observe, the washing of cups and pots and vessels of bronze.) 5 And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, "Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with hands defiled?" 6 And he said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, `This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; 7 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.' 8 You leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men." 9 And he said to them, "You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God, in order to keep your tradition! 10 For Moses said, `Honor your father and your mother'; and, `He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him surely die'; 11 but you say, `If a man tells his father or his mother, What you would have gained from me is Corban' (that is, given to God) - 12 then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, 13 thus making void the word of God through your tradition which you hand on. And many such things you do."
Meditation by Paul Mahowald S.J. (St. John's Church)
Today is the feast day of St. Scholastica, the twin sister of St. Benedict, both responsible for founding the Benedictine Order in the seventh century. In fact, St. Benedict is called the "Father of Western Monasticism." They still are fully involved in the ministry of education in America. One of the best known sites is at Collegeville, Minnesota where both St. John's University and the College of St. Benedict's are very strong in their mission of educating the youth in the area.
Our first reading is the "rest of the story" (as Paul Harvey would say!) as we read of the final two days of creation and the day of rest. The text describes that on the sixth day when men and women were created that it was a very good day! And we acknowledge that we are so dependent on our creator that every moment our God is continually re-creating us. We cannot exist without God's sustaining us.
The gospel story is from the last chapter of Mark before Jesus goes from the healing and teaching fields of Galilee and goes south and up the mountain to Jerusalem to his death. Before this trip Jesus is confronted yet again by the "law-abiding" Pharisees and scribes, the self-appointed judges of the orthodoxy of Jesus and his companions.
Jesus confronts them with a simple example (and the gospels elsewhere have several more) of their hypocrisy in keeping the law. The gentiles to whom Jesus is talking and ministering with his healing and teaching do not know the shades of meaning in the Mosaic Law and the strong influence of tradition. (This emphasis on "tradition" was stressed by Tevya in the musical "Fiddler on the Roof.") Jesus clarifies how the Pharisees have substituted their own rules to replace the Law given to them by God in his encounter with Moses in the desert. He clearly shows how they have erred in changing the commandment of the Lord to "honor one's father and mother" with a human device (qorban) to avoid helping their parents.
Each of us might reflect on how well we keep this commandment of honoring our parents, especially in their old age when they are needy and vulnerable. It is so easy in our culture for any one of us to say that the government will help or someone else in our family should help them.
One final reflection: about the "seventh day" when our creator rested. The Orthodox Jews and their practice of dedicating the sabbath to the Lord is admirable. But we find it easy to follow the American custom of using the Lord's Day for all sorts of catch-up work, for diversions from our "day job." This is usually at the expense of using the time to pray and worship the Lord, to make the day a special day for the family to spend quality time together.
We are coming up to Lent when we talk about "resolutions" to make us better persons. Here is a chance for each family to take charge of how they spend the Lord's Day. Is it made holy by our efforts to strengthen the family with time together especially in worship or is it made profane by our going off from the family for all sorts of selfish diversions? Each of us needs to reflect on this and pray about it so that we truly can do God's will in "making holy the sabbath day."
Supplementary Reading
Building Your Faith Muscle
"Stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong." - 1 Corinthians 16:13
It's easy to dream big if all you have to do is sit on the bench. But you can't make a basket from the bench. You can't win the game from the locker room. You have to suit up and get onto the court of life. And that takes courage! Not to mention hard work.
If a basketball player is working out to get in top physical shape with the dream of winning the tournament, then hasn't the dream built the player? In the same way, when you exercise your faith, taking risky steps in the process, your faith will grow. When you dare to follow God into new arenas, you put muscle on your faith. Your dreams force your faith to become stronger, more powerful. If more faith is the only result of a God-given dream, isn't this alone worth it?
* * *
What dream is God calling you to this year? How will this dream-this call-exercise your faith? What risky steps might you need to take to achieve your dream? What kind of faith is required to accomplish your dream?
* * *
Devotions taken from the
"Power for Life Daily Devotional."
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 -Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
Psalm 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
Mark 7:1-13 Now when the Pharisees gathered together to him, with some of the scribes, who had come from Jerusalem, 2 they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands defiled, that is, unwashed. 3 (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they wash their hands, observing the tradition of the elders; 4 and when they come from the market place, they do not eat unless they purify themselves; and there are many other traditions which they observe, the washing of cups and pots and vessels of bronze.) 5 And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, "Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with hands defiled?" 6 And he said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, `This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; 7 in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.' 8 You leave the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men." 9 And he said to them, "You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God, in order to keep your tradition! 10 For Moses said, `Honor your father and your mother'; and, `He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him surely die'; 11 but you say, `If a man tells his father or his mother, What you would have gained from me is Corban' (that is, given to God) - 12 then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, 13 thus making void the word of God through your tradition which you hand on. And many such things you do."
