Wednesday December 16, 2009

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” says the Lord of Hosts.  Zechariah 4:6

One thing that I have come to realize is that my sheer will power cannot make something happen.  I can be pretty strong willed and much to my chagrin I am helpless sometimes.  God however can change a heart, move a mountain or perform a miracle right before my eyes.  In today’s Gospel, John sends two of his disciples to Jesus to ask if He is the Savior.  Jesus replies, “tell him what you see happening… the Lame walk, the blind see, sins are forgiven”. 

I need to Let Go and Let God.  Our world is troubled today like it has never been… our prayer chain is being bombarded by sickness, financial ruin, joblessness…  not one of us alone can force things to be the way “we want” them to be. 

All things are possible with God.  I need to rise daily and put on God’s spirit and the mountains of life will become leveled.  I will be able to experience the miracle of joy in spite of trouble.  God’s spirit is truly a force to be reckoned with. 

Help me to accept and seek your Spirit and allow that same spirit to direct my path!

Tuesday December 15, 2009

Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.”  Matthew 21:31

Scary thought… for someone who thinks they are following all the rules and staying within the lines.  In the passage before this, Jesus paints the picture of two sons, one says he will do his father’s bidding and doesn’t and the other says no to his father and then changes his mind and works as directed.  God wants me to change my heart.  Sometimes, I am willing and able to do His work and I hold back.  I believe this is where the rubber hits the road.  God has so many lives that need changing , the harvest is great and the laborers few.  If I can allow Jesus into my heart, He will show me the path and make me a channel of His peace.  The trick is opening that door to my heart which I keep locked. 

 I recently said I would do something and then forgot… plenty of things crowd into life and steal my best intentions.  It was not a case like the first son who intentionally chose not to go but I feel the sting of disappointment.  God and this woman were counting on me.  If there are no moments like this when I have failed, I will not realize something needs to change.  God wants a changed heart. 

Open my eyes Lord, change my heart and help me believe!

Monday December 14, 2009

With God’s help we will do mighty things.  Psalm 60:12

 So often in my life I have concentrated on the size of the problems facing me instead of remembering the size of my God.  If it is up to me, then things are hopeless but with God all things are possible.  God has been the source of power throughout the ages.  Reading Scripture and seeing His mighty hand at work for sinners like Moses, Peter, and as far back as Adam should give me the confidence to turn to God when things are out of my control.  For many it is easier to curse the darkness than to light a candle… God has provided the spark!  Instead of bemoaning the situation, it is imperative to turn to Him and ask for help. 

 Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of St John of the Cross.  He shared wonderful insights into Christ and our faith but one of my favorites is this… “Where there is no love, put love and there you will find love.”  It is much easier to do mighty things with God if I do it with LOVE! 

 God, Please give me the ability to see past the mountains and realize that with YOU nothing is impossible. 

Sunday December 13, 2009

The crowd asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?”  Luke 3:10

John clearly gives the people answers very specific to each of their callings… the Tax Collectors were told to be honest and not over burden anyone, Soldiers were admonished not to extort or give false testimony, and then to the general populace… share what you have with the needy.  Give a cloak if you have two, feed the hungry from your table. 

 This Gospel message in the middle of the Advent season, refocuses attention.  With yearend approaching, business people are called to pay the prescribed amount and not to cheat anyone, even Uncle Sam; everyone is called to be honest and not gossip or spread lies about our neighbor. As gifts are accumulated and sent to loved ones, the poor and needy have to be on our list.  For if we are able to buy a cloak, we need to buy two… and share the bounty with someone who has nothing. 

 God chose John the Baptist to be His voice crying in the desert “Make straight the way of the Lord”  I need to be that same voice today… not standing in the Jordan and baptizing but quietly living the WAY of the Lord.  Putting into practice what God clearly shows are the paths to Him. 

Generosity, Honesty, Patience, Wisdom and Understanding. 

 Please dear Lord, Help me to be your humble servant today and always. 

Saturday December 12, 2009

God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

Last weekend Tim Tebow put a different set of letters and numbers under his eyes for the final game of the season.  His usual had been John 3:16.  What excited me was how many people rushed to their bibles to see what scripture Tim was referring to!  That my dear friends, is evangelization.  J  Since his team lost the game, there were many who thought he should have stuck with verse…  definitely a winner! 

 With Christmas drawing closer by the hour and so many bound up in Gift shopping, Gift wrapping, Gift opening and Gift exchanges, this scripture spoke to me like it does to so many!  God gave me the perfect gift… His one and only Son!  In Jewish culture a Son is the prize possession of a family so this is truly the ultimate gift.  Especially in light of the fact that God knew that death of His son was the end of the story.  I cannot even fathom offering one of my children as a ransom, much less for someone I did not know or for an enemy, or someone who despised me.  God presents Jesus and Jesus gives Himself willingly for me…  A sinner. 

 My job then is to believe in God and in His One and Only Son, my Lord!  Give me strength and your abiding Love to do so always. 

Friday December 11, 2009

When you hearken to the voice of the Lord, your God, all these blessings will come upon you and overwhelm you.  Deuteronomy 28:2

 I get a wonderful mental picture of blessings rolling toward me like a big snowball in a cartoon when I read this verse.  What a wonderful way to picture God showering His love and generosity upon me overwhelming me with LOVE!  All I need to do is listen and heed God’s voice in order to receive this bounty then why don’t I do it? 

