Am I Like Judas?

 

 The blog this week is from the weekly note that I send to the parents of St. Pius X Catholic School.

 

 

The Gospel at this week's school Mass was the story of Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus.  For 30 pieces of silver, and a simple kiss on the cheek, Judas presented Jesus to those who wanted Him crucified.  In Fr. Jim's homily, he asked the question, "What was going on in Judas's life that would make him want to do this?"  Kind of makes me wonder, as well.  Fr. Jim's question got me to thinking...  In what parts of my life have I been more like Judas? 

 

Was Judas greedy, and given an offer he could not refuse?  It forced me to reflect on the times where I could have been more giving of my time, talents, and treasure.  What opportunities did I overlook helping another with my time?  Was there an opportunity in which I could have donated some money to someone in need and instead I looked away?

 

Was Judas jealous of all the attention Jesus was getting?  Remember, the townspeople were laying palm on the streets as Jesus entered into town.  So I wondered, when was I jealous of a colleague?  When was I jealous of something a friend has, that I wish I could have?

 

Was Judas afraid for his life and given an alternative to betray Jesus or die?  While I have never been in a "rebuke Jesus or die situation," have there been times where I kept my thoughts and feelings of faith to myself, in fear of retribution?  Have there been times where I missed an opportunity to evangelize the Good News out of cowardice?

 

This list could go on and on because, and as I often say, "I am a sinner, striving to be a saint."  There is, however, one thing that I understand, that maybe Judas did not.  No matter what I do or say, no matter how often I act more like Judas, Jesus will always forgive, if I ask.  While Judas was a witness to the forgiving heart of Jesus, maybe his heart was not in the right place when he decided to betray Jesus, just like my heart is not in the right place when I think of myself instead of helping others.  Every time I am like Judas, I know that all I have to do is seek out God's forgiveness.  As we enter into the last few days of Holy Week, I pray that I will recognize situations and choose to act like Jesus and not Judas.  But if I don't, I hope I recognize the errs of my ways and recognize that I need God's forgiveness.

We Have it All Wrong

The following is from my St. Pius X Catholic School principal's weekly note sent to parents.

I wonder if we, and by we, I mean the society we are living in, have it wrong.  A couple of weeks ago, St. Pius X Catholic School had their Everybody Counts program.  This program celebrates the differences in everyone, regardless of abilities, looks, skills, or talents. 

The day’s events consisted of many guest speakers.  We had a father talk about his son’s battle with childhood Leukemia and a father shared his story as he battles a brain tumor.  Some of our students got to experience what it is like to be blind or hearing impaired, while others got to experience what it is like to be in a wheelchair.  Other classes got to participate in programs with adults who have a low cognitive ability.  All in all, it was a terrific day and I am so humbled by the way this program shows each person’s individuality and diversity.

I am a little upset with myself that I have fallen into the traps of society.  I feel that our society is trying harder and harder to “level the playing field.”  We want everyone to have the same exact opportunities and we try so hard to make children’s life experiences exactly the same, regardless of their talents or abilities.  If we were all the same, then I would be a pro golfing, football throwing, slam dunking, presidential candidate, all while owing my own restaurant, eating fabulous meals, while teaching at Harvard, not to mention being the greatest father, husband, etc….  Is it just me, or does this sound crazy?

Through the Everybody Counts program, my eyes were opened.  Everybody was put on this Earth with a purpose, a plan from God, and I knew this, but after falling into society’s trap, it took this wonderful celebration to remind me of how we are all a truly unique gift from God.  If I were to be an NBA star, God would have given me the talent to play the sport at such a high level.  If I were to be an engineer, God would have given me the ability to understand largely complicated math equations. 

I think we all have the dream scenario of what our world should be.  My dream scenario would be to not have to celebrate the differences of everyone, because everyone would understand that God’s plan for them is unique.  The scenario would be that everyone understands we are all different and we are accepted because of our differences, not our likenesses.  We would not take for granted the unique ability God has given us, or spend our time trying to be someone or something we are not supposed to be.

Do you know what makes you unique?  Do you know your God given talent?  If you do not know the answer to these questions, spend some time in prayer, asking God for guidance.  Be prepared to put aside your version, and listen for what God has planned for you.  If you do know what makes you unique, then spend some time praying and thanking God for the many graces that come from your purpose.  God has made us unique in some way, shape, or form, and for this reason, Everybody Counts.

 

Are my fears my children's

My brother has an incredibly irrational fear of roller coasters.  He has such a fear of them that he never goes to theme parks.  I once invited his son to an amusement park and I quickly realized that my nephew has an irrational fear of roller coasters, and it is my guess that this fear was instilled from his father.  It was then that I started thinking, do I have a fear that I have instilled on my children? 

I must say that I am lucky enough that I will try almost anything once, whether or not I think I am going to like it, so at the early stages of my children’s life I do not think I have shown them a fear of any kind.  However, there is something that I have not taught my children and it is something I have failed to lead by example, and could be considered my fear.

Over the next couple of weeks there are four opportunities, here in the North Deanery, for us to receive the Sacrament of Confession.  Confession is, without a doubt, my least favorite of the Sacraments.  It is my least favorite because it is a time that I have to share my weakness towards sin.  It is natural for ones in a leadership position to do everything in their power to not expose weakness, so I think this is why it is hard for me to go to Confession. 

Now do not get me wrong, I do go to Confession during Advent and Lent, as we are supposed to do.  While I should go more often, I at least go during the two most important seasons of the liturgical year.  And I must say, as much as I dread going on my way to church, I cannot believe how much better I feel the moment I have received absolution.  The feeling of joy that overcomes me is better than any thrill ride at an amusement park.

I tell you this story of my own struggles because although my children do not know how I feel about Confession, for I always go to the service by myself, I am not showing my children that I go, and by proxy, instilling on them a fear they do not even know.  I am sure most everyone believes that parents are the first and most important teachers of our children.  When it comes to faith, it is especially important that we, as parents, lead by example.  Sending our children to Catholic Schools could be all for naught, if we as parents do not take on this important leadership role.

I cannot believe I am the only one that fears the confessional, for if I was, the lines for Confession would be much longer.  So, for me, I will be taking my children to Confession and leading by example.  I will pray that God gives me the strength to overcome my fear, and not instill it on my children, so I can be a better example to them. 

I ask that you consider attending one of the four confession times with your family.   Take this opportunity to lead by example.  I pray for all those that have the same fear of the Confessional I have.  I pray that God gives them the wisdom to understand the graces and mercy that come from this most blessed Sacrament.