Meditation by Paul Mahowald S.J. (St. John's Church)
Today is the feast day of St. Scholastica, the twin sister of St. Benedict, both responsible for founding the Benedictine Order in the seventh century. In fact, St. Benedict is called the "Father of Western Monasticism." They still are fully involved in the ministry of education in America. One of the best known sites is at Collegeville, Minnesota where both St. John's University and the College of St. Benedict's are very strong in their mission of educating the youth in the area.
Our first reading is the "rest of the story" (as Paul Harvey would say!) as we read of the final two days of creation and the day of rest. The text describes that on the sixth day when men and women were created that it was a very good day! And we acknowledge that we are so dependent on our creator that every moment our God is continually re-creating us. We cannot exist without God's sustaining us.
The gospel story is from the last chapter of Mark before Jesus goes from the healing and teaching fields of Galilee and goes south and up the mountain to Jerusalem to his death. Before this trip Jesus is confronted yet again by the "law-abiding" Pharisees and scribes, the self-appointed judges of the orthodoxy of Jesus and his companions.
Jesus confronts them with a simple example (and the gospels elsewhere have several more) of their hypocrisy in keeping the law. The gentiles to whom Jesus is talking and ministering with his healing and teaching do not know the shades of meaning in the Mosaic Law and the strong influence of tradition. (This emphasis on "tradition" was stressed by Tevya in the musical "Fiddler on the Roof.") Jesus clarifies how the Pharisees have substituted their own rules to replace the Law given to them by God in his encounter with Moses in the desert. He clearly shows how they have erred in changing the commandment of the Lord to "honor one's father and mother" with a human device (qorban) to avoid helping their parents.
Each of us might reflect on how well we keep this commandment of honoring our parents, especially in their old age when they are needy and vulnerable. It is so easy in our culture for any one of us to say that the government will help or someone else in our family should help them.
One final reflection: about the "seventh day" when our creator rested. The Orthodox Jews and their practice of dedicating the sabbath to the Lord is admirable. But we find it easy to follow the American custom of using the Lord's Day for all sorts of catch-up work, for diversions from our "day job." This is usually at the expense of using the time to pray and worship the Lord, to make the day a special day for the family to spend quality time together.
We are coming up to Lent when we talk about "resolutions" to make us better persons. Here is a chance for each family to take charge of how they spend the Lord's Day. Is it made holy by our efforts to strengthen the family with time together especially in worship or is it made profane by our going off from the family for all sorts of selfish diversions? Each of us needs to reflect on this and pray about it so that we truly can do God's will in "making holy the sabbath day."
Supplementary Reading
Building Your Faith Muscle
"Stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong." - 1 Corinthians 16:13
It's easy to dream big if all you have to do is sit on the bench. But you can't make a basket from the bench. You can't win the game from the locker room. You have to suit up and get onto the court of life. And that takes courage! Not to mention hard work.
If a basketball player is working out to get in top physical shape with the dream of winning the tournament, then hasn't the dream built the player? In the same way, when you exercise your faith, taking risky steps in the process, your faith will grow. When you dare to follow God into new arenas, you put muscle on your faith. Your dreams force your faith to become stronger, more powerful. If more faith is the only result of a God-given dream, isn't this alone worth it?
* * *
What dream is God calling you to this year? How will this dream-this call-exercise your faith? What risky steps might you need to take to achieve your dream? What kind of faith is required to accomplish your dream?
* * *
Devotions taken from the
"Power for Life Daily Devotional."
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 -Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
February 9, 2009 - Monday Gospel Mark 6:53-56
Genesis 1:1-19
Psalm 104:1-2a, 5-6, 10 and 12, 24 and 35c
Mark 6:53-56 - And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennes'aret, and moored to the shore. 54 And when they got out of the boat, immediately the people recognized him, 55 and ran about the whole neighborhood and began to bring sick people on their pallets to any place where they heard he was. 56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or country, they laid the sick in the market places, and besought him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched it were made well.
Meditation by Pat Borchers (Creighton - Academic Affairs)
Today's readings contain two descriptions of God's miraculous intervention in our world. The Genesis story of Creation is one of the best known and most discussed in the Bible. Its exact meaning sometimes divides those in the Judeo-Christian tradition with some understanding it to mean that God acted in precisely the order set forth in the story and with the actions taking place in course of what we humans would think of as "days." Others take it more metaphorically as a beautiful reminder of God's role in all things human and earthly. But no matter how one understands the story, it is a majestic one and a reminder of God's dominion over the universe.
Now let's contrast this with the people that Jesus encountered on his travels who "scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats" to see him. In a sense they seem very far removed from the majesty and perfection of the Genesis story. But then again, maybe not. This after all is the central mystery of Christianity: why did God choose to take on a human form? It is the same love of us that begat Creation.
Supplementary Reading
The Power of the Human Spirit
"With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall." - Psalm 18:29
The power of the human spirit is inexplicable. Jesus Christ has been my source of inspiration. Through his life, Jesus demonstrated how the human spirit can face and overcome human suffering. Jesus died on a cross in pain and shame, yet did not for even a moment give in to hatred. "Father, forgive them" was his response. He looked ahead with hope.