 There are so many other voices that are shouting at me each day: the TV, the neighbor who is complaining, the bosses at work who demand super human effort, spouse and kids, parents and siblings… so God’s voice may not be heard above the din.  The real question lies in the fact that God’s voice might be coming through those strident requests.  The neighbor is lonely; the boss is worried about his own job with all the layoffs this year; the kids and spouse want and need attention and to feel like they matter.  When I really listen, I can hear God’s whisper among those voices… LOVE ME THROUGH THEM!

 Thank you my Lord for the overwhelming Love you shower upon me.  Let me be this Advent season Your hands to help those in need and Your arms to comfort the lonely and depressed. 

Thursday December 10 2009

Let our lives be honest and holy in this present age, as we wait for the happiness to come when our God reveals himself in glory.     Timothy 2:12-13

The downturn in the economy has done many good things but the greatest may be the fact that people are being more open with one another.  It never used to be “okay” to say that “I lost my job”, or “I have been downsized” or that “My family is hurting right now.”  Today, there is no stigma attached to this honesty.  People are asking one another to pray for a new job or help with finances in record numbers.  Those with employment are more grateful and thanking God for the job a few years ago they would have been grumbling about.  Perspective is a good thing. 

 There is still happiness in want.  Visiting other countries and seeing the poverty in South Africa or Haiti, gave me a new appreciation for the gifts which bring joy:  Families gathered together to share a simple meal even when they have no table and are eating on a dirt floor.  Children playing with an empty can or an old cardboard box and laughing.  Today people don’t have to go so far away to recognize the importance of simple pleasures.  God is gracious enough to allow me new perspectives each day, if I just open my eyes and drink in the bounty that surrounds me. 

God reveals Himself through the people in my life.  I am grateful for those who teach me humility, patience, honesty. 

 Dear Lord, I await your coming with eager anticipation.  Let my life bring holiness and joy to those I meet while we wait patiently for the Glory that is to come when you come again. 

Wednesday December 9, 2009

 

What God the Father considers to be pure and genuine is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and to keep oneself from being corrupted in the world.    James 1:27

 I have been the point person at my parish for Adoption of needy families this holiday season.  Catholic Charities is deluged with requests each holiday and this Christmas is especially difficult with so many in central Florida out of work.  In the past our parish has adopted 6 or 7 families.  This year 16 families have been helped.  It is a wonderful outpouring of Christian love and concern. 

 I have found that if I can focus my attention on helping those who are in need the second aspect of this verse is easy to do.  It is hard to be corrupted by the world when my attention is devoted to service.  The old adage about “An idle mind is the devil’s plaything” springs to mind.  No matter how hard my own circumstances may be, there are others who have it so much worse.  If I can help someone else, and my concern is on assisting someone else… I won’t be corrupted by the world. 

The world makes having more and being the biggest, best and brightest its god.  Learning how shallow and fleeting the adulation of the “world” can be has been a rude awakening for too many.  At the end of life, not too many say, I wish I had worked harder or had more money.  The true measure of a person is the legacy left behind.  How many lives were changed for the better because of my willingness to be God’s hands and feet?  How can I serve HIM today?

 Lord open my eyes to the needs of those around me,  allow me to care for the orphans in my life.  Each person is a spiritual orphan until they know you are their Father! 

Tuesday December 8, 2009

“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.  May it be done to me according to your word.”  Luke 1:38

 Today is the feast day of the Immaculate Conception.  Good timing for a holiday about reverence and purity, a chance during the hectic season to draw back and put the emphasis where it belongs, on Jesus the Christ’s coming and away from baking, buying and busyness. 

I thought I would share a prayer I use each day that was written by Fr Jean-Pierre de Caussade; a French Jesuit who died in 1751.  It is appropriate on Mary’s feast day but focuses me each and every day to living my life the way God has planned and not by my own designs.

 “My God, I see from so many proofs that all my resolutions are useless.  I have undoubtedly been counting too much on myself, but you have truly confounded me.  I admit that you alone can do everything.  Make me then add your intention; and when necessary give me the thought, the impulse, and the will without which I shall never do anything.  I have had so many sad experiences of this in the past…”  I give thanks and always recall “O my God, it is you who are doing this in me by your grace.” 

 These words help me to put my life in God’s hands each day.  To always bring my will in accordance with His, and to remember I am not alone on my journey… God is by my side and will guide me.

 Mary, be with me today and every day, modeling for me the way to turn my life over to Our Father!

Monday December 7, 2009

I the Lord do not change.  Malachi 3:6

 There have been so many people, things and situations in my life that have changed.  Some were big disappointments, others were huge blessings but I learned early on that… Change is inevitable… Growth is optional.  Sometimes I have been bitter and clung to the old, sometimes having the ability to see the blessing right away but most often, a  look back proved that the event was “good for me”.   The only real constant in any life is God.  He remains steadfast through everything. 

I have watched relationships end: both marriage and friendships… Sometimes with no apparent reasons for the closing of that door.  I have watched jobs lost, health dissipate, and wealth disappear.  God puts people into my life for a Season, a Reason and a Lifetime.  Sometimes it is hard to watch those Seasonal relationships come to an end.  I am learning to be grateful each day for the time and presence of every person.  I can learn or I can be the teacher, I can be fed or be the provider, I can serve or be helped…  but in each encounter, God is present and is true to His nature.  He is Lord! 

He is always forgiving, even after Adam sinned, even while He was putting the first couple out of the Garden, He was promising a redeemer.  He is faithful, even when the Israelites built a calf and worshiped it after He had just freed them from the Egyptians… He provided food and water during their sojourn in the desert.  He is patient even when the apostles left Him alone to die on the hill… He came back to them after He rose from the dead and continued to bless them. 

Give me eyes to always see your hand in my life and to accept the beauty of your steadfast love for me.