With faith in God, we can do the same. We can come from nowhere and go anywhere. We can shine like a bright light as we move through dark times and face the worst life throws at us. Everyone who holds onto faith during times of disaster will endure and will be embraced with affection and respect by the people around them.
You are a force to be reckoned with when your faith is intact and God is empowering you.
* * *
Where do you turn when faced with adversity? Can you think of a time when you experienced just how much strength the human spirit has during a time of adversity? How did your faith contribute to the outcome of that experience?
* * *
Devotions taken from the
"Power for Life Daily Devotional."
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 -Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
Psalm 104:1-2a, 5-6, 10 and 12, 24 and 35c
Mark 6:53-56 - And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennes'aret, and moored to the shore. 54 And when they got out of the boat, immediately the people recognized him, 55 and ran about the whole neighborhood and began to bring sick people on their pallets to any place where they heard he was. 56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or country, they laid the sick in the market places, and besought him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched it were made well.
Meditation by Pat Borchers (Creighton - Academic Affairs)
Today's readings contain two descriptions of God's miraculous intervention in our world. The Genesis story of Creation is one of the best known and most discussed in the Bible. Its exact meaning sometimes divides those in the Judeo-Christian tradition with some understanding it to mean that God acted in precisely the order set forth in the story and with the actions taking place in course of what we humans would think of as "days." Others take it more metaphorically as a beautiful reminder of God's role in all things human and earthly. But no matter how one understands the story, it is a majestic one and a reminder of God's dominion over the universe.
Now let's contrast this with the people that Jesus encountered on his travels who "scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats" to see him. In a sense they seem very far removed from the majesty and perfection of the Genesis story. But then again, maybe not. This after all is the central mystery of Christianity: why did God choose to take on a human form? It is the same love of us that begat Creation.
Supplementary Reading
The Power of the Human Spirit
"With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall." - Psalm 18:29
The power of the human spirit is inexplicable. Jesus Christ has been my source of inspiration. Through his life, Jesus demonstrated how the human spirit can face and overcome human suffering. Jesus died on a cross in pain and shame, yet did not for even a moment give in to hatred. "Father, forgive them" was his response. He looked ahead with hope.
With faith in God, we can do the same. We can come from nowhere and go anywhere. We can shine like a bright light as we move through dark times and face the worst life throws at us. Everyone who holds onto faith during times of disaster will endure and will be embraced with affection and respect by the people around them.
You are a force to be reckoned with when your faith is intact and God is empowering you.
* * *
Where do you turn when faced with adversity? Can you think of a time when you experienced just how much strength the human spirit has during a time of adversity? How did your faith contribute to the outcome of that experience?
* * *
Devotions taken from the
"Power for Life Daily Devotional."
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 -Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
February 8, 2009 - Sunday Gospel Mark 1:29-39
Job 7:1-4, 6-7
Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 1
Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23
Mark 1:29-39 And immediately he left the synagogue, and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him of her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her; and she served them. 32 That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together about the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. 35 And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him pursued him, 37 and they found him and said to him, "Every one is searching for you." 38 And he said to them, "Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out." 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.
Meditation by Peter Hunter, Order of Preachers (OP)
There is a beautiful moment of reversal in the film Babbette's Feast. The film tells the story of a pair of sober and austere women and their village, whose puritanical world is turned upside down when their housekeeper offers to cook for them a real French meal.
At first, they're horrified by the idea, worried about being tempted from their strict way of life, but they and the other members of the village are transformed by the meal in a remarkable way. Their discord is set aside, and they gain a real love for each other.
The transformation is especially beautiful in the case of Lorens Löwenhielm, a cavalry officer who fell in love with one of the women as a young man and courted her patiently for a time, but was never able to break down her reserve and the disapproval of her father. The courtship comes to an end with his saying he is going away forever, and that he has come to realise that life is hard and that certain things are impossible. But when, much later in life, he eats this special meal, he tells her afterwards that he has never been away from her spiritually and that he realises that everything is possible.
The way the feast changes everything makes us think of another feast in which we share, the feast of the Eucharist, which changes everything in our lives and makes everything possible.
It is not difficult to get a sense that life in our world is hard. Part of the extraordinary response to Jesus was that he showed that God didn't want that hard world for us: when God became human in Jesus, he cured the sick and cast out demons, released people from the bondage that they found themselves in.
The people didn't realise that Jesus was offering an even deeper freedom and an even more radical kind of release. Jesus healed the sick because he loved them, but it was also a sign of something much more profound.
It signified the way Jesus could release people from the sickness they brought upon themselves. God didn't want the hard world for us: we make it hard by our lack of love for each other and for Him. Jesus comes, as he says today, for the purpose of preaching the Gospel, the Good News, that news that he brings us a way out of that hard world.
It's extraordinary to think that Jesus prayed - God the Son, come among us as a man, prays to his Father. In this story, it's very important, because it shows what life for someone not in the grip of the hard world is like. It's a life of love of other people, exemplified here by the healing of the sick, but also of love of God, shown by Jesus's getting away to pray.
This is not to say that life for Christians is easier than life for others. Christians may have been released from the hard world in the sense that we ourselves shouldn't be making the world hard. Indeed, we should be enemies of everything in the world that makes it unjust and unloving. But we still suffer from the world, and we must expect that -- after all, Christ himself suffered what the hard world could deal out.
What Christians gain, then, is not an easy life, but a free one, a life without the bonds that come from accepting the world's hardness, and colluding in it. Lorens Löwenhielm initially finds himself trapped in a world where he cannot have what he wants, where life seems hard and possibilities seem restricted, but the feast transforms his outlook and frees him and gives him the sense that everything is possible.
God is constantly offering us that way out of the hard world. It's not an escapist way out: I rather like the fact that in this passage, Simon's mother-in-law, returned to health, shows her love through service. Christians don't opt out of the hard world. We live in it, but in an important sense, we're not part of it, because we've been freed from the hardness in ourselves, so that for us, everything is possible.
Supplementary Reading
Destiny or Destination?
"We declare God's wisdom, a mystery that.God destined for our glory before time began." - 1 Corinthians 2:7
Colonel Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, was sixty-five years old when he lost everything he owned. He had a tiny chicken shack on the side of the road. Then a major highway came through the area and completely bypassed his little restaurant. All he had left was a recipe for fried chicken.
He didn't plan to found a billion-dollar restaurant chain, but when Colonel Sanders was stripped of what little he had accumulated over the years, he considered his options, decided he had something of value, and used that to take his next step.
You don't decide your destiny. Things happen. Outcomes occur. All you decide is your next step. Then God uses that to craft the destiny he has in mind for you. When you live in the Spirit, God directs your steps in ways you cannot imagine!
* * *
"You don't decide your destiny. Things happen. Outcomes occur. All you decide is your next step." Is that where you feel you are today? What are your options? What is something of value you still have? Given that much, what do you think your next step might be?
* * *
Devotions taken from the
"Power for Life Daily Devotional."
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 -Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 1
Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23
Mark 1:29-39 And immediately he left the synagogue, and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him of her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her; and she served them. 32 That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together about the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. 35 And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him pursued him, 37 and they found him and said to him, "Every one is searching for you." 38 And he said to them, "Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also; for that is why I came out." 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons.
Meditation by Peter Hunter, Order of Preachers (OP)
There is a beautiful moment of reversal in the film Babbette's Feast. The film tells the story of a pair of sober and austere women and their village, whose puritanical world is turned upside down when their housekeeper offers to cook for them a real French meal.
At first, they're horrified by the idea, worried about being tempted from their strict way of life, but they and the other members of the village are transformed by the meal in a remarkable way. Their discord is set aside, and they gain a real love for each other.
The transformation is especially beautiful in the case of Lorens Löwenhielm, a cavalry officer who fell in love with one of the women as a young man and courted her patiently for a time, but was never able to break down her reserve and the disapproval of her father. The courtship comes to an end with his saying he is going away forever, and that he has come to realise that life is hard and that certain things are impossible. But when, much later in life, he eats this special meal, he tells her afterwards that he has never been away from her spiritually and that he realises that everything is possible.
The way the feast changes everything makes us think of another feast in which we share, the feast of the Eucharist, which changes everything in our lives and makes everything possible.
It is not difficult to get a sense that life in our world is hard. Part of the extraordinary response to Jesus was that he showed that God didn't want that hard world for us: when God became human in Jesus, he cured the sick and cast out demons, released people from the bondage that they found themselves in.
The people didn't realise that Jesus was offering an even deeper freedom and an even more radical kind of release. Jesus healed the sick because he loved them, but it was also a sign of something much more profound.
It signified the way Jesus could release people from the sickness they brought upon themselves. God didn't want the hard world for us: we make it hard by our lack of love for each other and for Him. Jesus comes, as he says today, for the purpose of preaching the Gospel, the Good News, that news that he brings us a way out of that hard world.
It's extraordinary to think that Jesus prayed - God the Son, come among us as a man, prays to his Father. In this story, it's very important, because it shows what life for someone not in the grip of the hard world is like. It's a life of love of other people, exemplified here by the healing of the sick, but also of love of God, shown by Jesus's getting away to pray.
This is not to say that life for Christians is easier than life for others. Christians may have been released from the hard world in the sense that we ourselves shouldn't be making the world hard. Indeed, we should be enemies of everything in the world that makes it unjust and unloving. But we still suffer from the world, and we must expect that -- after all, Christ himself suffered what the hard world could deal out.
What Christians gain, then, is not an easy life, but a free one, a life without the bonds that come from accepting the world's hardness, and colluding in it. Lorens Löwenhielm initially finds himself trapped in a world where he cannot have what he wants, where life seems hard and possibilities seem restricted, but the feast transforms his outlook and frees him and gives him the sense that everything is possible.
God is constantly offering us that way out of the hard world. It's not an escapist way out: I rather like the fact that in this passage, Simon's mother-in-law, returned to health, shows her love through service. Christians don't opt out of the hard world. We live in it, but in an important sense, we're not part of it, because we've been freed from the hardness in ourselves, so that for us, everything is possible.
Supplementary Reading
Destiny or Destination?
"We declare God's wisdom, a mystery that.God destined for our glory before time began." - 1 Corinthians 2:7
Colonel Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, was sixty-five years old when he lost everything he owned. He had a tiny chicken shack on the side of the road. Then a major highway came through the area and completely bypassed his little restaurant. All he had left was a recipe for fried chicken.
He didn't plan to found a billion-dollar restaurant chain, but when Colonel Sanders was stripped of what little he had accumulated over the years, he considered his options, decided he had something of value, and used that to take his next step.
You don't decide your destiny. Things happen. Outcomes occur. All you decide is your next step. Then God uses that to craft the destiny he has in mind for you. When you live in the Spirit, God directs your steps in ways you cannot imagine!
* * *
"You don't decide your destiny. Things happen. Outcomes occur. All you decide is your next step." Is that where you feel you are today? What are your options? What is something of value you still have? Given that much, what do you think your next step might be?
* * *
Devotions taken from the
"Power for Life Daily Devotional."
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 -Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
February 7, 2009 - Saturday Gospel Mark 6:30-34
Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21
Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
Mark 6:30-34
30 The apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a lonely place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going, and knew them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns, and got there ahead of them. 34 As he went ashore he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
Meditation by Diane Jorgensen (Creighton - School of Pharmacy)
Aaaahhhh….“Come over here to a quiet place… put your feet up… rest awhile.” Jesus’ words are like a cup of hot coffee on these cold days; a soothing ointment for my tired muscles after a busy week. Sometimes I’m so focused on all I am “doing for the Lord” that I miss how much the Lord wants to do for me – and is doing for me – every day.
The Gospels are full of wonderful stories of Jesus healings, his preaching, his wit and political savvy. I’m in the crowd, watching – marveling - cheering – “You go, Jesus!” Sometimes doing a little counseling and teaching myself. But today is different… he turns to us; to me. He wants to hear about all we have done and taught. Now he is the audience. Will I measure up? I probably could have gotten more accomplished, done a better job of preparing, and been more compassionate with that last person. But Jesus simply listens to my stories, and then says “Come and rest”. No judgment, no evaluation, no grade. No “You will do better tomorrow”. His simple welcome and listening and hospitality bring tears to my eyes…. Oh. I guess I did OK. I am enough! He isn’t evaluating… he simply wants to care for us!
I think of the many ways Jesus comes to me on campus…. The friend who invites me to walk because she knows I’m trying to live healthier; the coworker who comes early and waits at an outside door to let us in so we don’t have to walk so far in the cold; my husband who wants to hear all about my day as we sit down to dinner. So many little tender gestures that let me know how much I am loved and cared about.
Rest? What rest? Just as we sit down, there are so many people coming to see Jesus…he turns to them….some from the crowd come to us… to me! “My neighbor told me about how much you helped her… how compassionate you were and what a good listener you were…. May I speak with you?” Oh. I look at Jesus and his face is radiant with compassion and his voice is filled with energy as he begins to teach and preach. How does he do it?
Supplementary Reading
Wonderfully Made - from Power for Life Devotional
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." – Psalm 139:14
The pinnacle of God's creation, even more majestic than earth itself, is the creation that means the most to him—you! God was pleased with his creation. After he created the heavens, he said, "This is good!" After he created the earth and the animals, he said, "This is good!" We are God's children, his masterpiece, and we have all been fearfully and wonderfully made.
Too often, however, we fail to appreciate the unique and valued individuals that we are. We compare ourselves and try to measure up to others or try to be the kind of person we think we need to be. Look in the mirror and say in unison with God, your Creator, "This is good!"
Come up with a list of positive personal traits and life experiences that are unique to you. Read the list out loud prefacing each descriptor with the words, "Thank you, God for making me...[fill in the personal trait] or for allowing me to…[fill in the unique life experience]."
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
Mark 6:30-34
30 The apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a lonely place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going, and knew them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns, and got there ahead of them. 34 As he went ashore he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
Meditation by Diane Jorgensen (Creighton - School of Pharmacy)
Aaaahhhh….“Come over here to a quiet place… put your feet up… rest awhile.” Jesus’ words are like a cup of hot coffee on these cold days; a soothing ointment for my tired muscles after a busy week. Sometimes I’m so focused on all I am “doing for the Lord” that I miss how much the Lord wants to do for me – and is doing for me – every day.
The Gospels are full of wonderful stories of Jesus healings, his preaching, his wit and political savvy. I’m in the crowd, watching – marveling - cheering – “You go, Jesus!” Sometimes doing a little counseling and teaching myself. But today is different… he turns to us; to me. He wants to hear about all we have done and taught. Now he is the audience. Will I measure up? I probably could have gotten more accomplished, done a better job of preparing, and been more compassionate with that last person. But Jesus simply listens to my stories, and then says “Come and rest”. No judgment, no evaluation, no grade. No “You will do better tomorrow”. His simple welcome and listening and hospitality bring tears to my eyes…. Oh. I guess I did OK. I am enough! He isn’t evaluating… he simply wants to care for us!
I think of the many ways Jesus comes to me on campus…. The friend who invites me to walk because she knows I’m trying to live healthier; the coworker who comes early and waits at an outside door to let us in so we don’t have to walk so far in the cold; my husband who wants to hear all about my day as we sit down to dinner. So many little tender gestures that let me know how much I am loved and cared about.
Rest? What rest? Just as we sit down, there are so many people coming to see Jesus…he turns to them….some from the crowd come to us… to me! “My neighbor told me about how much you helped her… how compassionate you were and what a good listener you were…. May I speak with you?” Oh. I look at Jesus and his face is radiant with compassion and his voice is filled with energy as he begins to teach and preach. How does he do it?
Supplementary Reading
Wonderfully Made - from Power for Life Devotional
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." – Psalm 139:14
The pinnacle of God's creation, even more majestic than earth itself, is the creation that means the most to him—you! God was pleased with his creation. After he created the heavens, he said, "This is good!" After he created the earth and the animals, he said, "This is good!" We are God's children, his masterpiece, and we have all been fearfully and wonderfully made.
Too often, however, we fail to appreciate the unique and valued individuals that we are. We compare ourselves and try to measure up to others or try to be the kind of person we think we need to be. Look in the mirror and say in unison with God, your Creator, "This is good!"
Come up with a list of positive personal traits and life experiences that are unique to you. Read the list out loud prefacing each descriptor with the words, "Thank you, God for making me...[fill in the personal trait] or for allowing me to…[fill in the unique life experience]."
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
February 6, 2009 - Friday Gospel Mark 6:14-29
Hebrews 13:1-8
Psalm 27:1, 3, 5, 8b-9abc
Mark 6:14-29 King Herod heard of it; for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, "John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him." 15 But others said, "It is Eli'jah." And others said, "It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." 16 But when Herod heard of it he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised." 17 For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Hero'di-as, his brother Philip's wife; because he had married her. 18 For John said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." 19 And Hero'di-as had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly. 21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Hero'di-as' daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it." 23 And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom." 24 And she went out, and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the baptizer." 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
Meditation by Maureen McCann Waldron (Creighton)
John the Baptist was probably quite annoying at times. We can almost imagine Herod talking to him, afraid, yet inexplicably drawn to John by a sense of passion and direction that was missing in Herod's own life. When John confronted Herod about his illegal marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife, Herod threw John in jail. But he kept pondering John's many messages, perhaps wondering what place John had in his own life. We can imagine that Herod would sometimes have John brought up from his cell and they would have conversations that Herod never had with anyone else in his life. As Mark tells us, when Herod heard John speak, "he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him." But John was like a fly, buzzing persistently around his face and Herod did his best to continue on with his life, trying not to let John's words nag at his heart.
On his birthday, when Herod threw a party for himself, Herodias' daughter danced so wonderfully that Herod, maybe after many glasses of wine, jumped to his feet, leading the applause. As he stood there, weaving slightly, he looked around the room at his friends and with a slight swagger, promised the girl, "I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom." When prompted by her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist.
Herod was devastated. Not John, he thought. But he had promised in front of the entire party and he didn't want to look like a fool, after all. He tried to ignore the gnawing in his stomach and waved for the executioner, as if it was nothing. Soon, the head of John the Baptist came back.
Herod didn't go back on his extravagant promise in front of everyone. He did not "break his word" but he had lost much more. Herod had ignored the part of his heart that John was able to touch - the truth about his life.
We all have those nagging prophets in our lives, people who want to confront us with a truth we don't want to hear; people whose words put a gnawing in our stomachs as we redouble our efforts to ignore them; or sometimes simply messages we simply don't want to listen to. Why can't they just leave us alone to live our lives? Why do they keep pushing at us about justice, hunger, living simply, drinking less? Who are the prophets in our lives who tell us it isn't enough to go to Church on Sundays if we are not cherishing our vows and our spouses? How much do we want to ignore those who suggest we need a balance in our family lives or the person who tells us that our jobs should not be the center of our lives? What are the prophetic messages we are not listening to?
Today's gospel isn't about Herod - it's about ourselves. Who stands at the edge of our lives, pushing, nagging and confronting us with a truth we don't want to hear? What is the invitation for us today?
Supplementary Reading
God's Fingerprints - Written By Robert H. Schuller
"In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands." - Psalm 102:25
When astronaut John Glenn returned to space, one thing that struck him was how thin and fragile our atmosphere is. If our planet were smaller it couldn't support an atmosphere like that on Mercury. If it were larger, the atmosphere would contain free hydrogen, which is poison for us. Earth is the only planet with an atmosphere that can support human, animal and plant life. An accident? Not a chance!
The unmistakable fingerprints of a divine Creator are all over the universe. We are surrounded by fantastic displays of God's creativity and craftsmanship. To say that the universe happened by chance is absurd. Its design, intricacy and orderliness point to a personally involved Creator - one who cares about you and what happens to you. The Creator cries out from his creation - "I did all this for you."
* * *
Spend a few minutes thinking about some of the ways the Creator is personally involved in your life. What things remind you that he cares about you and what happens to you?
* * *
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 - Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
Psalm 27:1, 3, 5, 8b-9abc
Mark 6:14-29 King Herod heard of it; for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, "John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; that is why these powers are at work in him." 15 But others said, "It is Eli'jah." And others said, "It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." 16 But when Herod heard of it he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised." 17 For Herod had sent and seized John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Hero'di-as, his brother Philip's wife; because he had married her. 18 For John said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." 19 And Hero'di-as had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he was much perplexed; and yet he heard him gladly. 21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Hero'di-as' daughter came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will grant it." 23 And he vowed to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom." 24 And she went out, and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?" And she said, "The head of John the baptizer." 25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king, and asked, saying, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry; but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard and gave orders to bring his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
Meditation by Maureen McCann Waldron (Creighton)
John the Baptist was probably quite annoying at times. We can almost imagine Herod talking to him, afraid, yet inexplicably drawn to John by a sense of passion and direction that was missing in Herod's own life. When John confronted Herod about his illegal marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife, Herod threw John in jail. But he kept pondering John's many messages, perhaps wondering what place John had in his own life. We can imagine that Herod would sometimes have John brought up from his cell and they would have conversations that Herod never had with anyone else in his life. As Mark tells us, when Herod heard John speak, "he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him." But John was like a fly, buzzing persistently around his face and Herod did his best to continue on with his life, trying not to let John's words nag at his heart.
On his birthday, when Herod threw a party for himself, Herodias' daughter danced so wonderfully that Herod, maybe after many glasses of wine, jumped to his feet, leading the applause. As he stood there, weaving slightly, he looked around the room at his friends and with a slight swagger, promised the girl, "I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom." When prompted by her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist.
Herod was devastated. Not John, he thought. But he had promised in front of the entire party and he didn't want to look like a fool, after all. He tried to ignore the gnawing in his stomach and waved for the executioner, as if it was nothing. Soon, the head of John the Baptist came back.
Herod didn't go back on his extravagant promise in front of everyone. He did not "break his word" but he had lost much more. Herod had ignored the part of his heart that John was able to touch - the truth about his life.
We all have those nagging prophets in our lives, people who want to confront us with a truth we don't want to hear; people whose words put a gnawing in our stomachs as we redouble our efforts to ignore them; or sometimes simply messages we simply don't want to listen to. Why can't they just leave us alone to live our lives? Why do they keep pushing at us about justice, hunger, living simply, drinking less? Who are the prophets in our lives who tell us it isn't enough to go to Church on Sundays if we are not cherishing our vows and our spouses? How much do we want to ignore those who suggest we need a balance in our family lives or the person who tells us that our jobs should not be the center of our lives? What are the prophetic messages we are not listening to?
Today's gospel isn't about Herod - it's about ourselves. Who stands at the edge of our lives, pushing, nagging and confronting us with a truth we don't want to hear? What is the invitation for us today?
Supplementary Reading
God's Fingerprints - Written By Robert H. Schuller
"In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands." - Psalm 102:25
When astronaut John Glenn returned to space, one thing that struck him was how thin and fragile our atmosphere is. If our planet were smaller it couldn't support an atmosphere like that on Mercury. If it were larger, the atmosphere would contain free hydrogen, which is poison for us. Earth is the only planet with an atmosphere that can support human, animal and plant life. An accident? Not a chance!
The unmistakable fingerprints of a divine Creator are all over the universe. We are surrounded by fantastic displays of God's creativity and craftsmanship. To say that the universe happened by chance is absurd. Its design, intricacy and orderliness point to a personally involved Creator - one who cares about you and what happens to you. The Creator cries out from his creation - "I did all this for you."
* * *
Spend a few minutes thinking about some of the ways the Creator is personally involved in your life. What things remind you that he cares about you and what happens to you?
* * *
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 - Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
February 5, 2009 - Thursday Gospel Mark 6:7-13
Hebrews 12:18-19, 21-24
Psalm :2-3ab, 3cd-4, 9, 10-11
Mark 6:7-13 - And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, "Where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them." 12 So they went out and preached that men should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.
Meditation by Marcia Shadle Cusic (Creighton - Medical School)
The first reading, from Hebrews, is scary! The anticipation of a "blazing fire and gloomy darkness" creates, fear, and apprehension in me. Moses, who was such a strong leader and a person I consider to have a close relationship with God even says, "I am terrified and trembling". This reading for me, creates a God that I should fear, so having Jesus, "the mediator of a new covenant" gives me peace and reassurance to not be afraid but rather, to focus on the life and the teachings of Jesus. I feel very grateful for having been introduced to the life and the work of Jesus.
I found that in reading the Psalm response, "Oh God, we ponder your mercy within your temple" I began to consider whether or not "the temple" could be me? That a God of love, who forgives, is suggesting we have mercy on ourselves as humans, who do make mistakes. Jesus, as we have heard and have seen forgives and asks us to "sin no more" and yet as imperfect humans we do struggle with arrogance, righteousness and self-serving activities. Jesus, forgives us and asks us to sin no more, which is one of the first steps in self-forgiving and living our lives as followers of Jesus.
I have always loved this Gospel, which states, "began to send them out two by two". That line has always told me how important it is to live our lives with others, having a companion to help me lead, to keep me in check and a feeling of being very much a part of the lives of others. The Gospel also reminds me of the "power of presence", -"staying there until you leave there". We are such a time-oriented society; it is nice to be reminded that people do matter and that stopping and taking a few extra minutes to greet someone, visit with someone, to share a true concern for and about another person is a blessing. "Shaking the dust off your feet," tells me to not get bogged down or feel heavy when others do not welcome your message, your joy or your willingness to share. As our new President stated, we simply need to "pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off" and start anew in living our lives, following the contemporary phrase, WWJD- What Would Jesus Do?
Supplementary Reading
God's Better Idea - from Power for Life Daily Devotional
"Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens." - Psalm 8:1
If God could create our majestic world with just a thought, what about the problems you are facing today? Whether financial struggles, marital issues, health concerns, or even life-threatening cancer, our omnipotent God is just a prayer away. The God who created our universe is your helper, so reach out to him and claim his help.
Claim big things. Claim healing. Claim joy. Claim peace. He will not turn a deaf ear to your pleas for help. He wants the best for us, his children. He loves to delight and surprise us. Even if things turn out different than we would have thought, God's thoughts are better. It's not unusual for him to have a better idea.
So look at the heavens, look at this majestic world, and remember that God will help you.
* * *
What problems are you facing? Reach out to God who created our majestic world with just a thought and pray, claiming his help today.
* * *
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 -Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
Psalm :2-3ab, 3cd-4, 9, 10-11
Mark 6:7-13 - And he called to him the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8 He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10 And he said to them, "Where you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11 And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them." 12 So they went out and preached that men should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.
Meditation by Marcia Shadle Cusic (Creighton - Medical School)
The first reading, from Hebrews, is scary! The anticipation of a "blazing fire and gloomy darkness" creates, fear, and apprehension in me. Moses, who was such a strong leader and a person I consider to have a close relationship with God even says, "I am terrified and trembling". This reading for me, creates a God that I should fear, so having Jesus, "the mediator of a new covenant" gives me peace and reassurance to not be afraid but rather, to focus on the life and the teachings of Jesus. I feel very grateful for having been introduced to the life and the work of Jesus.
I found that in reading the Psalm response, "Oh God, we ponder your mercy within your temple" I began to consider whether or not "the temple" could be me? That a God of love, who forgives, is suggesting we have mercy on ourselves as humans, who do make mistakes. Jesus, as we have heard and have seen forgives and asks us to "sin no more" and yet as imperfect humans we do struggle with arrogance, righteousness and self-serving activities. Jesus, forgives us and asks us to sin no more, which is one of the first steps in self-forgiving and living our lives as followers of Jesus.
I have always loved this Gospel, which states, "began to send them out two by two". That line has always told me how important it is to live our lives with others, having a companion to help me lead, to keep me in check and a feeling of being very much a part of the lives of others. The Gospel also reminds me of the "power of presence", -"staying there until you leave there". We are such a time-oriented society; it is nice to be reminded that people do matter and that stopping and taking a few extra minutes to greet someone, visit with someone, to share a true concern for and about another person is a blessing. "Shaking the dust off your feet," tells me to not get bogged down or feel heavy when others do not welcome your message, your joy or your willingness to share. As our new President stated, we simply need to "pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off" and start anew in living our lives, following the contemporary phrase, WWJD- What Would Jesus Do?
Supplementary Reading
God's Better Idea - from Power for Life Daily Devotional
"Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens." - Psalm 8:1
If God could create our majestic world with just a thought, what about the problems you are facing today? Whether financial struggles, marital issues, health concerns, or even life-threatening cancer, our omnipotent God is just a prayer away. The God who created our universe is your helper, so reach out to him and claim his help.
Claim big things. Claim healing. Claim joy. Claim peace. He will not turn a deaf ear to your pleas for help. He wants the best for us, his children. He loves to delight and surprise us. Even if things turn out different than we would have thought, God's thoughts are better. It's not unusual for him to have a better idea.
So look at the heavens, look at this majestic world, and remember that God will help you.
* * *
What problems are you facing? Reach out to God who created our majestic world with just a thought and pray, claiming his help today.
* * *
GOD BLESS US ALL!
Many who plan to seek God at the 11th hour, die at 10:30 -Unknown
http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com
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